Titikṣā - The Defining Trait of a Tolerant Brāhmaṇa
A true brāhmaṇa is identified not by their family lineage but by their manifest qualities, with tolerance (titikṣā) serving as a crucial indicator of their spiritual standing. This quality allows one to maintain mental equilibrium and strict adherence to duty regardless of external circumstances or provocations.
Qualities that Define a Brāhmaṇa
The scriptures delineate specific symptoms that constitute a brāhmaṇa, listing tolerance alongside peacefulness, self-control, and truthfulness. These are the natural characteristics of those situated in the mode of goodness, distinguishing them from the general population who are driven by passion and ignorance.
- Brahmana means one who tolerates.
- Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness—these are the natural qualities by which the brahmanas work.
- A brahmana is supposed to be qualified with twelve qualities. As stated in the Mahabharata: He must be detached, humble and tolerant. He must not envy anyone, and he must be expert in performing sacrifices and giving whatever he has in charity.
Titikṣā: Tolerance of Body and Mind
Tolerance extends to both physical austerities and social interactions. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that a qualified brāhmaṇa does not neglect their duties due to bodily discomfort, nor do they lose their composure when faced with insults or trifles. This strength of character ensures that spiritual duties are never compromised by temporary inconveniences.
- A brahmana or a sannyasi has to take three times bath. And if it is very chilly cold, it does not mean that he will give up that taking bath three times, early in the morning. He must take. That is called tolerance.
- Brahmana, a brahmana's duty is to present himself an ideal human being. Satyam samo damas titiksa. Titiksa means toleration. "Oh, it is very cold. No, I cannot take bath." No. You must tolerate. You must tolerate.
- Brahmanas are satyam samah damah. He must be truthful, he must control the senses, control the mind... samo damah,... He must be tolerant. He should not be agitated in trifle matters.
Necessity of Tolerance for Spiritual Leaders
For those who guide society or practice serious spiritual life, tolerance is non-negotiable. It is the foundation that allows one to remain truthful, self-controlled, and spiritually potent even in a disturbing environment. Without this resilience, one cannot effectively serve as a leader or a representative of the spiritual path.
- Unless one is qualified with all these attributes (peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness), he cannot be accepted as a brahmana. It is not a question of simply taking birth in a brahmana family.
- In the International Society for Krsna consciousness, those who are twice initiated so as to become brahmanas must bear in mind their great responsibility to be truthful, control the mind and senses, be tolerant, and so on. Then their life will be successful.
- There may be so many tribulations, but a brahmana is supposed to be very, very tolerant. The first-class example of toleration in the Western country: Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Tolerance is the bedrock of brahminical culture. It is the spiritual fortitude that enables a person to withstand the dualities of the material world without deviation from their duty. As Śrīla Prabhupāda affirms, without this essential quality of titikṣā, one cannot be considered a true brāhmaṇa, regardless of their birth or social standing.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category A Tolerant Brahmana. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.