Brahman or Brahmin (both: bräˈmən) [key]. In the Upanishads,
Brahman is the name for the ultimate, unchanging reality,
composed of pure being and consciousness. Brahman lies behind
the apparent multiplicity of the phenomenal world, and is
ultimately identical to the atman or inner essence of the human
being (see Vedanta). This ultimate quality relates to the second
meaning of Brahman, or Brahmin—a member of the highest, or
priestly, Hindu caste. Brahmins alone may interpret the Vedas
and perform the Vedic sacrifice. The vast majority of modern
Brahmins are in occupations unrelated to religion, but they have
retained their social prestige and many caste conventions. The
Brahmins of India are divided into 10 territorial subcastes, 5
in the north and 5 in the south. More on Brahman from Fact
Monster: See more Encyclopedia articles on: Hinduism