Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy - 3. INTENSITY OF CRAVINGS IN DIFFERENT PERSONS - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

In this chapter, Sri Swami Sivananda delves deeply into the nature of passion, exploring how intense desires develop in individuals and their varying manifestations across different stages of life. Passion, in this context, is not limited to sexual cravings but encompasses all forms of strong desires that can cloud the mind and disturb one's spiritual progress. By understanding the root and manifestation of these passions, the practitioner can learn to control and ultimately transcend them, particularly in the pursuit of Brahmacharya (celibacy and self-control). 

Understanding Passion
Swami Sivananda defines passion as an intense, often overwhelming desire. While it can manifest in various forms, in common parlance, it is most commonly associated with lust or a strong sexual appetite. Passion arises from repeated desires or frequent indulgence in sensory experiences. This intensification of desire is not limited to the physical realm of sexual cravings but extends to all forms of desire, such as those for power, material wealth, and even intellectual pursuits. For instance, passion for service to the country, passion for God-realization, or passion for reading religious texts can be considered positive forms of passion when they guide an individual toward higher goals. At its core, passion is an instinctive urge for externalization, often driven by the need for self-preservation and self-reproduction. It is a natural force that propels an individual to seek satisfaction outside the self. However, Swami Sivananda highlights that this urge is ultimately a manifestation of ignorance or Avidya (delusion). The true nature of the Atman (Soul) is pure and free from such distractions. Passion, as a product of delusion, veils the true self and binds the individual to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Swami Sivananda draws upon spiritual texts to illustrate the universality of passion, noting that even the goddess in the Durga Saptasati is described as taking the form of passion in all beings. He also refers to the Bhagavad Gita, where passion is said to reside in the senses, the mind, and the intellect, pointing to the all-pervasive nature of this force. 

The Role of Passion in the Body
Passion is not an isolated force in the body; it permeates every aspect of the individual's being. Swami Sivananda writes that every cell, atom, and molecule is influenced by the undercurrents of passion. He calls these passions "Vrittis" (mental waves) that arise when the Rajo-Guna (the mode of activity) predominates in the mind. The mind, under the influence of passion, creates desires that manifest through the senses and the body. This is particularly evident when individuals engage in activities that stimulate passion, such as consuming tamasic foods (meat, fish, and eggs), indulging in sensual pleasures, or associating with negative influences (bad company, intoxicants, etc.). These actions excite the passions and exacerbate the grip they hold over an individual's mind and body. 

Passion at Different Stages of Life
Swami Sivananda acknowledges that the intensity of passion varies greatly between individuals and across different stages of life. In children, passion is latent, like a seed that has not yet sprouted. This seed of passion gradually manifests during adolescence, where it becomes most potent and troublesome. Young individuals, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 25, experience a surge of passion, often leading them to become slaves to their desires. Between the ages of 25 and 45, the intensity of passion continues to wreak havoc in many lives, as individuals become more susceptible to indulgence in sensual pleasures. In older individuals, the passions tend to subside as age brings with it a natural decline in physical desires. While older individuals may not experience the same intensity of passion, they may still struggle with suppressed desires or attachments. Swami Sivananda suggests that in the case of spiritual aspirants or sages, the intensity of passion is either eradicated or kept under strict control. For these individuals, the sexual urge and other desires are no longer a source of disturbance, as they have mastered their senses and have cultivated detachment (Vairagya) from worldly attractions. 

Passion in Different Types of Individuals
Swami Sivananda distinguishes between different types of individuals based on how they deal with passion. In a Jnani (wise person) or sage, there is no trace of sexual craving. A true sage sees beyond the physical form and recognizes the eternal, formless nature of the self in all beings. When they encounter a woman or a man, there is no distinction in their perception; they see only the same divine essence. Such is the state of mind of one established in Brahmacharya, where the physical form ceases to be an object of desire. In an aspirant, the sexual urge is not eradicated but is controlled. Occasional sexual thoughts may arise, but they are swiftly managed through discipline and meditation. The aspirant remains focused on their spiritual path, and while they may still experience temptation, they possess the willpower to resist it. On the other hand, a passionate householder who has not controlled their desires becomes a prey to sensual cravings. Swami Sivananda notes that such a person constantly seeks the company of their spouse, and the idea of sex becomes ingrained in their mind. Their desires often dominate their actions, and they may find it difficult to enjoy life after the loss of their partner. Such individuals, he warns, are unfit for the spiritual path unless they can cultivate detachment. 

Passion in Men and Women
Swami Sivananda further explores the different manifestations of passion in men and women. He asserts that although women may appear more gentle and passive, they can be more passionate than men, especially when under the influence of emotions like jealousy or anger. Women, according to Swami Sivananda, possess a greater capacity for endurance and self-restraint than men, but they are often the objects of men's sexual desires. Men, on the other hand, are portrayed as the aggressors in sexual relations, as they are more easily driven by passion and lose their rationality when under its influence. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that the primary cause of attraction between men and women is the presence of desires in the mind. To overcome this attraction, one must cultivate Vairagya (detachment) and purify the mind. He warns men to be cautious of the allure of women, noting that they often use their beauty and charm to entrap men into a cycle of desire that leads to suffering and distraction from spiritual progress. 

In conclusion, Swami Sivananda's teachings on passion in Chapter 3 of The Practice of Brahmacharya provide a comprehensive understanding of how passion influences human behavior. By recognizing the root causes of passion and its varying intensities, individuals can take steps to control and ultimately transcend these desires. For those seeking spiritual growth, the practice of Brahmacharya, or self-control, is essential in mastering passion and attaining the higher state of spiritual purity. Whether in youth, middle age, or old age, the battle with passion is a constant one, and only through disciplined practice, detachment, and awareness can the aspirant hope to overcome it.

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