Ayurveda, the ancient healing science, aims at giving one Arogya (healthy, disease-free life). By following the Ayurvedic cures, Ahara (food) & Vihara (lifestyle) rules mentioned in the various Ayurvedic doctrines, one can achieve Purushartha Chatushtaya-the four pillars of Shastra, i.e., Dharma (righteousness), Artha (economic prosperity), Kama (pleasure and love) and Moksha (spiritual values and liberation). Society believes that Kama stands for sexual lust or carnal desires. But Vatsayan, the author of the famous book Kama Sutra, talks about Kama as a unique kind of association between the object of pleasure and your five senses organs (Smelling, Tasting, Hearing, Feeling, and Seeing), your mind, and your soul. [1] When the urge of Kama is tamed and projected in an organized and controlled manner, it is considered one of the manifestations of Brahmacharya. In this article, we’ll discuss the Brahmacharya meaning, Brahmacharya rules, Brahmacharya ke fayde (Benefits of Brahmacharya), and the power of Brahmacharya. Read on:
Brahmacharya Meaning: What is Brahmacharya?
To understand the meaning of Brahmacharya in English and Brahmacharya in Hindi, you need to take a plunge into the depths of Hinduism, Spiritual philosophy, and Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers Brahmacharya as one of its three pillars. The Ayurvedic healing system attaches a lot of importance to the concept of Brahmacharya, which, according to Ayurveda, is a movement in higher consciousness or awareness. [1] When somebody is practicing Brahmacharya he must have an awareness of the physical limits, spiritual values and control over physical desires. [2]
The word ‘Brahmacharya’ is made up of two words; Brahma (meaning brahman, the absolute and supreme God-head) and Charya (meaning ‘to follow’). In other words, when somebody is following the Brahmacharya way of life, he is believed to be quite close to the Param-Brahma or the Supreme Being. Thus, he is likely to follow a virtuous lifestyle, abstaining from amoral, unethical and lustful behavior. [1]
In ancient times, Brahmacharya ashrama was followed rigidly; it lasted for the first 20 to 25 years of life. A child used to stay in Gurukul, study the Vedas, and learn about Dharma’s various aspects. The child was sent to the Brahmacharya ashrama around five to seven years of age. [1] This phase was the educational phase and encompassed the transition of a child from childhood to boyhood and then to manhood.
Brahmacharya Rules & Practices
To practice Brahmacharya perfectly, one has to abide by the various Brahmacharya rules in Hindi (Bhramacharya ke Niyam):
- Brahmacharya stands for having total control over one’s mind. So, more than the physical aspects, you need to focus on your thoughts and fix higher moral goals for your life.
- You need to stay away from vulgar and unpleasant conversations and visuals. Any unclean thought should not arise in your mind. [3]
- You need to practice celibacy as directed by the various ancient Acharyas. You should not get attracted to the opposite sex and have carnal desires. You need to understand that physical intercourse has a purpose; i.e. the making of future progeny, and is not meant for frivolous indulgences and sensual pleasures. [2]
- Do not go for sexual intercourse immediately after a meal as it may disturb your digestion. [2]
- We all know about the common proverb, ‘An idle mind is a devil’s workshop.’ So, never let your mind stay idle. Always focus on lofty thoughts; whenever you are empty, try chanting the name of Ishta Devata/God. [3]
- Eat the right kind of food (Ahara). Avoid eating food that is spicy and hot in nature. Also, avoid non-vegetarian food items such as meat, chicken, fish, and eggs. Also, Ahara should not be taken excessively. So, one should consume Matravat Ahara. Matravat Ahara does not disrupt a person’s prakirti. [2]
- Sathi Chawal, Mudag, Shali Dhanya, Sendha Namak, Madhu, Dugdha, Yava, Antriksha Jala should be used in the daily meals. [2]
- Wear clean clothes and clothes that are made of cotton. Stay away from Western attire.
- Avoid sleeping during the day as it aggravates the Pitta and Kapha Doshas leading to the formation of Ama (harmful toxins) which eventually leads to diseases. [2]
- Wake up early in the morning. Waking up at brahmamuhurta (48 Minutes preceding sunrise) is the best thing to do. [2]
- Stay away from using perfume and talc.
- Do not read any books on negative or vulgar themes. [3]
- Before sleeping at night, try applying cold water to your abdomen.
- Take Brahmi Buti daily for increased focus, concentration, and memory power.
- Practice meditation, pranayama and Brahmacharyasana daily.
Brahmacharya Benefits & Power of Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya comes with several benefits,which we are going to discuss below. As brahmacharya is all about taming the wanton thoughts ,It can yield massive results If one practices the brahmacharya way of life along with meditation. Meditation helps to control the wandering thoughts and settle the tumultuous mind.That way brahmacharya and meditation can go hand in hand. Read to learn about the various benefits brahmacharya can bring you:
Buddhi Vriddhi (Increase of Intellect)
It is believed that by practicing brahmacharya a man can retain the Virya. Virya bears a correlation with vyadik shamatava (immunity power), prakrit bala (strength of the body according to the Doshas) and Ojas (the vital life force that nourishes the Sapta Dhatus or Seven tissues in the human body, starting from Rasa or plasma to Sukra or semen) [2]
When one learns to have control over one’s mind and cultivate colossal patience one gets empowered with the capacity to control all desires, including sexual urges. The state of celibacy that a Brahmachari maintains can help him conserve the Sukra [1] and develop higher qualities such as pragya and buddhi. [1]
Smriti Vriddhi (Increase of memory)
Practicing Brahmacharya can strengthen your memory and improve your concentration power. [4]
Reduced Stress
Practicing Brahmacharya can expel all negative emotions from your mind. You will feel stress-free and relaxed. Also, you will not get angered and irritated easily. [4]
b immunity power
Brahmacharya can build your immunity against a vast range of diseases. By enhancing your vitality the practice of Brahmacharya can give a robust boost to your immunity power. [4]
Elongated lifespan
Practicing Brahmacharya can give you a long lifespan. When you practice brahmacharya you are preserving the shukra dhatu, a special kind of product that your body makes from the food you consume. This gives you immense strength and vitality and keeps diseases at bay. When you have arogya you will definitely be blessed with a long lifespan. [1]
FAQs
• What is meant by brahmacharyasana?
Brahmacharyasana or Celibate’s pose is a kind of yogasana that can help in the conservation of sexual power.
• Can women practice Brahmacharya?
Yes, definitely. In Indian classical texts, we find the names of Gargi, Sulabha, Mira Bai.
They were all observers of Brahmacharya. [3]
• Who were some of the greatest Brahmacharis of ancient India?
Brahmacharya is the foundation of a Hindu’s life. In Indian mythology we’ll come across several well-known personalities who could achieve great heroic feats due to the power of Brahmacharya. Pandavas’ grandfather Bhishma, Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana, Emperor Prithviraj were notable Brahmacharis with immense strength and prowess. [3]
Conclusion
Influence of Western culture has caused the youth of our country to deviate from the paths of righteousness and morality, and indulge in all sorts of material and sensual pleasures. They have moved away from the spiritual and ethical values and the long-cherished principles of morality taught as well as practiced by their forefathers. The only way to rescue them out of the hellfire is by making them aware of the importance and benefits of brahmacharya. In this article we have talked in detail about the various aspects of Brahmacharya, a path towards righteous living.
Disclaimer
This article is written from a health and wellness perspective and is not medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a certified medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.
References
