Brahmacharya by Swami Sivananda
"Brahmacharya or spotless chastity is the best of all penances; a celibate of such spotless chastity is not a human being, but a god indeed..."
- Sri Sankaracharya
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Understanding Brahmacharya
Divine Essence
Brahmacharya is a divine word. It is the sum and substance of Yoga. It is the Achara or conduct by which you attain or reach Brahman (God). It is life in the Absolute.
True Definition
Brahmacharya is absolute freedom from sexual thoughts and desires. It is the vow of celibacy. It is control of all the senses in thought, word and deed.
Beyond Bachelorhood
Brahmacharya is not mere bachelorhood. It involves strict abstinence from all forms of sexual activity and requires permanent abstention from indulgence in erotic imagination.
Gateway to Liberation
The door of Nirvana (liberation) or perfection is complete Brahmacharya. It serves as a gateway for the bliss beyond and opens the door of liberation.
Historical Examples
Brahmacharya is meant both for men and women. Notable celibates include:
Understanding Vital Energy
The Secret of Health
"This seminal energy is verily the Atman. The secret of health lies in preservation of this vital force."
Veerya - The Divine Force
- Veerya is God in motion
- Dynamic will and soul-force
- Essence of life and consciousness
The Process of Formation
"Just as sugar pervades sugar-cane and butter pervades milk,
so also vital energy pervades the whole body."
Benefits of Brahmacharya
Mental Benefits
- Enhanced Memory Power
- Clear Thinking
- Improved Concentration
- Better Decision Making
Physical Benefits
- Increased Vitality
- Better Health
- Improved Digestion
- Enhanced Immunity
Spiritual Benefits
- Deeper Meditation
- Enhanced Intuition
- Spiritual Progress
- Divine Connection
Notable Achievement
"Swami Dayananda demonstrated extraordinary strength by stopping a Maharaja's carriage and breaking a sword with his bare hands - all attributed to his power of celibacy."
Practical Steps to Establish Brahmacharya
Control
Control the sex-impulse and sex-Vasana (sex-desire) through constant vigilance and awareness.
Conservation
Practice conservation of sex-energy. Shut out all holes through which energy leaks.
Sublimation
Divert the conserved energy into proper spiritual channels through various practices.
Transformation
Convert the energy into Ojas through constant meditation and divine remembrance.
Daily Practice Guidelines
Practice regular meditation and japa
Maintain pure thoughts and vision
Engage in selfless service
Practice Pranayama regularly
Maintain vigilance over senses
Study spiritual literature daily
Important Note
Remember, eternal vigilance and rigorous Sadhana are essential. Do not become complacent with small achievements. Maintain constant awareness and practice with dedication.
The Role of Diet in Brahmacharya
Sattvic Foods
Foods to Avoid
Moderation
Practice moderation in diet. Overeating stimulates passions and makes control difficult.
Fasting
Occasional fasting helps check passion, calm emotions, and control the senses.
Energy
Choose foods that promote clarity of mind and spiritual energy over those that stimulate passion.
Challenges and Solutions
"It is easy to tame a tiger or a lion or an elephant. It is easy to play with a cobra. It is easy to walk over the fire. But, it is difficult to eradicate lust."
Common Pitfalls
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Complacency after initial success
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Lack of constant vigilance
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Rebellious senses after periods of restraint
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Half-hearted practice and effort
Solutions
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✓
Maintain eternal vigilance
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Practice rigorous Sadhana
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Cultivate divine thoughts
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Seek divine grace through prayer
Danger of Reaction
The senses may become rebellious after months of restraint. Stay vigilant and careful.
Avoid Delusion
Don't assume complete victory after small achievements. Maintain continuous effort.
Path to Success
Combine human effort with divine grace. Stay humble and persistent in practice.
Remember
"You need not despair even a bit. Have faith in God, in His Name and in His grace. You are bound to succeed if you have faith in Him."
Historical Examples & Testimonials
"Swami Dayananda demonstrated extraordinary strength by stopping a Maharaja's carriage and breaking a sword with his bare hands - all attributed to his power of celibacy."- Historical Account
Spiritual Masters
- Jesus
- Sankara
- Jnana Deva
- Samarth Ramdas
Warriors & Sages
- Bhishma
- Hanuman
- Lakshmana
Women Mystics
- Mirabai
- Sulabha
- Gargi
Frequently Asked Questions
Prayer for Purity
O loving Lord of Compassion! Hey Prabhu! The Soul of my soul, the Life of my life, the Mind of my mind, the Ear of my ears, Light of lights, Sun of suns! Give light and purity. Let me get established in physical and mental Brahmacharya. Let me be pure in thoughts, word and deed. Give me strength to control my Indriyas (senses) and observe the Brahmacharya Vrata. Protect me from all sorts of temptations of this world. Let all my Indriyas be ever engaged in Thy sweet service.
Wipe out the sexual Samskaras (impressions) and Vasanas (subtle desires). Annihilate lust from my mind. Make me a true Brahmachari, Sadachari and Oordhvareta Yogi. Let me be chaste in my look. Let me always walk in the path of righteousness. Make me as pure as Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda, Bhishma Pitamaha, Hanuman or Lakshmana. Forgive. Forgive all my Aparadhas (offenses). I am Thine. I am Thine. Trahi, Trahi. Protect, protect. Prachodayat, Prachodayat. Enlighten, enlighten. Guide me. Om. Om. Om.