Brahmanas

Generic name for a number of clerical compositions associated with the Vedas, mainly explaining and expounding Vedic sacrificial rituals and their underlying symbolism. The oldest of the Brahmanas, the Shatapatha Brahmana of the Yajur Veda, has been dated to approximately 900 BCE, yet most of the works were apparently written during the eighth to fifth centuries BCE.

The texts are closely interwoven with other Vedic literature such as the Upanishads, the latter of which often show strong influences from the mysticism prevalent in many of the Brahmanas.

It is mainly through these scriptures, that the Sanskrit term brahman acquired its meaning of "the Absolute" in the sense of a universal divine principle. Earlier, the term meant simply "to grow", "vast" and "expanse".

This term for the highly abstract, philosophical concept of a "highest principle" should not be confused with Brahma, the god of creation in the classical all-male trinity of Brahmanism and/or Hinduism.

Literature

Devasthali, G. V. The Religion and Mythology of the Brahmanas. Poona, 1960.

Doniger O'Flaherty, Wendy. Tales of Sex and Violence: Folklore, Sacrifice, and Danger in the Jaiminiya Brahmana.

Keith, Arthur B. (trans.). Rigveda Brahmanas: Aitareya and Kausitaka Brahmanas of the Rigveda. Harvard Oriental Series XXV. Cambridge, Mass.: 1920. Reprint. 1971.