Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy - 6. THE VALUE OF SEMEN:  The Source of Life, Strength, and Spiritual Awakening - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

Chapter 6: The Value of Semen Semen, the vital energy of man (Veerya), is often referred to as the most potent and vital fluid in the human body. It is described not just as a reproductive substance but as the very essence of life, intelligence, and spiritual vitality. This chapter explores the immense value of semen, its physical, mental, and spiritual significance, and the profound importance of its preservation.

The Essence of Semen
The first crucial point made in this chapter is the immense value of semen as the quintessence of blood. One drop of semen is said to be produced from forty drops of blood, emphasizing its rarity and importance. Semen is considered not just a physical substance but the embodiment of life energy. In a similar way that a tree draws essence from the earth, semen is formed from the essence of food and blood, circulating throughout the body and nourishing various organs, including the heart, brain, and muscles. This vital fluid is not just the body’s creation; it is also its sustenance. In Ayurveda, semen is considered the final product in a cycle of bodily transformations. The seven Dhatus, or building blocks of the body, include chyle, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and finally, semen. The body transforms food into this vital fluid, which becomes the essence of life itself. The body’s ability to sustain itself, both physically and mentally, depends on the preservation and conservation of this essence. 

The Connection Between Semen, Physical Health, and Spiritual Vitality
The chapter asserts that semen is the last and most refined of the body’s building blocks. It is the essence of vitality and energy. According to Ayurvedic principles, semen nourishes the physical body, the heart, and the intellect. However, the preservation of semen is not just beneficial for physical well-being; it is also essential for spiritual health. Those who practice Brahmacharya, or celibacy, are said to conserve their vital energy, strengthening both their body and mind, and attaining greater spiritual power. The chapter points out that true Brahmacharya involves more than just physical restraint; it requires the balanced development of the body, heart, and intellect. Semen’s importance extends beyond its reproductive role. It is considered the foundation of physical strength and vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. In the practice of meditation and yoga, the conservation of semen is thought to elevate one's spiritual energy, turning the raw power of the body into divine energy that can be transmuted into spiritual strength. 

The Process of Semen Formation
The process by which semen is formed is detailed, underscoring its complexity and value. Semen is created in the testes, which are compared to secretory glands that extract semen from the blood. Just as bees collect honey, the testes collect semen drop by drop from the blood. Once formed, the semen is transported through ducts to the vesicles, where it is stored until it is expelled during ejaculation. Semen is not confined to the reproductive organs; it is said to pervade the entire body. The more semen is wasted, the greater the weakness in the body, leading to physical and mental debilitation. The chapter also emphasizes that the process of ejaculation is a significant energy expenditure, and thus, excessive sexual activity leads to the depletion of vital energy, leaving the individual feeling weak, distracted, and mentally exhausted. 

The Physiological and Psychological Impact of Semen Loss
The chapter continues by describing the physical consequences of seminal loss, both voluntary and involuntary. It cites scientific and medical studies that support the idea that the conservation of semen strengthens the body and mind, while its waste leads to weakness and dysfunction. According to Dr. Nicole, a noted European physician, the best blood in the body is used to form the elements of reproduction. When this energy is not wasted, it is reabsorbed back into the body, enriching the blood and nourishing the brain. The positive effects of this reabsorption include greater physical strength, mental clarity, and spiritual power. In contrast, when semen is wasted, it leads to physical debilitation, including nervous disorders, and even death. Dr. E.P. Miller also notes the significance of preserving spermatic secretions, affirming that their waste directly impacts the body’s life force. All these medical findings underscore the ancient wisdom that the conservation of semen is crucial to maintaining health and vitality. 

The Mind, Prana, and Semen: An Interconnected System
The chapter delves deeper into the relationship between semen, the mind, and Prana (the vital life force). These three elements—mind, Prana, and semen—are closely linked and form a dynamic system within the human being. The mind controls Prana, and in turn, Prana controls semen. Through practices like meditation, physical exercise, and breath control (Pranayama), individuals can regulate the flow of Prana and preserve their semen. The chapter further explains that when the mind is excited or disturbed, the Prana becomes agitated, and this leads to a depletion of semen. In contrast, when the mind is steady and controlled, the flow of Prana and the preservation of semen also remain balanced. Practices such as Viparita Karani Mudra, Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), and Sirshasana (Headstand) are mentioned as effective techniques to regulate Prana and conserve semen, leading to greater mental clarity and spiritual progress. 

The Importance of Semen for Spiritual Growth
The final section of the chapter emphasizes the importance of semen as a vital force for spiritual growth. Semen is not just a physical substance; it is a reflection of divine energy and willpower. It is equated with God’s power, with the essence of divine consciousness. In the Bhagavad Gita, the Lord says, “I am the seed in all beings,” highlighting the sacred nature of semen and its connection to divinity. The conservation of semen is thus not only a matter of physical health but also of spiritual awakening. Semen is described as the key to achieving spiritual bliss (Rasa) and eternal life. By preserving this vital energy, one can tap into the deeper, divine aspects of existence, leading to a state of spiritual ecstasy and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The chapter urges readers to treat semen with the utmost reverence and care, recognizing its value as the essence of life itself. 

In conclusion, Chapter 6 presents a comprehensive view of semen as the ultimate treasure in the human body. It highlights the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of conserving this vital fluid, explaining its role in sustaining life, enhancing vitality, and fostering spiritual growth. The chapter encourages readers to adopt practices that preserve and conserve semen, such as Brahmacharya, meditation, and physical discipline, in order to achieve optimal health, mental clarity, and spiritual enlightenment. By understanding the profound value of semen, one can live a more balanced and purposeful life, cultivating both physical vitality and spiritual wisdom.

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