Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies - DUBOIS, Abbé Hindu Manners, Customs and Ceremonies, Dubois | Page 362

BRAHMIN CHARACTERISTICS
322
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the outcome of principle or of dignified patience it is due
rather to their apathetic temperament, which makes them
incapable of feeling any strong emotion. They enjoy their
good fortune mechanically and without thought, and they
take their losses with the same calm imperturbability \
I prefer to think that the ingratitude with which they
are so often and so justly accused may be attributed to
this phlegmatic disposition, and not to wilful wrong-
headedness. Nowhere is a kindness so soon forgotten as
among Hindus. Gratitude which is a feeling that springs
up spontaneously in all true hearts, which is a duty that
bare justice prescribes, and which is a natural result of
benefactions received is a virtue to which the Hindu shuts
—
—
his heart entirely.
But let us leave this picture, which does not represent
a very pleasing side to their character, and let us return
It is
to the consideration of their physical peculiarities.
easy to recognize a Brahmin by a sort of swagger and
freedom in his gait and behaviour. Unconsciously, and
apparently unaffectedly, he shows by his tone and manner
the superiority that his birth, rank, and education have
given him. Brahmins have also a peculiar way of talking
and expressing themselves. They never make use of the
common or vulgar expressions of other castes. Their
language is generally concise, refined, and elegant and
they enrich their vocabulary with many Sanskrit words.
They have also peculiar modes of expression which the
Sudras never use and their conversation is always inter-
spersed with pedantic proverbs and allegories. Their
idioms are so numerous and varied, that though you may
think you know their language well, it often happens that
you cannot understand them when they are talking fami-
In speaking and writing they
liarly amongst themselves.
make use of endless polite and flattering terms, often very
but they carry the practice ad nauseam. Their
aptly
compliments are always exaggerated and high-flown. They
think nothing of placing those whom they wish to flatter
above the level of their deities indeed, that is a very
usual beginning to a congratulatory speech.
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1
This imperturbability might more correctly be attributed to the
Ed.
prevailing belief in the doctrine of fatalism.