The Brahmanas are specific ritualistic. In the concluding parts of Brahmana, the doctrines of Upanishad are found. The Vedanta traditions refer Upanishad as the `Sruti Prasthana` i.e., revealed scripture from which knowledge of `the Brahmana` is obtained. These are like the `Yajur Veda` in its ritualistic approach but are not that old and also these do not have any secret meaning. The Brahmanas are more extensive and show us the ritual action of life itself, to portray the cosmic ritual in a few special actions. The Brahmanas are supposed to be the oldest prose writings in any Indo-European language. They give information about the origin and meaning of Vedic ceremonies, give instructions on the use of particular verses and metres, and describe the importance of prayers, sacrifices, and their correct observance.

The Brahmanas actually give the instructions for the proper performance of ritual and sacrifice. They also explain about the Hindu Philosophy and also introduce concepts of Karma, `Samsara`. The Brahmana also establishes the four stages in the life of a Brahmin such as `Brahmacharya`, `Grihastha`, `Vanaprastha`, `Sannyasi` and mystical notions presaging Vedanta philosophy.

All the rituals of the Brahmana are of an outward nature. The ritual proceeds primarily through speech, breath and mind. The mantras or the chants are the main power of the ritual. The Brahmanas ritual brings us into the right action of life. The main Brahmanas are the Aitareya, Shatapatha, Kaushitaki, Taittiriya and Aitareya, Shatapatha, Kaushitaki, Taittiriya and Chandogya. The Brahmans are sometimes much longer than their respective Upanishads.

Individual Brahmana is associated with any of the four Veda and with a particular shakha or school. For example:

Rigveda

Shakala shakha: Aitareya Brahmana

Bashkala shakha: Kaushitaki Brahmana , Tandya Brahmana

Samaveda

Kauthuma: PB, Sadvb

Jayminiya: Jayminiya Brahmana

Tandyamaha or Pancavimsa Brahmana

Sadvimsa Brahmana

Samavidhana Brahmana

Arseya Brahmana

Devatadhyaya or Daivata Brahmana

Mantra or Chandogya Brahmana

Samhitopanisad Brahmana

Vamsa Brahmana

Jayminiya Arseya Brahmana

Jayminiya Upanishad Brahmana

Yajurveda

Kathaka Brahmana

Krishna: the Brahmanas are integrated into the samhitas:
1. Maitrayani
2. Carakakatha
3. Kapisthalakatha

Taittiriya: The Taittiriya School has an additional Taittiriya Brahmana Shukla.

Vajasaneyi Madhyandina: Shatapatha Brahmana, Madhyandina recension.

Kanva: Shatapatha Brahmana, Kanva recension.

Atharvaveda

Paippalada: Gopatha Brahmana
It is believed that several Brahmins from 600 BC onwards have authored these textbooks on rituals and prayers. Again, it is said that later, Veda Vyasa, the arranger of the Vedas, has compiled the Brahmanas. The Brahmanas give prominence to the caste system and the ashrams.

According to the Brahmanas, life on earth is on the whole is a good thing and the ideal for man is to live the full term of his life on earth. They also say that the sacrifices made on the earth helps him to the world of heaven. In the Brahmanas, the fear of re-death or `punar-mrityu` is very prominent. And with this, came the faith of the imperishability of the self or the `Atma`.