or BRACHMANS, a branch of the ancient Gymnosophists, or philosophers of India, remarkable for the severity of their lives and manners. See the article Gymnosophists.

Some say they derive their name from the patriarch Abraham, whom they call in their language Brachma, or Brama. Others deduce it from the name of their god Brachma; which some again take to be the same with Abraham; whence Pufel calls them Abrachmanes.

F. Thomassin F. Thomassin derives the word from the Hebrew *barach*, to fly or escape; because the Brachmans retire into the country and live in deserts. The same author gives us another derivation, viz. from the Hebrew *barach* (benedicere, orare), to blest or pray; in regard this is their principal occupation.—The Greeks ascribe to them the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, and certain notions concerning the nature of the Supreme Being and future rewards and punishments. To this species of knowledge the Brachmans added an infinite number of religious observances, which were adopted by Pythagoras in his school; such as fasting, prayer, silence, and contemplation. They were looked upon as the friends of the gods, because they affected to pay them so much regard; and as the protectors of mankind, because they paid them no regard at all. No bounds were therefore set to the respect and gratitude that were shown them: princes themselves did not scruple to consult these recluses upon any critical conjuncture, from a supposition, no doubt, that they were inspired; since it was impossible to imagine that they had the advantages of experience. We can scarcely, however, deny, that there might be among them some men of real virtue, whose minds relished the pure and ingenious delights of study and science; and who, by nobly raising their thoughts to the contemplation of the First Being, must have had more powerful incitements to render themselves worthy of his care, and none to justify them in deceiving and tyrannizing over their fellow-creatures.

There appear still some remains of the ancient brachmans in the east, under the denomination of Bramins. See BRAMINS.