Brahmacharya: Moderation,channeling emotions, self-containment (Continence)

Brahmacharya (Continence) can be literally translated as an advanced Hindu yoga practice of abstinence from sex as a means of joyfully funneling sexual energy to spiritual ends.  This is never a sacrifice, but rather a joyful choice.  However, on another level, Brahmacharya also refers to a continence that applies in a wider dimension of non-attachment to sensual pleasures – which does not mean trying not to enjoy a walk in pleasant surroundings or a cool drink on a hot day, but an attitude of not clinging to pleasures and not craving for their repetition.  Think of a mirror, which receives but does not grasp. 

No overindulgence of mind, intellect, speech or body; moderation on all levels concerning sex, food, and all aspects of daily life including the environment. 

Practice: not repression, but control of sensual cravings as a means of deepen spiritual connection.

Neither obsessing nor repressing, make peace with your sensual cravings or any interests that pull you off-center from your Source. Avoid overindulgence of mind, intellect, speech, and body.

Principle of Brahmacharya 

Satisfying our desires for pleasure through food, sex, television and other pastimes hides the emptiness inside.  That emptiness is spiritual starvation.  Our soul needs fulfillment.  There are many levels of our being, and we often do not take a holistic approach to fulfillment on all these levels.  We often only see the easiest, surface level needs and attempt to fulfill ourselves on a physical level.

 

 

 

“Brahma” = the Creator “Charya” = teacher or guide 

The word Brahmacharya is derived from the two words Brahma and acharya or charya (take your pick). Brahma is God as the creator or progenitor, acharya is teacher and charya means wedded to.

Thus one could say brahmacharya means being wedded to Brahma or “to remain connected to Source” or to remain continuous with it.

Brahmacharya Mantra

“This day, I am moderate, centered, and complete. I use my energy in ways that lead me closer to my Source. I treat myself and others with respect, recognizing the inherent Divinity of all people.”

Developmental Stages:

1.     Self-containment through moderate sexuality and diet

2.     No thoughts of past or future sense pleasures

3.     Freedom from attachment to pleasures

4.     Free from duality and the illusion that you are incomplete

5.     Inner peace

6.     Perpetual inner Ecstasy, replacing outward focus of sensual/sexual energies

 

Be moderate in moderation also, so it is not a burden. It is a beautiful practice. It is about moderating the extremes and not wanting too much (consumerism).

Brahmacharya brings out the FIRE in your spirit. Many energies come up. If it comes up, let it burn – smothering issues just makes them smolder. When they re-emerge they’ll be hotter.  When they arise, notice what the issues are, and go deeper into your true motivations.

Brahmacharya/control of sexual energy: a joyful choice 

“Brahmacharya” is one of the most difficult for most Westerners to understand. The classical translation is that this yama means celibacy. The actual definition of the word, however, is based on the translation of the syllables of the word. “Brahma” comes from the name of the deity Brahma; “char” means to walk and “ya” means actively.

Thus, a better translation of brahmacharya is “Walk with God.” 

There are always people for whom sexual love holds no great attraction; some celibates are naturally so. Others sacrifice this part of life to live as a monk or nun and thus to consecrate their sexuality to God. Brahmacharya does not just mean to give up sex. It is a transmutation of the energy of sex into something else, principally, devotion to God. 

 

 

 

Brahmacharya/householder yogi

As might well be imagined, brahmacharya has been the source of many discussions throughout the ages in all religions. But what about the householder yogis? Are they to give up sexual relations? Does this mean that if one lives in a family situation we cannot be students of yoga? Moreover, what is the beneficial effect of abstaining from sex if one is not a monk or nun? While some yoga practitioners are drawn to the practice of celibacy, not all are. In addition, some come to the practice of yoga after they are already married.

Simply to impose celibacy upon one’s partner whether he/she chooses it is not in the spirit of brahmacharya. Indeed, it is not in the spirit of ahimsa, and may in fact be the symptom of some other difficulty in the relationship. Once one is in a committed sexual relationship, the choice of celibacy by necessity must be a mutual and joyful decision.

Brachmacharya/monogamous relationship

Other interpretations of brahmacharya seem quite appropriate for the average person who has taken up the study of yoga. One interpretation is that to practice brahmacharya in this era is simply to remain faithful within a monogamous relationship. Another suggestion is simple: when you are having sex, have sex, when you are not, do not. This particular interpretation underscores the importance of remaining in the present and focusing on what is happening right now without obsession. 

Simple rule/be present in all actions, including sex

There is yet another interesting insight into the meaning of brahmacharya. It is the approach of using one’s sexual energy, like all life energies, in a way that is in harmony with the practice of ahimsa. This means that we respect our partner and ourselves when we are in a sexual relationship, we do not use others or have sex mindlessly. To do either of these things is to forget brahmacharya and to sidestep the practice of ahimsa as well. When one is practicing in the spirit of brahmacharya, one uses sexual energy to remember the divinity of self and other. To choose this path is to allow sexuality to be part of the wider practice of yoga and to acknowledge the life-enhancing power this deep connection with another human being has. It is an important choice