The Ritual Books of the Brahmanas
900-700 BCE
The Brahmanas are lengthy descriptions of the rituals presented in the Samhitas and are the oldest prose writings in any Indo-European language. These texts were directed to the Brahmins to provide instruction for sacrificial practices, provide information about the meaning of Vedic ceremonies, as well as, describe the importance of prayers, sacrifices, the caste system and ashrams.
According to the Brahmanas, sacrificial rites are so powerful that they enable the performer to control the natural world, as well as, the gods. Only Brahmins were allowed to perform these rites. Ordinary people were to turn to their spiritual leaders for guidance and special blessings, as this knowledge was thought to be beyond their understanding. In addition to providing instructions for realizing the truths provided in the Vedas, these foremost prose writings give us information about the social customs of this period and are considered a precursor to the later development of the principle of Brahman-Atman in the Upanishads.
Of the numerous Brahmanas that once existed, only a few have survived. These are…
Associated with the Rig-Veda:
- Aitareya-Brahmana
- Kaushitaki-Brahmana (also called Shankayana-Brahmana)
Associated with the Sama-Veda:
- Panca-Vimsha-Brahmana
- Shadvimsha-Brahmana
- Chandogya-Brahmana
- Jaiminiya-Brahmana
Associated with the Yajur-Veda:
- Kathaka-Brahmana
- Taittiriya-Brahmana
- Shata-Patha-Brahmana
Associated with the Atharva-Veda:
- Go-Patha-Brahmana
Study Guide Questions and Personal Reflections
- In your own life, what external rituals do you include on your path toward self-realization?