BRAHMACHARYA - 17. STOP THAT LUSTFUL LOOK! - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of Celibacy - HQ Full Book.

This chapter delves into the profound challenges faced by individuals striving to adhere to the discipline of Brahmacharya (celibacy), particularly in the modern world where temptations abound. The focus is on controlling the sense of sight and the thoughts that arise from it, which often lead to desire, attachment, and ultimately spiritual downfall. 

The Struggle of the Modern Aspirant
The chapter begins with real-life accounts of individuals attempting to practice Brahmacharya while navigating the temptations of everyday life. For one aspirant, the "street" becomes a battleground, with well-dressed women catching his eye and stirring unwanted desires. Another aspirant shares how his spiritual practices like Pranayama, meditative repetition of a mantra, and meditation provided a shield against impure thoughts. However, abandoning these practices left him vulnerable to lustful impulses, proving the necessity of constant vigilance and spiritual effort. 

The Power of the Lustful Gaze
The author emphasizes the perilous journey of allowing the eyes to wander with lustful intent. A simple glance can escalate into a chain of desires:

1. A look gives rise to the desire to converse.
2. Conversation fuels the desire to touch.
3. Touch leads to deeper physical and mental impurities.

To prevent such spiraling consequences, the aspirant is advised to avoid even the initial gaze that may harbor impurity. This control must extend beyond outward behavior to include the purification of inner thoughts and feelings.

Cultivating Divine Awareness
The chapter introduces the concept of Suddha Bhava (pure feeling), urging the reader to adopt a spiritual lens when looking at others. The aspirant is encouraged to view all women, irrespective of their external beauty, as manifestations of the divine. By cultivating the habit of mentally prostrating to women as forms of the Divine Mother, the aspirant can transform lustful impulses into reverence and devotion. The reader is reminded that a pure look is devoid of lust, akin to how one perceives a mother or sister with affection and no trace of desire. This transformation requires consistent effort and an unwavering belief in one’s own essential purity, as expressed in the mental affirmation, "Suddhoham, Suddhoham. I am purity, I am purity." 

The Jnani's Perspective vs. the Worldly Mind
The chapter contrasts the vision of a Jnani (enlightened being) with that of a worldly person. A Jnani perceives the world as part of their own Self and sees no separation or duality. When encountering a woman, they see only the divine essence, untouched by desire. In contrast, the worldly mind is clouded by lust, projecting its own impurities onto external forms. This distinction serves as a reminder that true mastery lies in inner transformation rather than external avoidance alone. The Jnani’s ability to maintain purity is rooted in profound self-realization and an unshakable understanding of the Self. 

Practical Techniques for Controlling Lustful Thoughts
To aid the aspirant in overcoming lustful tendencies, the chapter provides practical advice:

1. Replace Lust with Reverence: Develop a sense of awe and devotion by contemplating the divine creator behind all forms. Recognize that external beauty is transient and ultimately points to the eternal beauty of the Divine.
2. Mental Dissection: Analyze the physical body as a collection of impermanent and impure elements—flesh, bones, and bodily fluids—to counter the illusion of attractiveness.
3. Adopt Disgust and Fear: Cultivate disgust for the physical form and fear the consequences of succumbing to lust, much like one fears a venomous snake.
4. Inflict Self-Discipline: Impose mild penalties on oneself for lapses in discipline, such as skipping meals or increasing spiritual practices like mantra repetition.

The aspirant is further encouraged to practice walking with focused awareness, avoiding unnecessary glances, and cultivating a meditative state of mind even in daily activities.

The Role of Spiritual Practice
The chapter underscores the importance of regular spiritual practices, such as meditation, mantra repetition, and self-reflection, to counteract the pull of lust. These practices serve as mental armor, gradually erasing old impressions and reinforcing new, purer thought patterns. The aspirant is urged to see every challenge as an opportunity for growth and to persevere despite setbacks. Through consistent effort, the mind can be retrained to see others not as objects of desire but as reflections of the divine. 

The Symbolism of Women in Spirituality
Women are presented not merely as individuals but as symbols of power, beauty, and divinity. The aspirant is encouraged to see every woman as an embodiment of Adi Shakti (primordial energy) and a representation of the divine feminine. By doing so, the aspirant transcends physical attraction and enters a state of spiritual admiration and reverence. The chapter draws parallels with teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, particularly the Tenth Chapter, Vibhuti Yoga, which highlights divine manifestations in the world. By meditating on these truths, the aspirant can develop a divine perspective that elevates their interactions with others. 

A Call to Vigilance and Perseverance
The chapter concludes with a sobering acknowledgment of the power of lust and the challenges in overcoming it. Even great figures like Yudhishthira admitted to struggling with the purity of their thoughts. This serves as a reminder that the journey toward mastery is not without its trials. However, the aspirant is assured that no obstacle is insurmountable with determination, practice, and divine grace. By training the mind to rise above base impulses and seeking refuge in the divine, one can attain the ultimate state of purity and self-realization. 

Final Reflection
Chapter 17 is both a practical guide and a spiritual call to arms for anyone seeking to conquer lust and embrace a life of purity. It recognizes the inherent difficulties of this path while offering profound insights and actionable steps to navigate it successfully. Through disciplined practice, divine contemplation, and unwavering commitment, the aspirant can transform lustful impulses into a source of spiritual growth and ultimately achieve liberation.

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