I think defn of brahmin (bahun) help to solve this conflict Peace chakrapani A Brahmin is a member of a priestly section of Hindu society. The Hindu community has been divided into four transient sections (varnas) : Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra based on occupation. The Brahmins are believed to be responsible for society's spiritual progress. A person born into a Brahmin/Kshatriya/Vaishya family becomes twice-born (dvija) when he undergoes upanayana, initiation into Vedic education. The caste system was transient until social stagnation made it intransient by segregating Hindus into four castes based on birth. The Vedas clearly state that the castes are based on occupation and virtues of people. Vishwamitra, a Kashtriya (as he was a ruler), became a Brahmin after doing Tapas (pennance) and achieving Brahma Gyana (Knowledge of God). Valmiki, originally a thief, later, came to be regarded as a Brahmin when he became an ascetic and studied the Vedas. The 'Nirukta' of 'Yask' says "Brahmam Janati eti Brahmanam" meaning a person who knows Brahman is a Brahmin. Some texts refer to Brahma to mean Vedas. Some texts refer to Brahman as the creator of the universe as we know it. Some verses also refer to the transcendent and immanent supreme soul as "Brahman". Brahman is different from Brahmana (or brahmin). Brahman means God and Brahmana (or Brahmin) means knower of God.