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Rishis  and  Gotras

  Rishi means a sage. The Vedas were revealed to them and the respective hymns  stand in their names. Seven Rishis (Saptarshi) are recognized as the mind born sons of the creator Brahma.  The ’Satapatabrahmana’ gives their names as,

Brahmin sages, where the bravest warriors and the most pious priests live."  (Arthur A Macdonell. A history of Sanskrit literature).

  Historically, Brahmin philosophers and priests have played a key role in defining and giving meaning to the Hindu way of life, and holding together the diverse elements of society against onslaught of other religious ideas and dogmas, formidable task indeed. On the flip side, Brahmins have been criticized from time to time, of orthodoxy and perpetuating the caste system, which led to the creation of breakaway religions such as Buddhism and Jainism, thousands of years ago. More recently Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna order and other movements, which do not accept the Brahminic interpretation of Hinduism, have formed their own religious order. Thus, although the Brahminic influence is waning, learned Brahmins who remain true to their heritage and vocation continue to influence the Hindu society, in religious, social and cultural matters.

  Brahmins are not organized in the sense the Catholics are under the Vatican.  Therein lie their strength and their weakness.

Rishis  and  Gotras

  Rishi means a sage. The Vedas were revealed to them and the respective hymns  stand in their names. Seven Rishis (Saptarshi) are recognized as the mind born sons of the creator Brahma.  The ’Satapatabrahmana’ gives their names as,

Brahmin sages, where the bravest warriors and the most pious priests live."  (Arthur A Macdonell. A history of Sanskrit literature).

  Historically, Brahmin philosophers and priests have played a key role in defining and giving meaning to the Hindu way of life, and holding together the diverse elements of society against onslaught of other religious ideas and dogmas, formidable task indeed. On the flip side, Brahmins have been criticized from time to time, of orthodoxy and perpetuating the caste system, which led to the creation of breakaway religions such as Buddhism and Jainism, thousands of years ago. More recently Arya Samaj, Ramakrishna order and other movements, which do not accept the Brahminic interpretation of Hinduism, have formed their own religious order. Thus, although the Brahminic influence is waning, learned Brahmins who remain true to their heritage and vocation continue to influence the Hindu society, in religious, social and cultural matters.

  Brahmins are not organized in the sense the Catholics are under the Vatican.  Therein lie their strength and their weakness.