Brahmins and Aachaarams

Some terms, not only, by the force of circumstances, loose their original and correct meanings, but derive the exactly opposite and unacceptable prepositions. No better example may probably may match this twist than the term “Aachaaram’.

Whatever is Aachaaram used to be or meant to some, it is nothing but a bundle of out dated, orthodox and autocrat beliefs as for as the general public is concerned. We feel it will be useful to go to its negative meanings first though somebody may look it as strange and unwanted.

People, including our own Brahmin community people are in a mind set that is to say the least and in a mild manner that allows and helps to form a very bad opinion of the practices that is otherwise called Aachaarams. Keeping the old etiquettes in cooking and dining, wearing the traditional brahminical dress, avoiding certain food and vegetables on some occasions and so many other petty and big things, which are all considered by the elders and traditionalists as Aachaarams is no more a burden of past to the so called educated modern youth.

Why it is so? What are the real and actual reasons for this development? Does it not natural to think that there should be some causes for this negative conclusion of youth to have come to stay? If so what are they?

Before answering this difficult question, let us find out the original meaning and context on which Aachaarams and Anushtanams are formed.

Aachaaram is the code of conducts of life. It is a set of rules, a Vedic follower; a Brahmin should adhere and obey. A detailed sketch and road map on which he should begin and end his journey of life.

Aachaaram consists two major parts and both are interring connected. It is formed of Anushtanam and Aakkaram. When both the things are together only Aachaaram is complete.

Anushtanam is the rule book which prescribes the daily routine of a Brahmin. From the hour of his awakening to the last minute before his rest, the things to do and should not. What to eat, when to prey, how to earn, are all some of things covered under it. Anushtanams teach his duties as an individual and also as the member of the teaching class to the society.

Aakkara is the subject of appearance. It is the dress code and attire restriction, a Brahmin is supposed to practice. He can not preach the values of simplicity and sacrifice on the costumes of vanity and pomp. He should worship the God and recite the mantras in a dress that invoke and induce the Bakhthi among the people around him.

Even Gandhiji could raise India only after he stated wearing the dress of the common man. Swami Vivekananda would have less achieved with out his Turban.

Such a simple and effective method of guiding the society for which Brahmins are destined lost the true meaning and important goal.

A selfish and ignorant section of the Brahmin society forgot the base of Aachaarams and started to stick to the Aakkaras only. When Anushtanams did not go with Aakkara the balance got stuck and the Aakkara turned to be a matter of contempt and tease.

Like wise even the good Anushtanams did not get noticed with out the genuine Aakkara and the Brahmins failed to get the appreciation they deserved from others.

A complete and proper understanding of the term and meaning of Aachaaram, Anushtanam, and Aakkaram is a must of every Brahmin. If and when the young boys and girls of our Brahmin community care to realize the relevance of this rule book, there may not be a need for a definition again.

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