"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
Click here to read Swami Sivananda's spiritual teachings
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.
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.
Brahmacharya is not mere bachelorhood. It involves strict abstinence from all forms of sexual activity and requires permanent abstention from indulgence in erotic imagination.
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.
Brahmacharya is meant both for men and women. Notable celibates include:
"This seminal energy is verily the Atman. The secret of health lies in preservation of this vital force."
"Just as sugar pervades sugar-cane and butter pervades milk,
so also vital energy pervades the whole body."
"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."
Control the sex-impulse and sex-Vasana (sex-desire) through constant vigilance and awareness.
Practice conservation of sex-energy. Shut out all holes through which energy leaks.
Divert the conserved energy into proper spiritual channels through various practices.
Convert the energy into Ojas through constant meditation and divine remembrance.
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
Remember, eternal vigilance and rigorous Sadhana are essential. Do not become complacent with small achievements. Maintain constant awareness and practice with dedication.
Practice moderation in diet. Overeating stimulates passions and makes control difficult.
Occasional fasting helps check passion, calm emotions, and control the senses.
Choose foods that promote clarity of mind and spiritual energy over those that stimulate passion.
"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."
Complacency after initial success
Lack of constant vigilance
Rebellious senses after periods of restraint
Half-hearted practice and effort
Maintain eternal vigilance
Practice rigorous Sadhana
Cultivate divine thoughts
Seek divine grace through prayer
The senses may become rebellious after months of restraint. Stay vigilant and careful.
Don't assume complete victory after small achievements. Maintain continuous effort.
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."
"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
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.