Brahmacharya

[c.smith]

What are the steps to enable one to "claim" brahmacharya?

Swami Sivananda states in his book "Sadhana" (Appendix II page 668 #403) that sadhana is impossible without brahmacharya. Despite this, brahmacharya is something I would like to pursue, more than just the celibacy that I already practice.

Om Namah Shivaya!

[Eastern Mind]

Vannakkam c.smith: So in your view and readings, what's the difference between the two? That might be a starting point. There are also quite a few resources on line that may offer varying views. Did you search much?

Aum Namasivaya

[saidevo]

namaste Smith.

What are the steps to enable one to "claim" brahmacharya?

Swami Sivananda states in his book "Sadhana" (Appendix II page 668 #403) that sadhana is impossible without brahmacharya. Despite this, brahmacharya is something I would like to pursue, more than just the celibacy that I already practice.
Om Namah Shivaya!

That you are pracising celibacy is in itself crossing half the ground-well. Perhaps the following books might be of help:
brahmachArya: practice: sivAnanda
http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/download/brahmacharya.pdf

brahmachArya: role: chidAnanda
http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/download/celibacy.pdf

and perhaps these links:
http://www.atmajyoti.org/sw_brahmacharya_page.asp
http://www.dadashri.org/brahmacharya.html
http://gopalkrishna.mission.googlepa...elfControl.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/
(search for brahmacharya)

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namasté c.smith (et.al)

I wrote the following some years back and offer it for your consideration, perhaps there is some value.

- - - - - - - - - - -

I would like to offer a different view on this matter... please, I am not selling anything here. We all have our values on how to live and I have no agenda here other then to offer different viewpoints for your consideration.
It is important to share different perspectives, yes? Then one can exercise this gift of free will that has been given to us. So, let me do this in two parts below and two ideas. Please comment and give your POV as you see fit.
Part 1
Brahmacharya . What is this? we know that Brahman is fullness, the all, Bhuma. Charya is conduct. So , both put together is the conduct of Brahman.
Many have been taught that brahmacharya is continence, and this is true. Let me add a few dimensions to this.

• Via continence (or the practice thereof) brings the fruit of tapas and is equal to yajya or yagya, worship. Yet the knower of truth that practices self-control ( another form of brahmacharya, no doubt) attains the same benefits as vedic rituals.
• This ritual is sattrayana - sat ( truth) + trana (safety), another form of continence and self control. Sat is Being + tryana is the benefits of protection in every way. So, one is protected by Being-Truth, in every way through this vedic yagya and can also be accomplished by ( and therefore equal to dispensing) self-control.

Now, what is of great import to me is the observance of silence, maunam is also = to brahmacharya. Why so? it is silencing of the senses.
What is the Supreme silence? the contact with atman. And when can this be done? Sitting quietly, transcending during meditation. Hence, meditation is silence and is = to brahmacharya = yajya. Hence, being in and practicing silence is of great value. This gaining infinite silence within oneself is yajya.

What else? anasakyana or that of fasting. It too is the silencing of the senses. It is said that if one can contol the tongue, one can master one's self. This anasakyana = self control = brahmacharya = yajya and all the benefits one can gain from this.
Another? vanaprastha, some say aranyayana or that of forest dwelling, really living alone or seclusion. This is the silencing of the senses (social intercourse) and one gains great benefit. This too is = to self control = brahmacharya=yagya. This can be done at home too during meditation. There is only one, you, going inward and becoming one with turiya, 'giving up' duality for one, this is yajya.

Hence self control is = to yajya =sattrayana=brahmacharya (and can be performed while at home).
Is it strenuous tapas? I do not think so, Yet choices need to be made, the exercise of freedom to choose. Continence is not always the curtailing sexual driving power, yet one of self control, and the selection thereof.
　
Part 2
What does Patanjali say of this? Why would one purse continence?

[from Chapt 2, "Sadhana Pada- On Spiritual Disciplines"] verse 38.
BRAHMACARYA-PRATISTHAYAM VIRYA-LABHAH 'When brahmcharya, or sexual continence, is firmly established, vibrant vitality is gained.'

When sexual energy is preserved it is converted into ojas, or spiritual energy. This ojas is such a radiant force that it uplifts all who come into contact with the 'brahmachari'.

I found this to be interesting ...in this society so much attention is put on this part of life i.e. passion and sexual activity ( one only needs to go to the magazine rack these days to see what is on the front covers ). This passion and application draws much energy ( ojas) from the body.

Yet in the West - viagra [the product] for impotence is offered and advertised regularly onTV, rado, magazines.
In Patanjali's sutras he points out "Vairagya" which is the progression of dis-passion , which is the opposite of viagra for "passion" and arousal.
In the highest state Vairagya - there is no desires for any object - either passion/emotion or the desire for objects. Therefore its called Para-Vairagha and is the means for Asamprajnata Samadhi.
This is why brahmacharaya is part of Yama and Niyama - its not a question of sex being bad, its all about building the foundation for Samadhi.
　
Tarati shokam atmavit - Established in the Self, one overcomes sorrows and suffering...Chandogya Upanishad

praṇām

[TatTvamAsi]

Namaste,

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namast� c.smith (et.al)

I wrote the following some years back and offer it for your consideration, perhaps there is some value.

- - - - - - - - - - -

I would like to offer a different view on this matter... please, I am not selling anything here. We all have our values on how to live and I have no agenda here other then to offer different viewpoints for your consideration.
It is important to share different perspectives, yes? Then one can exercise this gift of free will that has been given to us. So, let me do this in two parts below and two ideas. Please comment and give your POV as you see fit.
Part 1
Brahmacharya . What is this? we know that Brahman is fullness, the all, Bhuma. Charya is conduct. So , both put together is the conduct of Brahman.
Many have been taught that brahmacharya is continence, and this is true. Let me add a few dimensions to this.

• Via continence (or the practice thereof) brings the fruit of tapas and is equal to yajya or yagya, worship. Yet the knower of truth that practices self-control ( another form of brahmacharya, no doubt) attains the same benefits as vedic rituals.
• This ritual is sattrayana - sat ( truth) + trana (safety), another form of continence and self control. Sat is Being + tryana is the benefits of protection in every way. So, one is protected by Being-Truth, in every way through this vedic yagya and can also be accomplished by ( and therefore equal to dispensing) self-control.

Now, what is of great import to me is the observance of silence, maunam is also = to brahmacharya. Why so? it is silencing of the senses.
What is the Supreme silence? the contact with atman. And when can this be done? Sitting quietly, transcending during meditation. Hence, meditation is silence and is = to brahmacharya = yajya. Hence, being in and practicing silence is of great value. This gaining infinite silence within oneself is yajya.

What else? anasakyana or that of fasting. It too is the silencing of the senses. It is said that if one can contol the tongue, one can master one's self. This anasakyana = self control = brahmacharya = yajya and all the benefits one can gain from this.
Another? vanaprastha, some say aranyayana or that of forest dwelling, really living alone or seclusion. This is the silencing of the senses (social intercourse) and one gains great benefit. This too is = to self control = brahmacharya=yagya. This can be done at home too during meditation. There is only one, you, going inward and becoming one with turiya, 'giving up' duality for one, this is yajya.

Hence self control is = to yajya =sattrayana=brahmacharya (and can be performed while at home).
Is it strenuous tapas? I do not think so, Yet choices need to be made, the exercise of freedom to choose. Continence is not always the curtailing sexual driving power, yet one of self control, and the selection thereof.
　
Part 2
What does Patanjali say of this? Why would one purse continence?

[from Chapt 2, "Sadhana Pada- On Spiritual Disciplines"] verse 38.
BRAHMACARYA-PRATISTHAYAM VIRYA-LABHAH 'When brahmcharya, or sexual continence, is firmly established, vibrant vitality is gained.'

When sexual energy is preserved it is converted into ojas, or spiritual energy. This ojas is such a radiant force that it uplifts all who come into contact with the 'brahmachari'.

I found this to be interesting ...in this society so much attention is put on this part of life i.e. passion and sexual activity ( one only needs to go to the magazine rack these days to see what is on the front covers ). This passion and application draws much energy ( ojas) from the body.

Yet in the West - viagra [the product] for impotence is offered and advertised regularly onTV, rado, magazines.
In Patanjali's sutras he points out "Vairagya" which is the progression of dis-passion , which is the opposite of viagra for "passion" and arousal.
In the highest state Vairagya - there is no desires for any object - either passion/emotion or the desire for objects. Therefore its called Para-Vairagha and is the means for Asamprajnata Samadhi.
This is why brahmacharaya is part of Yama and Niyama - its not a question of sex being bad, its all about building the foundation for Samadhi.
　
Tarati shokam atmavit - Established in the Self, one overcomes sorrows and suffering...Chandogya Upanishad

praṇām

This is a good point however since Brahmacharya refers to an Ashrama, it stresses abstinence from sex more than any other desire does it not? Since self-control in all things is important, like you've stated, sexual abstinence is given precedence since it is perhaps the hardest desire to give up.

With women like Aishwarya Rai, Neha Dalvi, and Shriya Saran, Brahmacharya can wait IMO.

Namaskar.

[Believer]

With women like Aishwarya Rai, Neha Dalvi, and Shriya Saran, Brahmacharya can wait IMO.

That is quite a wish list Tat!

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namasté TTA ( et.al)


You offer valid points and what you say is true. Brahmacāra is an āśrama¹. If I may, let me extend the notion and not limit this
'halting place' to the management of one's sexual drive or compunction.


Where do we find information on brahmacāra? No doubt it is in patañjali’s yogadarśana¹ as a ni-yama (limitation, restaint) and
an ajunct to yoga. Yet where else do we find this brahmacāra knowledge? In the chandogyopaniṣad (chāndogya upaniṣad ).
This knowledge lets us go a bit deeper then the classic 'sexual control'.

It is here within this upaniṣad ( Chapter 8.4.3 to 8.5.5) that brahmacāra is viewed and explained at a higher level ( yet not opposed)
then continence. Note my position here is not to suggest contenence is less deserving or noble. It is to suggest that the yield of the
brahmacārin is beyond sexual congress. How so?

True brahmacārin's, says this upaniṣad, pursue and attain the two oceans of araḥ and ṇyaḥ. Araḥ & ṇyaḥ are oceans in brahmā's world
(the esoteric interpretation of araṇya, meaning a distant land). What does this symbolize? We can address this if there is interest on a later
post.

So brahmacāra is a station in life, part of yama and niyma, and also the brahmacārin that attains brahman. Yet I ask the reader to consider
these additional points.
Within patañjali’s yogadarśana, Brahmacāra is listed after 3 other niyama's are offered - that of non-injury, truth, and of absence
of stealing i.e. ahiṁsā, satya, and asteya. Why do you think brahmacāra is offered after these? If you think that the offers are random
and this brahmacāra niyama just happened to fall 4th in line, that would be a blunder in observation. So, your thoughts of why after the other 3?

And another consideration - we consider brahmacāra as the control of sexual desires, of sexual congress. This is in thought , word and deed.
Yet it is rooted again in self-control and the preservation of vīrya. Post number 4 called it ojas. Here I use the word vīrya meaning
vigour , energy , virility.

This is the benefit, yet there is a deeper meaning ( as you would expect ). One's word becomes true, actions becomes more fruitful. This is
called out by patañjali-ji himself in the 38th sūtra of his work and cooberated by svāmī lakṣman-jū. Let me offer the 38th sutra itself for viewing:

brahmacaryapratiṣṭhāyāṃ vīryalābhaḥ

we can view it this way: brahmacarya + pratiṣṭhāyāṃ vīrya+ lābhaḥ
In a nutshell:

• • lābhaḥ = obtaining, gain or aquire
  • vīrya = strength, valor, luster
  • pratiṣṭhāyāṃ = establshed; standing firm
  • brahmacarya = all the things we discussed above

praṇām

words

• āśrama - a stage in the life : 1st is brahmacārin - the student, 2nd , gṛhastha or householder, 3rd is vānaprastha or
  anchorite and 4th is saṃnyāsin , or sometimes bhikṣu is the renunciate.
  Please note the following:
  • śrama = exertion , labour , toil , exercise , effort either bodily or mental. One giving effort to a stage of life.
  • Yet āś + rama : āś = to master or enjoy + rama = dear or beloved; This suggests enjoying and mastering that which
    is dear - that stage of life.
• patañjali’s yogadarśana - yama and niyama are found in sādhana pada -or chapter two on 'practice' - 29th and 30th sūtra.

[Arjuni]

Namast�, all,

TatTvamAsi, I agree that sex may be the most difficult desire to control long-term, though on a short-term basis, appetite/food-desire perhaps feels more urgent, linked as it is to one's individual survival rather than species survival. (At least, it's so in my own experience, being "blessed" with a love of good food and a bit of hypoglycemia, i.e. "I will surely keel over if I do not eat that beignet!")

Yajvan, your writing on the subject is illuminating; thank you for that! I work as a medical transcriptionist, too, so I quite enjoyed your parallel between Viagra and Vairāgya. I already chuckle a bit every time I type the medications Soma and Inderal; now there's a third to add to the list.

Indraneela
===
"I wait the power of one like thee, O Indra, gifts of a Helper such as thou art, Hero.
Strong, Mighty God, dwell with me now and ever."
Oṁ Indrāya Namaḥ.
Oṁ Namaḥ Śivāya.

[bp789]

Hey question. I remember reading on a thread somewhere here that we are not supposed to repress our sexuality, but transmute or sublimate it. How are we supposed to do that?

[saidevo]

A quick answer: by chitta-shuddhi--purity of mind, obtained by satsangha--company of the spiritual people and works, sangIta--spiritual music and pUjA-bhakti--devotion practised by pujas. With sustained efforts, the semen and shuklam are supposed to go Urdhva--upright, instead of falling to the genitals and eventually transmuted to tejas--shine of the body and mind, ojas--bodily strength and jnAnam--knowlege of Reality.

Hey quick question. I remember reading on a thread somewhere here that we are not supposed to repress our sexuality, but transmute or sublimate it. How are we supposed to do that?