What is a Brahman?

Response

A Brahmin is a member of the highest priestly caste in Hinduism. Brahmin is a Sanskrit term that can refer to individuals but can also encompass the core principles of Hindu philosophy. In Hindu scriptures, the use of the term Brahmin or Brahman can also denote anyone of noble and virtuous character.

Another interpretation of Brahman is that of “the Absolute God of Hindus.” According to Hinduwebsite.com, Brahman is “a profoundly mysterious Being. In Hinduism, He holds the highest position, as the creator and enjoyer of all creation. He is the Light and Joy of the Universe, the Governor and the Supreme Being, without a beginning and without an end, imperishable, indescribable, blissfully absorbed in Himself and all by Himself.” There is no unanimous agreement within Hinduism regarding the precise definition of Brahman, as it can pertain to the principles as well as to those who uphold those principles.

The concept of Brahman in Hinduism is an endeavor to elucidate the One known as the Creator God, Yahweh. The self-proclaimed I Am “«And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. », (Exodus 3:14). Many of the characteristics Hindus attribute to their Brahman align with the Judeo-Christian understanding of the LORD. This illustrates the truth of Romans 1:20, which states, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

Across cultures and civilizations and throughout the millennia of human history, humanity has strived to comprehend God. The moral compass He instilled in our hearts necessitates an explanation. Across societies, individuals who uphold those principles are honored, as the Hindus venerate priestly Brahmans. However, rather than viewingK the Lord, mankind invents alternative theories to explain the presence of a conscience, a moral compass, and the sense that a greater Being is behind creation. Romans 1:21–23 goes on to describe what happens when men reject the true God in favor of their own philosophies: “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.”

While there is some truth in Hindu philosophy, it is only accurate in the areas where it reflects the Bible. However, the Brahman explanation falls far short of all God intended us to know about Him. He desires His human creations to know Him as a Father (Romans 8:14-15;Galatians 4:6;2 Thessalonians 2:16). We come to know God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6). God is not an impersonal Brahman in the Hindu sense. He exists in three distinct Persons «Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: », (Matthew 28:19) who can be known. He interacts with mankind on a personal level «The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. », (Zephaniah 3:17) and offers eternal life to anyone who calls upon His name «And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. », (Acts 2:21).It shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. », (Acts 2:21).