Brahmanism: Difference between revisions

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<blockquote>It is a sociopolitical ideology that encodes a memory of an ideal past and a vision of society in the future, one in which ~~Brahmins~~ occupy the highest place not only as exclusive guardians of a higher, spiritual realm but also as sole providers of wisdom on virtually every practical issue of this world. They possess superior knowledge of what a well-ordered society is and how a good state must be run. More importantly, their superior position in society and their superior knowledge stems from birth. This makes them naturally, intrinsically superior to all other humans, so superior that they form a separate species (''jati'') altogether. Nothing can challenge or alter this fact. No one becomes a ~~Brahmin~~, but is born so.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-does-it-mean-to-oppose-brahmanism/article28658412.ece</ref></blockquote>

<blockquote>It is a sociopolitical ideology that encodes a memory of an ideal past and a vision of society in the future, one in which brahmins occupy the highest place not only as exclusive guardians of a higher, spiritual realm but also as sole providers of wisdom on virtually every practical issue of this world. They possess superior knowledge of what a well-ordered society is and how a good state must be run. More importantly, their superior position in society and their superior knowledge stems from birth. This makes them naturally, intrinsically superior to all other humans, so superior that they form a separate species (''jati'') altogether. Nothing can challenge or alter this fact. No one becomes a brahmin, but is born so.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-does-it-mean-to-oppose-brahmanism/article28658412.ece</ref></blockquote>

== Beliefs ==

There are various beliefs held in brahmanism. The predominant aspect of these seem to be a hierarchy based on caste. For example:

* ''Brahmins are more skilled, knowledgeable, intelligent, moral or strong.''

* ''Brahmins are more pure, honorable, desirable, or great.''

Different people use different arguments to justify these beliefs:

* Karma in past births (contingent on belief in re-birth)

* Scriptures

* Genetics

* Lifestyle

Modernization has forced brahminists to move away from scripture based explanations to pseudo-scientific explanations like lifestyle. For example:

* ''Brahmins are superior because they eat plant based diet which has superior qualities.''

* ''Brahmins are superior because they practice rituals like poojas, prayers, etc that give them powers.''

== Causes ==

There are plenty of factors contributing to the continued existence of Brahmanism.

* Religion or lack of rationality/modernization

* Scriptures and authorities that use scriptures

* Opportunistic politics

* Cognitive biases and logical fallacies

* Capitalism

* Patriarchy

== References ==

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-<blockquote>It is a sociopolitical ideology that encodes a memory of an ideal past and a vision of society in the future, one in which Brahmins occupy the highest place not only as exclusive guardians of a higher, spiritual realm but also as sole providers of wisdom on virtually every practical issue of this world. They possess superior knowledge of what a well-ordered society is and how a good state must be run. More importantly, their superior position in society and their superior knowledge stems from birth. This makes them naturally, intrinsically superior to all other humans, so superior that they form a separate species (''jati'') altogether. Nothing can challenge or alter this fact. No one becomes a Brahmin, but is born so.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-does-it-mean-to-oppose-brahmanism/article28658412.ece</ref></blockquote>
+<blockquote>It is a sociopolitical ideology that encodes a memory of an ideal past and a vision of society in the future, one in which brahmins occupy the highest place not only as exclusive guardians of a higher, spiritual realm but also as sole providers of wisdom on virtually every practical issue of this world. They possess superior knowledge of what a well-ordered society is and how a good state must be run. More importantly, their superior position in society and their superior knowledge stems from birth. This makes them naturally, intrinsically superior to all other humans, so superior that they form a separate species (''jati'') altogether. Nothing can challenge or alter this fact. No one becomes a brahmin, but is born so.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-does-it-mean-to-oppose-brahmanism/article28658412.ece</ref></blockquote>
+== Beliefs ==
+There are various beliefs held in brahmanism. The predominant aspect of these seem to be a hierarchy based on caste. For example:
+* ''Brahmins are more skilled, knowledgeable, intelligent, moral or strong.''
+* ''Brahmins are more pure, honorable, desirable, or great.''
+Different people use different arguments to justify these beliefs:
+* Karma in past births (contingent on belief in re-birth)
+* Scriptures
+* Genetics
+* Lifestyle
+Modernization has forced brahminists to move away from scripture based explanations to pseudo-scientific explanations like lifestyle. For example:
+* ''Brahmins are superior because they eat plant based diet which has superior qualities.''
+* ''Brahmins are superior because they practice rituals like poojas, prayers, etc that give them powers.''
+== Causes ==
+There are plenty of factors contributing to the continued existence of Brahmanism.
+* Religion or lack of rationality/modernization
+* Scriptures and authorities that use scriptures
+* Opportunistic politics
+* Cognitive biases and logical fallacies
+* Capitalism
+* Patriarchy
+== References ==