Brāhmaṇavagga · The Brahmin · Gāthā 398
Yo ceva brāhmaṇoti vuccati, so ceva brāhmaṇo hoti; So ceva brāhmaṇoti vuccati, na ceva brāhmaṇo hoti.
Yo ceva brāhmaṇoti vuccati, so ceva brāhmaṇo hoti; so ceva brāhmaṇoti vuccati, na ceva brāhmaṇo hoti.
Who is called Brahman, is Brahman; who is called Brahman, is not Brahman by that.
The verse emphasizes the distinction between name and reality. Coincidence of name with reality is not automatic.
The social title does not guarantee the spiritual state. Only extinction of thirst makes the brāhmaṇa.