| The word brahmacharya comes from Sanskrit and means knowledge of Brahman. It refuse to the total control of all senses, and more particularly, to celibacy. Celibacy is a concept that is almost foreign to the Western mind. But celibacy is an ancient and timeless aspect of all the religious traditions of the world. Each has its group of aspirants who have renounced all worldly desires and sensual pleasures. Although it should not be thought that a purely celibate life is recommended for all, a complete understanding of spiritual life is not possible without a basic knowledge of the practice and purpose of brahmacharya. |
It
might be said that ninety-nine per cent of the goal of spiritual
life has been attained when one has control over sensual experiences.
The most powerful impulse in nature, after breathing, is procreation.
So of all that a yogi must master before he achieves the ultimate
goal, control of his sexuality is the most difficult.
Cosmic energy, which forms and perpetuates the galaxies and world,is
the same energy, which is |
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continuously
vibrating in man's body and mind. This life energy, or universal
prana, manifests on the gross physical level as sexual energy. When
it has been controlled and sublimated, it is transformed into ojas
shakti, spiritual energy. Sexual energy moves in a downward direction,
but ojas moves upward away from the sexual centers and is stored
in the brain. Ojas is the creative power, the vital energy, the
vigor in a person who has converted sensuality into spirituality.
If energy is always being dissipated downward in sexual activity, it cannot be stored, nor can it build enough power to push upward through the charkas. A strong will is developed by slowly gaining mastery over the sexual desire, as well as the desire for savory, exotic food, luxurious surroundings, and so forth.
The greatest drive in man is procreation. One can see how powerful it is by the extent to which it has been exploited by the advertising media. Of course, repression of the sexual urge is not suggested, for it would only lead to backlash or ill health. But a gradual reduction in sexual activity helps to develop the will, strengthen the spirit, and turn the mind from external to internal. Its energy can be put to positive and constructive use.
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