brahman

Everyday

1. (Hindu belief) In Hinduism, Brahman is the one ultimate reality or supreme spirit behind everything; Hindus believe all gods and all things come from Brahman. tree →
2. A member of the highest priestly group (caste) in traditional Hindu society; also spelled Brahmin. tree →
3. A breed of cattle with a big hump on its shoulders, found in India, the USA and Australia. tree →

In the lessons

In religion lessons Brahman is the central idea of God in Hinduism, often explained through many gods such as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva being forms of it. In farming in Australia and Texas, Brahman cattle cope well with heat. Phrases: «Brahman cattle», «Brahmin priests».

Examples

• Hindus believe Brahman is in everything. tree →
• Our teacher explained that Brahman is not the same as the god Brahma. tree →
• Brahmin priests lead prayers at the temple. tree →
• Brahman cattle have a hump and big floppy ears. tree →
• Farmers in Queensland raise Brahman cattle because they cope with the heat. tree →
• Many Hindus see their gods as faces of the one Brahman. tree →
• By chance a poor Brahman came by. tree →

Note

Trap: Brahman (the ultimate reality), Brahma (a god, the creator) and Brahmin (a priestly caste) are different words. Usually capitalised. «Boston Brahmin» (USA) means an old rich family.