Sri Swami Sivananda - BRAHMACHARYA - 7. MEANING OF BRAHMACHARYA: The Gateway to Supreme Bliss and Self-Mastery - HQ Full Book.  

Brahma-Charya is a profound spiritual discipline that is central to the practice of self-restraint and mastery of one’s desires. Derived from the Sanskrit words "Brahma" (meaning the Absolute or the divine) and "Charya" (meaning conduct or behavior), Brahma-Charya literally refers to the conduct that leads to the realization of Brahman, or the ultimate realization of one's own Self. This practice goes beyond the mere abstinence from sexual activity; it encompasses a holistic approach to controlling one's desires, thoughts, and actions, thus purifying the individual at every level of existence. At its core, Brahma-Charya signifies self-restraint, particularly the mastery over the sexual impulse. It involves not just abstaining from physical sexual acts, but also overcoming the mental, emotional, and verbal expressions of lust. The practice requires one to cultivate purity in thought, speech, and action, creating a pathway to spiritual enlightenment and self-realization. This chapter elaborates on the essential aspects of Brahma-Charya, highlighting the importance of controlling the senses and cultivating a life of celibacy and mental purity. 

The Core Principles of Brahma-Charya
Brahma-Charya is not limited to the simple practice of celibacy; it represents a holistic approach to life. The first and foremost aspect of Brahma-Charya is the control of the sexual organs and the abstention from lustful desires in thought, word, and deed. It involves complete abstinence from all forms of sexual indulgence, including masturbation, homosexual acts, and any other perverse sexual behaviors. These acts are believed to cause the depletion of vital life force, resulting in physical and mental deterioration. Hence, the practice of Brahma-Charya safeguards the nervous system and promotes overall health. However, Brahma-Charya is not merely about avoiding sexual acts. It is about achieving mental purity and complete control over all desires. The practitioner must go beyond the physical aspect and train the mind to avoid lustful thoughts, fantasies, and any form of erotic imagination. The discipline extends to all senses—sight, hearing, speech, and touch. One must refrain from indulging in lustful looks, listening to sensual stories, speaking provocatively, or touching others inappropriately. Brahma-Charya, in its complete sense, includes the control of the mind and emotions, ensuring that no lustful thought or desire is entertained. 

The Eight Breaks in Brahma-Charya
The practice of Brahma-Charya is further elaborated by describing eight specific "breaks" or interruptions that hinder the flow of spiritual purity. These breaks must be vigilantly avoided in order to maintain true Brahma-Charya. They include:

1. Darshan: Looking at women with lustful desire.
2. Sparshan: Touching women with impure intent.
3. Keli: Engaging in playful or flirtatious behavior.
4. Reciting or praising the qualities of the opposite sex.
5. Guhya-Bhashan: Speaking privately or secretly with someone of the opposite sex.
6. Intention: Harboring desires or intentions of sexual gratification.
7. Adhyavasaya: Coming closer to the opposite sex with the desire for physical pleasure.
8. Action: Engaging in any form of sexual activity.

The practitioner of Brahma-Charya must avoid these eight forms of indulgence at all costs. Even a fleeting glance, a casual touch, or a private conversation with someone of the opposite sex can lead to a break in Brahma-Charya. It is essential that one cultivates constant awareness and vigilance in every action and thought to maintain purity.

The Role of Mental Brahma-Charya
While physical Brahma-Charya, or the restraint of bodily actions, is critical, mental Brahma-Charya is even more vital. It is not enough to merely control one's physical actions; one must also control the mind. Mental Brahma-Charya refers to the state of mind in which no lustful or sexual thought enters. This mental purity is essential for achieving the highest state of spiritual consciousness. The mind is the source of all actions, and the power to control the mind is the key to true spiritual growth. If one’s thoughts remain impure, the desire for physical pleasure will continue to dominate, hindering spiritual progress. Therefore, mental Brahma-Charya requires constant attention to thoughts, ensuring that no desire for lust or pleasure is entertained. One of the most important practices for achieving mental Brahma-Charya is the repetition of sacred mantras and meditation. These practices help purify the mind, directing it towards divine thoughts and spiritual awakening. When lustful thoughts arise, one should immediately replace them with the image of the Ishta Devata (the chosen deity) and focus on the mantra. This spiritual practice gradually purifies the mind, removing the influence of impure thoughts and desires. 

The Importance of Purity in Thought, Word, and Deed
Brahma-Charya is not limited to physical and mental abstinence. It also involves purity in speech and action. The practitioner must avoid speaking about or engaging in discussions related to lust and sensuality. Such conversations can pollute the mind and lead to a breakdown in Brahma-Charya. The tongue must be used for positive purposes, such as chanting mantras, reciting scriptures, or speaking words of wisdom and encouragement. In addition, Brahma-Charya is about purifying one’s actions. Every action, whether it is physical, mental, or verbal, should be directed towards spiritual growth and the realization of the divine. By controlling the senses and dedicating oneself to virtuous actions, the practitioner becomes established in Brahma-Charya, which serves as the foundation for spiritual evolution. 

Overcoming Obstacles and Failures in Brahma-Charya
While the path of Brahma-Charya is demanding, it is not uncommon for practitioners to face obstacles along the way. A common complaint is that despite sincere efforts, they struggle to maintain purity and often get discouraged by perceived failures. It is important to understand that the process of mental purification is gradual and requires persistent effort. The "spiritual thermometer" mentioned in this chapter refers to the subtle shifts in mental purity that occur through consistent spiritual practices. Even small progress, such as a slight reduction in lustful thoughts or a greater sense of inner calm, signifies advancement on the path of Brahma-Charya. It is crucial not to despair, as the process of purification takes time. The key is to remain diligent in one’s practices and to understand that every step, no matter how small, is a step toward spiritual enlightenment. 

The Power of Sublimating Sexual Energy
Brahma-Charya teaches that sexual energy is a potent force, and when it is sublimated, it can be transformed into spiritual energy, leading to heightened awareness and self-realization. By retaining and redirecting this energy, the practitioner can achieve great mental and physical vitality. This vital energy, often referred to as Ojas or Prana, is believed to be the source of spiritual power. Through the discipline of Brahma-Charya, this energy can be stored in the body and directed towards higher spiritual pursuits. As the practitioner continues in their celibacy and mental purity, the sexual energy is gradually transformed into spiritual energy, which nourishes the mind and spirit, leading to profound inner peace and spiritual insight. 

Brahma-Charya is not just a practice of celibacy or sexual restraint—it is a comprehensive discipline that encompasses mental, physical, and spiritual purity. It is the foundation upon which spiritual growth is built and is essential for anyone seeking self-realization. The discipline requires not only abstaining from physical indulgence but also mastering the mind and controlling the senses. Through consistent effort, meditation, and devotion, the practitioner of Brahma-Charya gradually transcends the limitations of desire and achieves the highest states of spiritual consciousness.

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