Dvija

Dvija

Dvija (Sanskrit twice-born) is one of the members of the first three varnas in Hindu Dharma. Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas are included in Dvija.

The first birth is physical. The second occurs when one uptakes fulfilling a role in society. One is initiated into the ultimate pursuit of life Brahmopadesam (Preaching/Advising in the matter of the nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality) at the time of Upanayanam. Dvija, is the second stage in the stages of a Vedic follower goes through. A Dvija is governed by his Karma (to be taken in this context as disciplined actions). His conduct is a cultured conduct. His life is governed by Dharma-Adharma (right and wrong), Karya-Akaryam (good and bad deeds) and Vidhi-Nisheda (Prescribed and Proscribed actions) as determined by Sastra Pramana. A Dvija does what he ought to do rather than what he wants to do. He does not avoid what he dislikes rather he avoids what ought to be avoided.

Stages of life

Main article: Vedic ashram system

The "stages of life for a twice-born man" or Ashrama are discussed in the Hindu Manusmriti. This concept says that a member of the Dvija (twice-born) varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya) is to undergo four periods of life: first, as a student Brahmacharya; then, as a householder Grihastha; then, he shall live in retirement Vanaprastha; and finally, as an ascetic Sanyasi. The Manusmriti goes into some detail, regarding what is expected of an individual during each stage.

See also

  • Brahminism



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  • Dvija — Dans la religion hindouiste, un Dvija (« deux fois né » en sanskrit) est un des membres des trois premiers varnas. Brahmanes, Kshatriyas et Vaishyas sont inclus dans les Dvija, bien que dans beaucoup de Shastras, Dvija réfère… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • dvija — /dvee jah/, n. Hinduism. a person who is twice born: a distinction made between the first three classes of society and the lowest class, the Shudra. Only the dvijas may study the Vedas. [ < Skt] * * * ▪ Hinduism Sanskrit“twice born”       in the… …   Universalium

  • Dvija Madhab — (Bengali: দ্বিজ মাধব), or Madhabacharya (Bengali: মাধবাচার্য) (c. 16th century) was a Bengali poet of the Middle Ages and one of the most significant contributor to Chandimangalkavya tradition of medieval Bengali literature. His work, Sarada… …   Wikipedia

  • dvija — anyone among the brāhmaṇas, kṣatriyas, or vaiśyas who has received a ‘second birth’ through the upanayana saṁskāra of being invested with the sacred thread, which prepares one for studying the Vedas …   The Bhaktivedanta encyclopedia

  • dvija — /dvee jah/, n. Hinduism. a person who is twice born: a distinction made between the first three classes of society and the lowest class, the Shudra. Only the dvijas may study the Vedas. [ < Skt] …   Useful english dictionary

  • dvijâ̱grya — द्विजाग्र्य …   Indonesian dictionary

  • dvijâ̱laya — द्विजालय …   Indonesian dictionary

  • dvijâ̱mbā — द्विजाम्बा …   Indonesian dictionary

  • dvijâ̱ṅgī — द्विजाङ्गी …   Indonesian dictionary

  • dvijâ̱ṅgikā — द्विजाङ्गिका …   Indonesian dictionary

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