BRAHMACHARYA - 23. SELECT SAYINGS ON SEX & CELIBACY - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of Celibacy - HQ Full Book.
This chapter explores the ancient and profound teachings on celibacy (Brahma-Charya), drawing from sacred scriptures, wise sages, and profound spiritual figures from various traditions. The teachings encapsulate the power and importance of abstaining from sexual pleasure and the remarkable spiritual strength that arises from practicing celibacy. The concept of Brahma-Charya, as well as the wisdom from sources such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, and Lord Buddha, among others, presents a compelling case for the life of discipline and self-control.
The Meaning of Brahma-Charya
Brahma-Charya, a key concept in Hindu philosophy, refers to the practice of sexual abstinence, emphasizing self-restraint in all aspects—physically, mentally, and verbally. The root of the word "Brahma" connects it to the Supreme Consciousness, suggesting that celibacy is not merely the avoidance of sexual activity, but an integral part of spiritual growth and a means of attaining higher consciousness. Brahma-Charya is seen as the path to spiritual enlightenment, divine energy, and the cultivation of inner peace. According to Yajna-Sacrificevalkya, Brahma-Charya is the complete abstinence from sexual pleasure—Maithuna—throughout one’s life, irrespective of one’s circumstances or conditions. This view is reinforced by Daksha Smriti, which expands on the notion by identifying the eight aspects of sensual engagement—such as thinking about or praising a woman, glancing at her, or speaking to her—against which Brahma-Charya stands as the ultimate discipline. In this framework, Brahma-Charya is the opposite of indulging in or even contemplating sexual actions.
The Power of Celibacy in Spirituality
Brahma-Charya is often depicted as a means to gain supreme power, not in a worldly sense but in terms of spiritual might. The Mahabharata offers a vivid illustration of this by claiming that knowledge of the four Vedas and the ability to lead a righteous life are valuable, but the true greatness lies in perfect celibacy. The text emphasizes that through celibacy, one attains the highest form of spiritual power, one that transcends all earthly limitations. A celibate person is regarded as superior to someone who possesses Vedic knowledge without the power of Brahma-Charya. Lord Sankara, one of the most revered saints of Hinduism, provides a powerful insight into the transformative effect of celibacy. He suggests that a celibate who conserves their semen—considered the vital life force—gains not only immense spiritual power but also divine status. By maintaining complete chastity, the practitioner becomes aligned with the cosmic laws, akin to divine beings. The text affirms that the preservation of the semen is a core component of spiritual growth, providing a direct connection to the Supreme. Similarly, the Chhandogya Upanishad speaks of the profound spiritual benefits of Brahma-Charya. It suggests that those who attain purity through chastity gain access to the "world of God"—a heavenly existence where they are free from the limitations of earthly desires and attachments. The freedom attained through Brahma-Charya is portrayed as eternal and unshakeable, signifying the ultimate liberation.
Celibacy as a Path to Liberation
Brahma-Charya is not just a personal discipline but a means to liberation. According to Lord Buddha, a wise person should avoid married life and its attachments, comparing it to a burning pit. Through this metaphor, he illustrates the dangers of clinging to sensual pleasures, which only lead to suffering. The cessation of sensual desire, according to Buddha, is the path to freedom from sinful existence and the attainment of true spiritual peace. In this context, celibacy becomes a key tenet in the Buddhist path toward Nirvana—freedom from suffering
This chapter explores the ancient and profound teachings on celibacy (Brahma-Charya), drawing from sacred scriptures, wise sages, and profound spiritual figures from various traditions. The teachings encapsulate the power and importance of abstaining from sexual pleasure and the remarkable spiritual strength that arises from practicing celibacy. The concept of Brahma-Charya, as well as the wisdom from sources such as the Vedas, Upanishads, the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, and Lord Buddha, among others, presents a compelling case for the life of discipline and self-control.
The Meaning of Brahma-Charya
Brahma-Charya, a key concept in Hindu philosophy, refers to the practice of sexual abstinence, emphasizing self-restraint in all aspects—physically, mentally, and verbally. The root of the word "Brahma" connects it to the Supreme Consciousness, suggesting that celibacy is not merely the avoidance of sexual activity, but an integral part of spiritual growth and a means of attaining higher consciousness. Brahma-Charya is seen as the path to spiritual enlightenment, divine energy, and the cultivation of inner peace. According to Yajna-Sacrificevalkya, Brahma-Charya is the complete abstinence from sexual pleasure—Maithuna—throughout one’s life, irrespective of one’s circumstances or conditions. This view is reinforced by Daksha Smriti, which expands on the notion by identifying the eight aspects of sensual engagement—such as thinking about or praising a woman, glancing at her, or speaking to her—against which Brahma-Charya stands as the ultimate discipline. In this framework, Brahma-Charya is the opposite of indulging in or even contemplating sexual actions.
The Power of Celibacy in Spirituality
Brahma-Charya is often depicted as a means to gain supreme power, not in a worldly sense but in terms of spiritual might. The Mahabharata offers a vivid illustration of this by claiming that knowledge of the four Vedas and the ability to lead a righteous life are valuable, but the true greatness lies in perfect celibacy. The text emphasizes that through celibacy, one attains the highest form of spiritual power, one that transcends all earthly limitations. A celibate person is regarded as superior to someone who possesses Vedic knowledge without the power of Brahma-Charya. Lord Sankara, one of the most revered saints of Hinduism, provides a powerful insight into the transformative effect of celibacy. He suggests that a celibate who conserves their semen—considered the vital life force—gains not only immense spiritual power but also divine status. By maintaining complete chastity, the practitioner becomes aligned with the cosmic laws, akin to divine beings. The text affirms that the preservation of the semen is a core component of spiritual growth, providing a direct connection to the Supreme. Similarly, the Chhandogya Upanishad speaks of the profound spiritual benefits of Brahma-Charya. It suggests that those who attain purity through chastity gain access to the "world of God"—a heavenly existence where they are free from the limitations of earthly desires and attachments. The freedom attained through Brahma-Charya is portrayed as eternal and unshakeable, signifying the ultimate liberation.
Celibacy as a Path to Liberation
Brahma-Charya is not just a personal discipline but a means to liberation. According to Lord Buddha, a wise person should avoid married life and its attachments, comparing it to a burning pit. Through this metaphor, he illustrates the dangers of clinging to sensual pleasures, which only lead to suffering. The cessation of sensual desire, according to Buddha, is the path to freedom from sinful existence and the attainment of true spiritual peace. In this context, celibacy becomes a key tenet in the Buddhist path toward Nirvana—freedom from suffering
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