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As the Braahmana is not to engage in any otherworldly profession, he could not earn his
livelihood as others do. So, it became the duty of society to maintain him in
reasonable comfort to help him to discharge his duty of Vedaadhyayana, learning the Vedas
and Veda rakshana, preserving them.
This is not to
be understood as giving the Braahmana a privileged position in society, nor is he to be
considered as a parasite on society. As the other members of the society function to
promote the secular welfare of themselves and their fellowmen, the Braahmanas are charged
with the duty of doing whatever is necessary to pro mote their spiritual welfare.
Providing for their livelihood was accepted as an obligation and in ancient times it was
discharged with joyous willingness.
On their part, it is the duty of the Braahmanas to engage themselves in Vedaadhyayana,
because that is their function in society. Unfortunately, in modern times, most
Braahmanas have neglected this duty and are pursuing professions proper to others in the
society. Or, the duty has been relegated to a very small minority among themselves
who are classed as Vaidikas. We forget that all Braahmanas are Vaidikas, that is
those who must perform Vedaadhyayana.
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