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