Twice-born

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | 542 words | Copyright

Twice-born. An epithet of the first three varnas, brahmans, kṣatriyas, and vaiśyas, since the males of these three groups are seen as achieving a second, spiritual, birth (dvija, ‘twice-born’) at the investiture of the sacred thread (upanayana). ‘Twice-born’ is also used of those who have undergone a ‘born-again’ experience in religion. Although it is usually used of Christians who have undergone a reconversion experience, William James recognized it as a category in all religions.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Twice-born." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Twice-born." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Twiceborn.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Twice-born." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-Twiceborn.html

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