PRACTICEOFBRAHMACHARYA

By

SRISWAMISIVANANDA

ADIVINELIFESOCIETYPUBLICATION

FirstEdition:1934
EighthEdition:1980
FirstRevisedEdition:1988
SecondReprint:1993
(5000Copies)
WorldWideWeb(WWW)Edition:1997
WWWsite:http://www.dlshq.org/

ThisWWWreprintisforfreedistribution
TheDivineLifeTrustSociety
ISBN8170520673

PublishedBy
THEDIVINELIFESOCIETY
P.O.Shivanandanagar249192
Distt.TehriGarhwal,UttarPradesh,
Himalayas,India.

CONTENTS
PUBLISHERSNOTE
PRAYERFORPURITY
SECTIONI.THEPHENOMENONOFSEX
1.THEPRESENTDAYDEGRADATION
Theworldisallsexy
SpiritualSadhanaistheanswertosexattraction
Brahmacharyatheneedofthehour
2.THEWORKINGOFTHESEXIMPULSE
TheflowerybowofCupid
TheSamskarasinthesubconsciousmind
Howtogaugeyourownmentalpurity
Eradicationoflustisnoeasytask

3.INTENSITYOFTHECRAVINGSINDIFFERENTPERSONS
Passioninchildren,theyouthandtheaged
Sexualthoughtinsages,spiritualaspirantsandhouseholders
Lustinmenandinwomen
4.SEXISINIMAGINATION
Beautyisamentalconcept
Misleadingdescriptionsofawomansbeauty
Passionblindstheintellect
5.THEDISASTROUSEFFECTSOFSEXUALINDULGENCE
WetdreamandvoluntarycopulationAvitaldifference
Youthwithbloodlessfaces
6.THEVALUEOFSEMEN
Modernmedicalopinion
Mind,PranaandVeerya
SECTIONII.THEGLORYOFBRAHMACHARYA
7.THEMEANINGOFBRAHMACHARYA
TheeightbreaksinBrahmacharya
PhysicalBrahmacharyaandmentalBrahmacharya
Acommoncomplaint
8.THEGLORYOFBRAHMACHARYA
Secretofhealthandlongevity
Celibacypromotesconcentration
9.IMPORTANCEOFCELIBACYINSPIRITUALLIFE
Celibacyinthedifferentreligiousorders
Brahmacharyathefoundationofspirituallife
10.BRAHMACHARYAFORHOUSEHOLDERS
WhatisBrahmacharyainmarriedlife?
Whenthewifebecomesthemother
Livingalifeofspiritualpartnership
11.WOMENANDBRAHMACHARYA
Brahmacharinisancientandmodern
Looselifeisnotfreedom
Acalltospirituallife
12.BRAHMACHARYAANDTHEEDUCATIONALCURRICULUM
AvitaldrawbackinthepresenteducationalsysteminIndia
Dutyofteachersandparents
13.SOMEIDEALBRAHMACHARINS
Hanuman
SriLakshmana
Bhishma
SECTIONIII.TECHNIQUESOFSEXSUBLIMATION
14.SUPPRESSIONANDSUBLIMATION
Fromsexenergytospiritualenergy
Thesecretofsexsublimation
Totalsublimationisdifficult,yetnotimpossible
15.TOMARRYORNOTTOMARRY
Iscelibacypossible?
AfoolishargumentoftheEpicureans
Natureofthelovebetweenhusbandandwife
Tobeacelibate?Ortobeahouseholder?
TheAkhandaBrahmachari
16.THEDANGERSOFPROMISCUOUSMIXING
Havocplayedbymentalimages
TheforbiddenfruitGodstestforthespiritualaspirant

17.STOPTHATLUSTFULLOOK!
Mindthefeelingbehindthelook!
Howtocounterimpurethoughts
18.THEROLEOFDIETINSEXCONTROL
Sattvicfood
Forbiddenfood
Mitaharaormoderationindiet
Fastingapurificatoryexercise
19.WETDREAMSANDSPERMATORRHOEA
Differencebetweenphysiologicalpollutionandpathologicalpollution
Causesandconsequences
Awarningagainstevilsexhabitsandoutburstsofanger
Importanceofproperfoodandevacuation
Getupbefore4a.m.
TaketotheNameoftheLord
Thebenefitsofahipbath
Somehelpfulsuggestions
20.SOMEPOWERFULAIDSTOTHEPRACTICEOFCELIBACY
Controlofthepalate
Avoidbadcompany
Watchthethoughts
SeekSatsangaorgoodcompany
CultivateVivekaandVairagya
Anoteofclarification
Avowisagreathelp
Willcultureandautosuggestion
ChangetheDrishtiorangleofvision
21.HATHAYOGATOTHERESCUE
Siddhasana
Sirshasana
Sarvangasana
Matsyasana
Padangushthasana
InstructiononAsanapractice
MulaBandha
JalandharaBandha
UddiyanaBandha
NauliKriya
MahaMudra
YogaMudra
EasyandcomfortablePranayama
BhastrikaPranayama
HintsonPranayamapractice
VajroliMudra
22.SOMEILLUSTRATIVESTORIES
1.Thepoweroflust.TheexampleofJaimini
2.Passionsholdovermansmind.Socratesandhisdisciple
3.Lustincreaseswithenjoyment.RajaYayati
4.DawnofVivekaandVairagya.YogiVemana
5.Beautyliesinimagination.ThestoryofHemachuda
6.Physicalbeautyisnobeauty.Storyofaprince
7.Beingbusyisthebestwaytocontrollust.Storyofaghost
23.SELECTSAYINGSONSEXANDCELIBACY
SECTIONIV.ASYMPOSIUM

COMMENTARYONSWAMISIVANANDAS8THSPIRITUALINSTRUCTION
PerpetuationoftheSpecies
PowerofBrahmacharya
DutiesofHouseholders
BrahmacharyainModernSociety
AdvantagesofBrahmacharya
BooksonBrahmacharya
THEPARAMOUNTIMPORTANCEOFBRAHMACHARYA
TheFourGreatPurusharthas
TheTwofoldimportanceofDharma
ConservationofEnergyintheContextofaSpiritualLife
SexEnergyAManifestationofParaShakti
TheHumanBodyComparedtoaMansion
HowtoRiseAboveSex
VoluntarySelfrestraintIsNoSuppression
BRAHMACHARYAANOUTLOOKOFCONSCIOUSNESS
HowOurEnergyGetsDivertedandDissipated
ConservationofEnergyforBrahmaSakshatkara
TheIndividualAPressureCentre
StressesandStrainsTheirCauseandCure
TheHavocWroughtbytheExternalizingSenses
DesireAMetaphysicalEvil
VarnashramaAnAidtoFreeOurselvesfromtheGripofNature
MARRIAGE:WHATDOESITMEAN?
BIRTHCONTROL
InstructionsforHouseholders
PopulationShouldBeChecked
DangerofArtificialMeans

PUBLISHERSNOTE
Instinctsandappetitesformapartofalllifeonearth.Senseimpulsesandbiologicalurgesare
commontoanimalandmanalike.Sexisoneoftheprominent,mostimportantandabsolutely
essentialaspectsofhuman,animalaswellasplantlife.Sexisanintegralpartoflifehuman,
animalandplant.Whilethisaspectoflifeisregulatedbynatureinplantsandbyinstinctinanimals,
inmanitislefttohiscommonsense,intelligenceandhisdevelopedreasontocontrolandregulate
thesame.Thevastandancientscripturesoftheworldofferhumansocietyspecificrulesand
regulationsinthisrespect.WithregardtoIndia,asanation,ourforefathersfollowedthedosand
dontsoftheDharmaSastrasinmeticulousdetailandthis,inlargemeasure,contributedtotheir
health,longevityandspiritualwelfare.
Butalas,inthepresentdayworld,andmoreparticularlyamongtheeducatedclass,inallwalksof
societyandinallagegroups,normsofconductlaiddownbythescripturesarefloutedwithsomuch
impunitythatwesee,allaroundus,thenumberofphysical,mentalandmoralwrecksincreasing
everyday.Onereasonforthissadstateofaffairsismodernmansignoranceofhisownscriptural
treasures.
SwamiSivanandacameontheIndianscene,intheearlythirties,toblastthisignoranceofthe
peoplebyofferingthehoarywisdomoftheancientsthroughthemediaofhissimpleEnglish
writings.Itiswellknownthatspiritualtreatisesapart,thegreatMaster,whoseloveformankind
knewnobounds,wroteanumberofbooksconcerninghealth,hygieneandmedicine.Onesuch

bookwas"PracticeofBrahmacharya"whichdealtmostlywiththesubjectofcelibacy,andwhere
celibacywasnotpossible,aregulatedsexlife.Thisbookhasbeenpopularwiththepublic.
Thisapart,theSwamijisthoughtsonthesubjectofsexandsexsublimationarealsotobeseenhere
andtherespreadoverhisvoluminouswritings.Inthepresentvolume,allofSwamijisthoughtsand
instructionsonthesubjectofsexandcelibacyhavebeengatheredupfrom"Practiceof
Brahmacharya"andelsewhere,andthoroughlyedited,withaviewtoofferingthepublic,and
especiallytotheyoungergeneration,aworkingguidetothevitalsubjectofsexsublimation.This
hasbeendoneasanactoflovingservicetomodernyouthwhoareoftenleftgropinginthedarkby
anirresponsiblesociety.Thesedaysweoftenhearabout"juveniledelinquency,"butthisjuvenile
delinquencyitselfistheresultofadultirresponsibility.Theyouthoftheworldcravesforguidance
whichisoftennotforthcomingfromtheparents,teachersorsociety.
ItishopedthatthisbookofholyMasterSwamiSivanandawillfilltheabovementionedlacunaand
offertheyouthoftheworldtheknowledgeandguidancewhichtheysorichlydeserveinavitalarea
whichaffectstheirphysical,mental,ethicalandspiritualwellbeing.
WepraythattheblessingsoftheholyMastermaypouronallthosewhomaychancetogothrough
thefollowingpagesandopenupanewchapterintheirlives.Mayallbehealthy,happyand
spirituallyblessed.LokaSamasthaSukhinoBhavantu!
8thSeptember,1988.
THEDIVINELIFESOCIETY

PRAYERFORPURITY
OlovingLordofCompassion!HeyPrabhu!TheSoulofmysoul,theLifeofmylife,theMindof
mymind,theEarofmyears,Lightoflights,Sunofsuns!Givelightandpurity.Letmeget
establishedinphysicalandmentalBrahmacharya.Letmebepureinthoughts,wordanddeed.Give
mestrengthtocontrolmyIndriyas(senses)andobservetheBrahmacharyaVrata.Protectmefrom
allsortsoftemptationsofthisworld.LetallmyIndriyasbeeverengagedinThysweetservice.
WipeoutthesexualSamskaras(impressions)andVasanas(subtledesires).Annihilatelustfrommy
mind.MakemeatrueBrahmachari,SadachariandOordhvaretaYogi.Letmebechasteinmylook.
Letmealwayswalkinthepathofrighteousness.MakemeaspureasSwamiVivekananda,Swami
Dayananda,BhishmaPitamaha,HanumanorLakshmana.Forgive.ForgiveallmyAparadhas
(offenses).IamThine.IamThine.Trahi,Trahi.Protect,protect.Prachodayat,Prachodayat.
Enlighten,enlighten.Guideme.Om.Om.Om.

DedicatedtotheYouthoftheWorld

SECTIONI.THEPHENOMENONOFSEX
1.THEPRESENTDAYDEGRADATION

Thereisagreatillusioninfrontofman.Ittroubleshimintheformofwoman.Thereisagreat
illusioninfrontofwoman.Ittroublesherintheformofman.
GowhereveryoulikeAmsterdam,LondonorNewYork.Analyzethisworldofphenomenal
experience.Youwillfindonlytwothingssexandego.
Thesexinstinctisthegreatesturgeinhumanlife.Sexenergyorlustisthemostdeeprooted
instinctinman.Sexenergyentirelyfillsthemind,intellect,Prana,sensesandthewholebody.Itis
theoldestofthefactorsthathavegoneintotheconstitutionofthehumanbeing.
Amanhasathousandandonedesires.Butthecentralstrongdesireisthesexualdesire.The
fundamentaldesireistheurgeforamate.Allhangonthiscentralbasicdesire.Thedesirefor
money,thedesireforason,thedesireforproperty,thedesireforhouses,thedesireforcattleand
otherdesirescomelateron.
Becausethewholecreationofthisuniverseistobekeptup,Godhasmadethesexualdesirevery,
verypowerful.Otherwise,manyJivanmuktaswouldhavecroppedupquiteeasily,justasgraduates
fromuniversities.Itiseasytogetuniversityqualifications.Itdemandsalittlemoney,memory,
intelligenceandalittlestrain.Butitisanuphillclimbtoobliteratethesexualimpulse.Hewhohas
completelyeradicatedlustandisestablishedinmentalBrahmacharyaisBrahmanorGodHimself.
Thisworldisnothingbutsexandego.Egoisthechiefthing.Itisthebasis.Sexhangsontheego.If
theegoisdestroyedbyVicharaorenquiryof"WhoamI?",thesexideatakestoitsheelsbyitself.
Man,masterofhisdestiny,haslosthisdivinegloryandhasbecomeaslave,atool,inthehandsof
sexandegoonaccountofignorance.SexandegoaretheproductsofAvidyaornescience.The
dawnofknowledgeoftheSelfannihilatesthesetwoenemiesofAtman,thetwodacoitswhoare
plunderingthehelpless,ignorant,little,falseJiva,theillusory"I".
Manhasdegradedhimselftoagreatdegreebybecomingthepuppetofpassion.Alas!Hehas
becomeanimitativemachine.Hehaslosthispowerofdiscrimination.Hehassunkintothemost
abjectformofslavery.Whatasadstate!Whatalamentableplightindeed!Ifhewishestoregainhis
lostdivinestateandBrahmicglory,hiswholebeingmustbetransformed,hissexdesiremustbe
completelytransmutedbysublimedivinethoughtsandregularmeditation.Transmutationofthesex
desireisaverypotent,efficaciousandsatisfactorywaytorealizeeternalbliss.
Theworldisallsexy
Passionreignssupremeinallpartsoftheworld.Themindsofpeoplearefilledwithsexual
thoughts.Theworldisallsexy.Thewholeworldisunderatremendoussexualintoxication.Allare
deludedandmoveintheworldwithpervertedintellects.NothoughtofGod.NotalkofGod.Itis
allfashion,restaurants,hotels,dinners,dances,racesandcinema.Theirlifeendsineating,drinking
andprocreating.Thatisall.
PassionhasintroducednewfashionsnotonlyinLondon,ParisandLahore,buteveninMadras
amongsttheBrahmingirlsoforthodoxfamilieswhoapplyCherryBlossomPowderandHazeline
Snowtotheirfaces,insteadofthesacredturmericpowder,anddresstheirhairliketheFrenchgirls.
ThissortofvileimitationhascreptintothemindofourboysandgirlsinIndia.Thesacredpercepts
andteachingsofourancientsagesandRishishavebeentotallyignored.Whatalamentablestate!
TheywillacceptanythingastrueonlyifaJohnsonoraRusselbringssomethingbywayofthe
theoryofevolution,motion,atom,relativityortranscendentalism.Shamefulindeed!Theirbrains
areallcloggedwithforeignparticles.Theydonothavethebraintoabsorbanythinggoodinothers.
ThereisamiserabledegenerationinthepresentyoungmenandwomeninIndia.Thisistheage
whentheycannotwalkevenashortdistancewithoutaRickshaw,acar,atram,abicycleora
carriage.Whatanawfulartificiallife!BobbingofthehairamongsttheladiesinIndiahasbecomea

severeepidemicandhasinvadedthewholeofIndia.Thisisallduetothemischiefofpassionand
greed.
YoungmenofthepresentdayindiscriminatelyimitatetheWestandthisresultsintheirownruin.
Menareswayedbylust.Theylosetheirsenseofrighteousness,andoftimeandplace.Theynever
discriminatebetweenrightandwrong.Theyloseallsenseofshame.
Readthehistoryofthecrimesrobbery,rapes,kidnapping,assaults,murdersthatcomeupfor
trialbeforetheSessionsCourts.Lustisattherootofallthis.Itmaybelustformoneyorlustfor
carnalpleasure.Lustruinslife,lustre,strength,vitality,memory,wealth,fame,holiness,peace,
wisdomanddevotion.
Man,withhisboastedintellect,hastolearnlessonsfrombirdsandanimals.Evenanimalshave
moreselfcontrolthanmen.Itisonlythesocalledmanwhohasdegradedhimselfmuchby
indulgence.Attheheatofsexualexcitement,herepeatsthesameignobleactagainandagain.He
hasnotabitofselfcontrol.Heisanabsoluteslavetopassion.Heisapuppetinthehandsof
passion.Likerabbitsheprocreatesandbringsforthcountlesschildrentoswellupthenumbersof
beggarsintheworld.Lions,elephants,bullsandotherpowerfulanimalshavebetterselfcontrol
thanmen.Lionscohabitonlyonceinayear.Afterconception,thefemaleanimalswillneverallow
themaleanimalstoapproachthemtilltheyoungonesareweanedandtheythemselvesbecome
healthyandstrong.Manonlyviolatesthelawsofnatureandconsequentlysuffersfrominnumerable
diseases.Hehasdegeneratedtoalevelfarlowerthanthatofanimalsinthisrespect.
Asakingisnokingwithoutatreasury,subjectsandanarmy,asaflowerisnoflowerwithout
fragrance,asariverisnoriverwithoutwater,soalso,amanisnomanwithoutBrahmacharya.
Ahara,Nidra,BhayaandMaithunafood,sleep,fearandcopulationarecommontobothanimals
andmen.ThatwhichdifferentiatesamanfromananimalisDharma,VivekaandVicharaSakti.
JnanaandVicharacanbesecuredonlybythepreservationofVeerya.Ifamanhasnotgotthese
qualifications,heshouldreallybereckonedasaveritableanimalonly.
Iflust,whichisthesourceofallenjoymentsinthisworld,ceases,thenallworldlybondage,which
hasitssubstratuminthemind,willcease.Eventhemostvirulentpoisonisnopoisonwhen
comparedtolust.Theformerdefilesonebodyonly,whereasthelatteradulteratesmanybodiesin
successivebirths.Youareaslaveofpassionsanddesires,emotionsandattractions.Whenareyou
goingtoriseupfromthismiserablestate?Thosepersons,who,inspiteoftheknowledgeofthe
nonexistenceofhappiness,bothinthepastandinthepresent,inthebanefulobjectsoftheworld,
doyetentanglethemselvesinthemwiththeirthoughtsclingingtothem,deservetheappellationof
anass,ifnotaworseone.IfyoudonotpossessViveka,ifyoudonottryyourbestforsalvation,if
youspendyourlifetimeineating,drinkingandsleeping,youareahorizontalbeingonly,havingto
learnsomelessonsfromthoseanimals,whichpossessfarmoreselfrestraint.
Thesexualdegradationthathasovertakenmankindtodayisduedirectlytothefactthatpeoplehave
assumedthatthereisanatural"sexualinstinct"inhumanbeings.Itisnotso.Thenaturalinstinctis
theprocreativeone.Ifmenandwomenrestrictsexualindulgencetomereprocreation,thenthat
itselfisobservanceofBrahmacharya.Asthisisfoundtobeimpossibleinthevastmajorityofcases,
totalabstinenceisenjoinedonthosewhoseekthehighervaluesoflife.AsfarastheSadhakaof
burningMumukshutvaisconcerned,celibacyisasinequanon,ashecannotaffordtowastehis
vitalenergyatall.
Thegratificationofeveryworldlydesireissinfulthefleshshouldbetheabjectslaveofthespirit
intentupondivinethings.ManwascreatedforalifeofspiritualcommunionwithGod,buthe
yieldedtotheseductionofevildemonswhoavailedthemselvesofthesensuoussideofhisnatureto
drawhimawayfromthecontemplationofthedivineandleadhimtotheearthlylife.Moral
goodness,therefore,consistsinrenouncingallsensuouspleasures,inseparatingfromtheworld
throughdiscriminationanddispassion,inlivingsolelyafterthespirit,inimitatingtheperfection

andpurityofGod.Sensualityisinconsistentwithwisdomandholiness.Thegreatbusinessoflifeis
toavoidimpurity.
SpiritualSadhanaistheanswertosexattraction
RealcultureistheestablishmentofperfectphysicalandmentalBrahmacharya.Realcultureisthe
realizationoftheidentityoftheindividualsoulwiththeSupremeSoulthroughdirectexperience.
Forapassionateworldlymindedman,thetermsSelfrealization,God,Self,Vairagya,renunciation,
deathandburialgroundareveryrevoltingandterrifying,becauseheisattachedtoobjects.The
termssinging,dancing,talksaboutwomenandsoonareverypleasing.
Theattractionforobjectswillgraduallyvanishifonebeginstothinkseriouslyoftheunrealnature
oftheworld.Peopleareburntbythefireoflust.Allmeasuresthatarecalculatedtoeradicatethis
dirediseaseshouldbeinitiatedandputthrough.Allpeopleshouldbemadefullyconversantwith
thedifferentmethodsthatwillhelpthemtorootoutthedireenemylust.Iftheyfailinonemethod,
theycantakerecoursetoanother.Lustisabrutalinstinctinunregeneratedmen.Oneshouldbe
ashamedtorepeatagainandagainthesensualactswhenoneisfullyawarethatthegoaloflifeis
Selfrealizationthroughtheattainmentofpurityandthepracticeofconstantmeditation.An
objectormaysaythatthesetopicsshouldnotbedealtwithopenly,butshouldratherbetalkedabout
secretly.Thisiswrong.Whatistheuseofhidingthings?Hidingathingisasin.
Inthesedaysofmoderncultureandnewcivilization,inthiseraofscientificadvancement,these
linesmaynotberelishedbysomepeople.Theymayremarkthatsomeofthetermsarejarring,
revolting,offendingandindecentandwillnotsuitthepeopleofrefinedtastes.Theyareentirely
mistaken.Theselineswillproduceaverydeepimpressioninthemindsofthirstingaspirantswho
arelongingforliberation.Theirmindswillbeentirelychanged.Thereisnorealspiritualculture
amongstthepeopleofmodernsociety.Etiquetteismereshow.Everywhereyoucanseemuchshow,
hypocrisy,pretendedpoliteness,meaninglessformalitiesandconventions.Nothingemanatesfrom
thecoreoftheheart.Peoplelacksincerityandintegrity.TheutterancesoftheMahavakyasofthe
sagesandthevaluableteachingsofthescriptureswillnotproduceanyimpressioninthemindsof
passionate,worldlymindedpersons.Theywillbelikeseedsthrowninrockysoil.Theywillbelike
pearlsthrownbeforeswine.
Ifoneclearlyunderstandstheseriousdamagethatcomesthroughanimpurelifeanddeterminesto
attainthegoaloflifebyleadingapurelife,hemustkeephismindbusilyengagedindivine
thoughts,concentration,meditation,studyandserviceofhumanity.
LackofspiritualSadhanaisthemaincauseforallsexualattractions.Meretheoreticalabstention
fromsensualitywillnotbringyougoodresults.Youmustmercilesslycutoffallformalitiesinsocial
lifeandleadapiouslifefreedfromthebusinessofbodilyexistence.Leniencytointernallower
tendencieswilllandyouintheregionofsuffering.Excusewillbeofnouseinthisrespect.You
mustbesincereinyourquestforthesublimelifeofspirituality.Halfheartednesswillleaveyouin
youroldstateofmisery.
Wakeup,friends,fromthismireofillusorySamsaranow.Passionhaswroughtgreathavocinyou
asyouaredrownedinAvidya.Howmanymillionsoffathers,mothers,wivesandsonsyouhave
hadinpreviousbirths!Thisbodyisfullofimpurities.Whatashameitistoembracethisfilthy
body!Itismerefoolishnessonly.GiveupMohaforthisbody.Also,giveupidentificationwiththis
bodybymeditatinguponthegloryoftheSuddhaAtman.Giveupworshipofthebody.Worshippers
ofthebodyareAsurasandRakshasas.
Brahmacharyatheneedofthehour

Mydearbrothers!Rememberthatyouarenotthisperishablebodyoffleshandbones.Youarethe
immortal,allpervading,SatChitAnandaAtman.ThouartAtman.Thouartlivingtruth.Thouart
Brahman.Thouartabsoluteconsciousness.Youcanattainthissupremestateonlybyleadingalife
oftrueBrahmacharya.ThespiritofBrahmacharyamustpervadeyourentirelifeandallyour
actions.
PeopletalkofBrahmacharya,butpracticalmenarerareindeed.Alifeofcontinenceisreallybeset
withdifficulties.Butthepathbecomessmoothforamanofirondetermination,patienceand
perseverance.Wewantreal,practicalmeninthefield,menwhoarepracticalBrahmacharis,men
whocanimpresspeoplebytheirstrongphysique,ideallives,noblecharacterandspiritualstrength.
Mereidletalkisofnousewhatsoever.Wehavehadenoughofidletalkersinthefieldandonthe
platforms.Letsomepracticalmencomeforwardandleadtheyoungstersbytheirexemplary,lives
andspiritualaura.Letmeremindyouoncemore!Exampleisbetterthanprecept.
Theaveragelifeofmankindhasshrunktofortyyearsasagainstthenaturalhundredyears.Every
wellwisherofthecountrymustthinkoverthismostdisgracefulanddisastrousstateofaffairsvery
carefullyandapplytheproperremediesintime.Thefuturewellbeingofthecountryrestsentirely
ontheyouth.ItisthedutyoftheSannyasins,saints,teachers,professorsandparentstoreintroduce
thelifeofcelibacyinyoungsters.Ipraythattheeducationalauthoritiesandtheelderswillpaytheir
specialattentiontothisvitalsubjectofBrahmacharyafortheupliftofthefuturegeneration.
Trainingoftheyouthmeansnationbuilding.
ThefuturewellbeingofIndiarestsentirelyonBrahmacharyaandBrahmacharyaalone.Itisthe
dutyofSannyasinsandYogistotrainstudentsinBrahmacharya,toteachAsanaandPranayamaand
disseminatetheknowledgeofAtmanfarandwide.Theycandoalotinimprovingthesituationas
theyarewholetimemen.TheyshouldcomeoutoftheircavesandKutirsforLokaSangraha.
Ifourmotherlandwantstorisehighinthescaleofnations,herchildren,bothmaleandfemale,
shouldstudytheimportantsubjectofBrahmacharyainallitsbearings,understanditssupreme
importanceandobservethegreatVratastrictly.
Inconclusion,Iferventlypray,withfoldedhands,thatyouallshouldsincerelystrugglehardto
controlpassiontheenemyofpeaceandprosperitybySadhana.AtrueBrahmachariisthereal
mightyemperorofthisworld.MysilentadorationstoallBrahmacharins!Gloryuntothem!
MayyoubeseatedfirmastheMahameruinyourSatchidanandaSvarupawithoutanyimpure,
lustfulthought!MayGodblesstheaspirantswithstrengthandenergyforkeepingup
Brahmacharya!Mayyou,withapure,stainlessmind,unintermittentlybeinthecognitionofyour
AtmicReality!Mayyou,withoutworldlydesiresandambition,restinThatwhicheverisinthe
midstoftheenjoyerandtheenjoyed!
Maythedivinesplendourshineinyourface!Maythedivineflamegrowbrighterinyouall!May
thedivinepowerandpeaceabideinyouforever!OmSanti!Santi!Santi!

2.THEWORKINGOFTHESEXIMPULSE
Manwishestohavechildrentomaintaintheraceorline.Thisisthereproductiveinstinct.The
desiretocopulateproceedsfromthissexualinstinct.Thestrengthofthesexualdesiredependsupon
thesexualimpulse.
AccordingtotheGita,impulseisVegamorforce.LordKrishnasays,"Hewhoisabletoendure
hereonearth,beforeheisliberatedfromthebody,theforcebornofdesireandpassion,heis
harmonised,heisahappyman".

Impulseisamightyforce.Itexertsinfluenceonthemind.Itisaforcesuddenlycommunicatedto
themind.
Justaspetrolorsteammovestheengine,theinstinctsandimpulsesmovethisbody.Theinstincts
aretheprimemoversofallhumanactivities.TheygiveapushtothebodyandmovetheIndriyasto
action.Theinstinctscreatehabits.Theinstinctiveimpulsessupplythedrivingpowerbywhichall
mentalactivitiesarekeptup.Theseimpulsesarementalforces.Theyoperatethroughthemindand
theintellect.Theymouldthelifeofaman.Themysteryoflifeliesinthem.
TheattractiontowardswomeninmenisbornofRajas.Thatunknownattractionandhappinessin
theircompanyistheseedoftheseximpulse.Thisattraction,whichislikeabubbleinthe
beginning,lateronassumestheformofaformidable,uncontrollablewaveofstrongpassionor
sexualappetite.Beware.GeneratethespiritualwaveofdevotionthroughJapa,Satsanga,meditation
andVicharaandkillthisattractioninthebud.
Youmustunderstandthepsychologicalworkingoftheseximpulse.Whenthereareitchesonthe
body,merescratchingofthemisapleasure.Theseximpulseisonlyanervousitching.The
satisfactionofthisimpulsebegetsadelusivepleasure,butithasadisastrouseffectonthespiritual
wellbeingoftheperson.
TheflowerybowofCupid
Lustispowerful.Itcarriesaflowerybowequippedwithfivearrows,namely,Mohana,Stambhana,
Unmadana,SoshanaandTapanafascination,stupefaction,intoxication,emaciationandburning.
Onearrowcausesfascinationinyoungmenwhentheyseeabeautifulform.Anotherarreststheir
attention.Thethirdintoxicatesthem.Thefourtharrowcausesintenseattractiontowardstheform.
Thefiftharrowinflamesandburnstheirheart.Itpiercestheircardiacchambersdeeply.Nooneon
thisearth,nay,inallthethreeworlds,hasthepowertoresistthepotentialinfluenceofthesearrows.
ThesearrowspiercedeventheheartofLordSivaandmanyRishisofyore.Thesearrowsinduced
evenIndratomolestAhalya.Cupiddirectlyshootsanarrowthroughthebewitchingeyebrowsand
piercingglancesofayoungladywithtenderwaist,rosycheeksandredlips.Moonlitnight,scents
andperfumes,flowersandgarlands,sandalpaste,meatandliquor,theatresandnovelsarehis
mightyweaponstodeludethepassionateyoungmen.Reasonanddiscriminationtaketotheirheels
themomenttheirheartsarefilledwithburningpassion.Theyallbecomeabsolutelyblind.Cupid
makesintellectualpersons,greatorators,ministersandresearchscholars,doctorsandbarristers,as
pleasuredeerorpetdogsinthelapsofyoungladies.Reasonhastemporarilytakenitsseatinthe
dryintellectofalearnedpunditoraprofessor.Hehasnorealstamina.Cupidknowshisstrength.
Cupidreignssupremeeverywhere.Hepenetratestheheartsofall.Heknowshowtotickletheir
nerves.Withinthetwinklingofaneyehedestroysreason,discriminationandunderstandingby
simplyinflamingthepassionofyoungmen.
EvenindreamsCupidhasfullsway,evenwhenalltheIndriyasaresilent.Ladiesarehisinfallible
agents!Theyarealwaysathisbeckandcall.Cupidoperatesthroughtheirsmiles,bewitching
glancesandsweetwords,throughtheirmelodioussongsandballdances.Younggirlsworkquickly
theruinofmenandcandisturbthepeaceofeventhemindsofsages.Cupidcanmakethenervous
systemofBrahmacharinsquiverinthedeliriumofimaginarypleasureevenwhentheythinkofthe
picturesofyoung,beautifulladies,evenwhentheyhearthegentlesoundsoftheirbraceletsand
anklets,evenwhentheythinkoftheirbloomingfaces.Whattospeakoftouchthen?
TheSamskarasinthesubconsciousmind
AsexualactproducesaSamskaraorimpressioninthesubconsciousmindorChitta.ThisSamskara
raisesaVrittiorthoughtwaveinthemindandtheVrittiagaincausesaSamskara.Enjoyment
thickenstheVasanas.Throughmemoryandimagination,arevivalofthesexualdesirecomesin.

Remembranceoftheimageofawomanunsettlesthemind.Whenatigerhasoncetastedhuman
blood,italwaysrunstokillhumanbeings.Itbecomesamaneater.Evenso,whenthemindhas
oncetastedsexualpleasures,italwaysrunsafterwomen.
FromthebedofSamskarasandVasanasinthemindemanatesKalpanaorimaginationthrough
Smritiormemory.Thencomesattachment.Alongwithimagination,emotionandimpulsemanifest.
Emotionandimpulseexistsidebyside.Thencomessexualirritationcravingandburninginthe
mindandthroughoutthebody.Theirritationandburninginthemindpercolateintothephysical
body,justasthewaterinsideapotpercolatesintothesurfaceofthepot.Ifyouareveryvigilant,
youcandriveoffthebadimaginationintheverybeginningitselfandaverttheimpendingdanger.
Evenifyouallowthethiefimaginationtoenterthefirstgate,keepacarefulwatchatthesecond
gatewhenthesexualirritationmanifests.Youcanstoptheburningnow.Youcanstopalso,easily,
thestrongsexualimpulsefrombeingtransmittedtotheIndriyaitself.Drawthesexenergyup
towardsthebrainthroughUddiyanaandKumbhaka.Divertthemind.ChantOmoranyother
Mantrawithconcentration.Pray,meditate.Ifyoustillfinditdifficulttocontrolthemind,
immediatelyseekSatsangaanddonotremainalone.Whenthestrongimpulsemanifestssuddenly
andistransmittedtotheorgan,youforgeteverythingandbecomeblind.Youbecomeapreytolust.
Lateronyourepent.
Eveninablindmanwhoisacelibatewhohasnotseenthefaceofawoman,thesexualimpulseis
verystrong.Why?ThisisduetotheforceofSamskarasorimpressionsofpreviousbirthsthatare
embeddedinthesubconsciousmind.Whateveryoudo,whateveryouthink,arealllodgedor
printedorindeliblyimpressedinthelayersoftheChittaorsubconsciousmind.Theseimpressions
canbeburntorobliteratedonlybythedawnofknowledgeofAtmanortheSupremeSelf.Whenthe
sexualVasanafillsthewholemindandbody,theSamskarasassumetheformofbigVrittisorwaves
andtormentthepoorblindman.
Itiseasytocontroltheconsciousmind.Butitisverydifficulttocontrolthesubconsciousmind.
YoumaybeaSannyasi.Youmaybeamoralman.Markhowthemindbehavesorconductsitselfin
dreams.Youbegintostealindreams.Youcommitadulteryindreams.Theseximpulses,ambitions
andlowdesiresareallingrainedinyouanddeeprootedinthesubconsciousmind.Destroythe
subconsciousmindanditsSamskarasthroughVichara,BrahmaBhavanaandmeditationonOm
anditsmeaning.AmanwhoisestablishedinmentalBrahmacharyacanneverhaveevenasingle
thoughtofevilindreams.Hecanneverhaveabaddream.ThereisalackofVicharaorVivekain
dream.Thatisthereasonwhyyougetbaddreams,eventhoughyouarepureintheJagratstate
throughthepowerofVivekaandVichara.
Anaspirantcomplains:"AsIcontinuemeditation,layerafterlayerofimpuritieskeeprisingfrom
thesubconsciousmind.SometimestheyaresostrongandformidablethatIambewilderedasto
howtocheckthem.IamnotperfectlyestablishedintruthandinBrahmacharya.Theoldhabitsof
lustandofspeakingliesarestilllurkinginme.Lustistroublingmevigorously.Theveryideaof
womenagitatesmymind.MymindissosensitivethatIamnotabletohearorthinkofthem.As
soonasthethoughtcomesinthemind,mySadhanagetsdisturbed,andalso,thepeaceofthewhole
dayisspoiled.Iadvisemymind,coaxit,frightenit,butitisofnoavail.Mymindrevolts.Idonot
knowhowtocontrolthispassion.Irritability,egoism,anger,greed,hatredandattachmentarestill
lurkinginme.Lustismychiefenemyanditisaverystrongonetoo.Irequestyoutobekind
enoughtoadvisemeastohowtodestroyit".
Whentheimpuritiesemergefromthesubconsciousmindandcometothesurfaceoftheconscious
mindwithformidableforce,donottrytoresistthem.RepeatyourIshtaMantra.Donotthinkof
yourdefectsorevilqualitiesmuch.Itisenoughifyouintrospectandfindoutyourdefects.Donot
trytoattacktheevilqualities.Thentheywillshowtheirlongfaces.Developpositivevirtues.Do
notworryyourselfoften:"Ihavegotsomanydefectsandweaknesses".CultivateSattvicvirtues.

Throughmeditation,andbythedevelopmentofpositivequalities,throughthePratipakshaBhavana
method,allthenegativequalitieswilldiebythemselves.Thisistherightmethod.
Youmaybecomeold,yourhairmayturngray,butyourmindiseveryoung.Thecapacitymay
vanish,butthecravingremainsevenwhenyouhavereachedadvancedsenility.Cravingsarethe
realseedsofbirth.ThesecravingseedsgiverisetoSankalpaandaction.ThewheelofSamsarais
keptrevolvingbythesecravings.Niptheminthebud.Thenonlywillyoubesafe.Youwillget
Moksha.BrahmaBhavana,BrahmaChintana,meditationonOmanddevotionwillrootoutthese
cravingseedswhicharelaiddeep.Youwillhavetodigthemoutproperlyinvariouscornersand
burnthembeyondresurrection.ThenonlyyoureffortswillbearthefruitofNirvikalpaSamadhi.
Onestudentwritestome:"Theimpurefleshandskinappeartomeasverypureandgood.Iam
verylustful.ItrytodevelopmentallytheBhavaofmotherinallwomen.Iprostratebeforealady
mentally,thinkingthatsheisanimageofGoddessKali,andyetmymindisextremelylustful.What
shallIdonow?Idesireagainandagaintohaveaglimpseofabeautifullady".Obviously,Vairagya
anddiscriminationhavenotdawnedinhismindevenabit.TheoldviciousSamskarasandVasanas
areverypowerful.
EvenapureBrahmachariwillbetroubledinthebeginningbycuriosity.Hewillbecurioustoknow
andfeelwhatsortofhappinessthesexualenjoymentwillgive.Hethinkssometimes:"Letmehave
thecarnalknowledgeofawomanonce.ThenIwillbeabletorootoutthissexualimpulseand
desirecompletely.Thissexualcuriosityistroublingmeverymuch".Mindwantstodeludethis
Brahmachari.Mayahavocsthroughcuriosity.Curiosityistransmutedintoastrongdesire.
Enjoymentcannotbringsatisfactionofadesire.Thewisewayistokillthestrongwaveofcuriosity
byVicharaorenquiryaboutthatpuresexlessAtman,bytotallyeradicatingthesexualdesire
throughconstantmeditation,andbythinkingoverthegloryofBrahmacharyaandthedefectsofan
impurelife.
Howtogaugeyourownmentalpurity
Thesightofayoungbeautifulgirlproducesinapassionateyoungmanattractionandagitationin
themind,piercingoftheheartandseriousintoxication.Ifthesesymptomsareabsentinaman,then
itisasigntodenotethatheisestablishedinBrahmacharya.Thesightofthepairingormatingof
birdsandanimals,orthesightofthebarebodyofalady,shouldnotproducetheleastagitationin
themind.
IfafeelingarisesinthemindofaBrahmachariforthecompanyofawomanduringtimesof
ailment,ifthereisastrongdesiretobeinhercompany,ifthereisadesiretotalk,playandjoke
withher,ifthereisadesiretolookatyoungbeautifulgirls,ifthelookisunholyandunchaste,and
ifthereisadesireinthemindwhenthereispaininthebodyfortouchbythehandsoffemales,
rememberthatlustisstilllurkinginhismind.Thereisdeepsexualcraving.Thisshouldbe
destroyed.Theoldthiefisstillhiding.SuchaBrahmacharimustbeverycareful.Heisstillwithin
thedangerzone.Hehasnotattainedthestateofpurity.Evenindreamsthereshouldnotariseinthe
mindanycravingforthetouchofafemaleandthecompanyofawoman.Onespuritycanbe
gaugedbyonesexperiencesindream.Ifoneisentirelyfreefromanysexualthoughtindreams,he
hasreachedtheclimaxofpurity.Selfanalysisandintrospectionareindispensablerequisitesto
determinethestateofonesmind.
AJnaniwillhavenowetdreams.HewhoisestablishedinBrahmacharyawillnotgetevenasingle
baddream.Dreamservesasacriteriontojudgeourmentalstateorthedegreeofourmentalpurity.
Ifyoudonotgetimpuredreams,youaregrowinginpurity.
Theveryideaofsexshouldvanishfromthemind.Sukadevahadthisexperience.Sukadidnot
marry.Helefthishomeandroamedabouttheworldatlarge,starknaked.Theseparationwasvery

painfulforhisfather,Vyasa.Vyasawentoutinsearchofhisson.Whilehepassedbyatank,the
Apsaras,whowerefreelyindulginginplay,feltashamedandputontheirclotheshastily.Vyasa
said,"Verystrangeindeed!Iamold.Iamputtingonclothes.Butwhenmysonpassedthisway
naked,youkeptquiet,youremainedunmoved".TheApsarasreplied,"Ovenerablesage,thyson
knowsnotmanandwoman,butthouknowest".
Eradicationoflustisnoeasytask
Youwillhavetosearchoutcarefullythisdireenemy,lustthatlieshiddeninthevariouscornersof
yourheart.Justasthefoxhidesitselfwithinthebush,soalso,thislusthidesitselfinthesubstratum
andcornersofthemind.Youcandetectitspresenceonlyifyouarevigilant.Intenseself
examinationisverynecessary.Justaspowerfulenemiescanbeconqueredonlyifyouattackthem
fromallsides,soalso,youcankeepthepowerfulsensesundercontrolonlyifyouattackthemfrom
allsides,fromwithinandfromwithout,fromaboveandfrombeneath.Thesensesarevery
turbulent.Thepowerfulvirusthatcausessyphilisisattackedonallsidesbythedoctorbyvarious
contrivancessuchasinunctionorlocalrubbing,injection,mixtureandpowder.Soalso,thesenses
mustbecontrolledbyvariousmethodssuchasfasting,restrictionindiet,Pranayama,Japa,Kirtan,
meditation,Vicharaorenquiryof"WhoamI?",Pratyaharaorabstraction,Damaorselfrestraint,
Asanas,Bandhas,Mudras,thoughtcontrolanddestructionofVasanas.
Safeguardyourselfagainsttheerroroffoolishlyimaginingthatyouhavesucceededingettingridof
lustbythemerefactofhavinglivedasinglelifeforanumberofyearsorexperiencingalittle
feelingofserenityorpurity.Youmustnotlabourunderthedelusionthatyouhaveeradicatedlust
completelybyadjustingthedietabit,bypractisingPranayamaandbydoingalittleJapa,andthat
youhavenothingmoretodo.TemptationorMaramayovercomeyouatanymoment.Eternal
vigilanceandrigorousSadhanaareveryessential.YoucannotattainperfectBrahmacharyaby
limitedeffort.Justasamachinegunisnecessarytokillapowerfulenemy,soalso,constant,
vigorous,powerfulSadhanaisnecessarytoannihilatethispowerfulenemy,lust.Youmustnotbe
puffedupwithprideforyourlittleachievementincelibacy.Ifyouareputtotest,youwill
hopelesslyfail.Youmustbeeverconsciousofyourshortcomingsandyoumustconstantlystriveto
getridofthem.Thehighesteffortisnecessary.Thenonlyyouwillhavesanguinesuccessinthis
direction.
Itiseasytotameawildtigeroralionoranelephant.Itiseasytoplaywiththecobra.Itiseasyto
walkoverthefire.Itiseasytodevourfireanddrinkthewatersoftheocean.Itiseasytouprootthe
Himalayas.Itiseasytogetvictoryinthebattlefield.But,itisdifficulttoeradicatelust.Rightfrom
theearlierstagesofevolutionthroughtheages,theinstinctiveurgeforreproductionand
multiplicationhasbeenkeptuponlybythepoweroflust.Therefore,despitealleffortsat
controllingandsubduingit,thepowertriestomanifestitselfforciblyandoverwhelmtheSadhaka
oraspirant.
Allthesame,youneednotdespairevenabit.HavefaithinGod,inHisNameandHisgrace.Lust
cannotbecompletelyrootedoutofthemindexceptbythegraceoftheLord.Youareboundto
succeedifyouhavefaithinHim.Youcandestroylustinthetwinklingofaneye.TheLordmakesa
dumbmanspeakandalamemanascendasteephill.Merehumaneffortalonewillnotsuffice.The
divinegraceisneeded.Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.Ifyoudototalselfsurrender,Mother
HerselfdoestheSadhana.
RegularmeditationandJapaofaMantra,Sattvicdiet,Satsanga,practiceofPranayama,Sirshaand
SarvangaAsanas,studyofreligiousbooks,Vicharaandseclusionforthreemonthsonthebanksof
anyholyriverwillentirelyannihilatelust,howeverpowerfultheoldSamskarasandVasanasmay
be.Thepositivealwaysovercomesthenegative.Youneednotbediscouragedatanyrate.Plunge
yourselfseriouslyinmeditation,killthisMara,andcomeoutvictoriousinthestruggle.Shineasa
brilliantYogi.ThouarteverpureAtman.Feelthis,OViswaranjan!

Sexualimpulsescan,withdifficulty,becontrolled.Arebellionofthesexualimpulsestakesplace
whenyouattempttocontrolthem.ConstantJapaandmeditationforalongperiodarenecessaryto
directthesexenergyintothespiritualchannel.CompletesublimationofthesexualenergyintoOjas
Saktiisnecessary.Thenonlyyouareperfectlysafe.ThenonlyyouwillbeestablishedinSamadhi,
asRasasvadwillentirelyvanish.Extremepatience,constantvigilance,perseveranceandrigorous
Sadhanaarenecessarytoeradicatethesexualimpulsesandattainperfectpurityinthought,word
anddeed.
Brahmacharyaorpuritycanbeattainedonlythroughconstantstriving.Itcannotbeachievedina
dayoraweek.Lustisdoubtlessverypowerful.Itisyourdeadlyenemy.Butyourmostpowerful
friendistheNameoftheLord.Itwilldestroylustfromitsveryroot.So,alwaysreciteandsing,
"Ram,Ram,Ram".
Yogicpractices,meditationandsoonwillattenuateorthinoutthesexualdesiretoaverygreat
extent.But,Selfrealizationalonecancompletelydestroyorburnthesexualdesireandthe
Samskarasintoto.AstheBhagavadgitarightlypointsout,"Theobjectsofthesensesturnaway
fromtheabstinentmanleavingthelongingbehind,butthislongingalsoturnsawayafterheattains
Selfrealization".
Sexurgeisacreativeforce.Unlessyouareinspiredbyspiritualideals,itisdifficulttokeepthe
sexualinstinctincheck.Directthesexenergytothehigherspiritualchannel.Itwillbesublimated.
Itwillbetransformedintodivineenergy.Completeeradicationoflust,however,cannotbedone
throughpersonaleffort.ItcanbeaccomplishedonlybyGodsgrace.

3.INTENSITYOFTHECRAVINGSINDIFFERENTPERSONS
Passionisaverystrongdesire.Amilddesirebecomesastrongpassionbyfrequentrepetitionor
frequentenjoyment.
Inabroadsense,passionmeansanystrongdesire.Thereispassionforservicetothecountryin
patriots.ThereispassionforGodrealizationinfirstclassaspirants.Insomepeople,thereisa
strongpassionfornovelreading.Thereispassionforreadingreligiousbooks.Butgenerally,in
commonparlance,passionmeanslustorastrongsexualappetite.Thisisaphysicalcravingfor
sexualorcarnalgratification.Whenanysexualactisrepeatedveryoften,thedesirebecomesvery
keenandstrong.Thesexualinstinctorthereproductiveinstinctinmaninvoluntarilypromptshim
toengageinsexualactsforthepreservationofhisspecies.
Passionistheinstinctiveurgeforexternalisationthroughselfpreservationandselfmultiplication.
Itisthediversifyingpower,whichisdirectlyopposedtotheforcethatmovestowardsthe
integrationofbeing.
PassionisaneffectorproductofAvidya.ItisanegativeVikarainthemind.Atmaniseverpure.
AtmanisVimalaorNirmalaorNirvikara.ItisNityaSuddha.AvidyaSaktihastakentheformof
passionforkeepinguptheLilaoftheLord.YouwillfindintheChandipathorDurgaSaptasati:
YaDeviSarvabhuteshuKamarupenaSamsthita
NamastasyaiNamastasyaiNamastasyaiNamoNamah
Itmeans:"IbowtothatDeviwhohastakentheformofpassioninallthesebeings".
EvenBrahma,theCreator,doesnotknowtheexactseatwhereinpassionlies.IntheBhagavadgita,
youwillfinditmentionedthatthesenses,themindandtheBuddhiaretheseatsofpassion.The
PranamayaKosaorthevitalsheathisanotherseat.Desireisallpervadinginthebody.Everycell,
everyatom,everymolecule,everyelectronissurchargedwithpassion.Thereareundercurrents,

crosscurrents,intercurrentsandsubmarinecurrentsinthemightyoceanofpassion.Youmust
completelyannihilateeachoneofthem.Youmustcompletelydestroypassioninallplaces.
PassionisaVrittiormodificationthatarisesfromthemindlakewhentheRajoGunapredominates.
Rajasicfoodsuchasmeat,fishandeggs,RajasicdressandtheRajasicwayofliving,scents,novel
reading,cinema,talkonsensualthings,badcompany,liquor,intoxicantsofalldescription,tobacco
alltheseexcitepassion.
Passioninchildren,theyouthandtheaged
Passionisinaseedstateinyoungboysandgirls.Itdoesnotgivethemanytrouble.Justasthetree
islatentintheseed,soalso,passionisinaseedstateinthemindsofchildren.Inoldmenand
women,passiongetssuppressed.Itcannotdoanyhavoc.Itisonlyinyoungmenandwomenwho
havereachedadolescencethatthispassionbecomestroublesome.Menandwomenbecomeslaves
topassion.Theybecomehelpless.
Thereisnotmuchdifferenceinsexbetweenamaleandafemale,aboyandagirl,whentheyare
veryyoung.Whentheyattainpuberty,thereisadrasticchange.Feelings,gestures,body,gait,talk,
look,movements,voice,qualitiesanddemeanourchangealtogether.
Thewholemangotreewithallitsbranches,leavesandfruitsiscontainedinasubtleforminthe
seed.Ittakestimeformanifestation.Evenso,theVasanaoflustlurksinthemindwhenyouarea
boy,manifestsateighteen,fillsthewholebodyattwentyfive,workshavocfromtwentyfiveto
fortyfiveandthengraduallydeclines.Variousformsofwrongdoingandmischiefarecommitted
byhumanbeingsbetweentwentyfiveandfortyfive.Thisisthemostcriticalperiodoflife.
Sexualthoughtinsages,spiritualaspirantsandhouseholders
InaJnani,thesexualcravingisentirelyeradicated.InaSadhaka,itremainswellcontrolled.Ina
householder,whennotcontrolled,itdoeshavoc.Itexistsinhiminitsfullyexpandedstate.He
cannotresistit.Heyieldstoithelplesslyonaccountofhisweakwillandlackoffirmresolution.
InaJnaniorasage,nosensualthoughtswillcropupinthemind.Therewillnotheanydifference
infeelingwhenheseesabeautifulyounggirl,achildoranoldlady.Hewillseetheoneunderlying,
eternal,immortalSelfinafemaleandamale.Hewillnothaveanydifferenceoffeelingwhenhe
touchesabook,alogofwood,apieceofstoneandthebodyofafemale.Thereisnoideaofsexin
aJnani.SuchmustbetheconditionofmindofamanwhoisestablishedinBrahmacharya.
Inanaspirant,therewillbeoccasionalsexualthoughts,buttheyarekeptundercheck.Theycannot
doanyhavocinhim.
Apassionatehouseholder,however,becomesapreytosexualthoughts.Apassionatemanofthe
worldwantstheconstantcompanyofhiswife.Theideaofsexisingrainedinhim.Itisvery
powerful.Hewantseverythingtobedonebyhiswife.Thenonlyheispleased.Thisissimplydue
topassion.Afterthedeathofhiswife,heneverrelisheshisfood,evenwhenitispreparedbyexpert
cooks.Suchpersonsarethoroughlyunfitforthespiritualline.Whenamanfeelsdisgustforthe
companyofawomanandcannottoleratehercompany,itisasigntoshowtheawakeningof
Vairagyainhim.
Ifyoukeeplemonjuiceortamarindjuiceinagoldencup,itisnotspoiledortainted.Ifyoukeepit
inabrassoracoppervessel,itgetsspoiledandbecomespoisonous.Evenso,iftherearesome
VishayaVrittisorsensualthoughtsinthepuremindofapersonwhopracticesconstantmeditation,
theywillnotpollutethemanandinduceVikaraorpassionateexcitement.Butiftherearesensual

thoughtsinpersonswithimpureminds,theycauseimmediateexcitementinthemwhentheycome
acrosssensualobjects.
Inthevastmajorityofpersons,thesexualcravingisveryintense.Theyhavegotextremesexual
hankering.Insome,thesexualdesireoccasionallycomes,butpassesoffquickly.Thereismere
agitationonly,ofasimplenatureinthemind.BythepropermethodofspiritualSadhana,thisalso
canbecompletelyeradicated.
Lustinmenandinwomen
Thoughaladyappearstobegentleandsoft,yetshebecomesrude,roughanddistinctlymasculine
whenshebecomesangry.Thefemininegracevanisheswhenshecomesundertheinfluenceof
wrath,indignation,furyandresentment.Haveyoueverseenwomenfightinginthestreets?Women
aremorejealousthanmen.TheyhavemoreMohaandpassionalso.Theyareeighttimesmore
passionatethanmen.Womenhavemorepowerofendurance.Theyaremoreemotional.Malesare
morerational.
Thoughfemalesaremorepassionate,yettheyhavemorepowerofrestraintthanmales.After
enticingmen,theykeepquiet.Therealculpritismanonly.Heisaggressive.Itishewhotastesthe
forbiddenfruitfirst.Heisactive.Hegoesoutofcontrolandloseshisintellect,powerof
understandingandjudgementwhenheisunderthegripofpassionandbecomesthesportinglap
dogofwoman.Whenoncemanfallsintothetrapornetspreadoutbywoman,thereisnoescape
forhim.
Womanispassive.Sheonlytemptsanddeludesman.Sheinflamesandexcitestheheartofman.
Shesmilesandglancesandthenkeepsquiet.Shewaits.Butmanistheaggressor.Heisthereal
culprit.
Manistheworstculprit.Heistherealseducer.Heistheaggressor.Heistheviolator.Allwomen
wouldhavebecomeMiras,MadalasasandSulabhashaditnotbeenforthisvilestnatureofman.He
mustbecorrectedandmouldedfirst.Hehasnotgotsomuchselfrestraintaswomenhave.Women
areeighttimesmorepassionatethanmen,butpossesseighttimesmorestrengthofcontroloverthe
sexualimpulsesorthesexualurge.Thisistheweaknessofman,thoughhemaybephysicallyand
intellectuallymorepowerfulthanawoman.
Womenflatter,coaxandcajoleyou.Theyareexpertsintheartofblandishment.Theyhavemade
youaslavebytheirwinningexpressions,actions,youthfulcharm,coquettishglances,gesturesand
smile.Aconsiderableportionofyourlifehasbeenwastedpursuingthephantomsofflesh.Women
appearcharmingonlyforashorttime,butturndestructiveofhealthandhappinesssoonafter.
Bewareofthesetemptresseswhoentangleyoubytheirblandishments.Passyourremainingdaysat
leastontheholybanksoftheGangainsilentJapaandmeditation.
Thescorpionhasthevenominitstail,thecobrainitsfangs,themosquitoinitssalivaandthe
scandalmongerinhistongue.Womanhaspoisonedarrowsinhereyes.Shesendsthemessageof
passiontothelustfulyouthandpiercestheirheartthroughthepoisonedarrowsthatdartfromher
piercingglances.But,shecannotdoanyharmtoaVivekiwhoisalwaysonthealertandwhosees
theDoshasofawomanandwhoknowstheSatChitAnanda,purenatureofAtman.
Therearetonguesandtelegraphicinstrumentsintheeyesofyoungpassionateladies.Theysend
theirloveshaftsandlovemessagesthroughtheirsmilingglancestopassionateyoungmenand
therebyallureandbewitchthem.Thoseyoungmenwhohavenodiscriminationareexcitedbythese
lovemessagesandbecomeapreytolust.Theybecomepleasuredeerorsportinglapdogsof
ladies,thoughtheypossessacademiceducationandholdhighpositionandtitle.Whatashame!
Reason,will,intellectvanishaltogether.Oaspirants!Donotbeveryfamiliarwithanywoman.You

shouldnotsacrificeanobleidealoflifeforthesakeofpleasingabewitchingwoman.Thinkofthe
compositionofthebody.Keepthementalimageofthedeadbodyofawomanoraskeleton
wheneverpassiontroublesyou.Youwillslowlygainstrengthtosubduethepassion.Vairagyawill
slowlydawn.ThecauseforattractiontowardswomenisthepresenceofVasanasorsubtledesiresin
themind.Wipethemout.Therewillbenoattraction.Thosewhohaverenouncedwomenand
moneyhavereallyrenouncedtheworld.

4.SEXISINIMAGINATION
Sexisthedistinctionbetweenmaleandfemale.Itisamentalcreation.ItisaKalpanaor
imagination.Thereisnosexinthefiveelementsofwhichthebodyiscomposed.Thehumanbody
isnothingbutacombinationofthefiveelements.How,then,hasthesexideacome?Thesexideais
illusory.Itisatrickofthemind.ItisjuggleryofMaya.Itisanotion.Thesexideaisdeeprooted.
Mancanneverthinkthatheisafemale.Afemalecanneverthinkthatsheisamale.
Foraliberatedsage,thisworldisfullofBrahmanonly.Forapassionateman,thisworldisfullof
woman.Hefallsinlovewithawoodenpostifitiswrappedinasilkengownorabeautifulcloth
withattractivebordersandapetticoat.Passionisaterriblecurse.Whenamanisundertheinfluence
ofpassion,excitementandtheseximpulseorforcedestroyhisunderstandingandreason,
overwhelmhismindandmakehimutterlyhelpless.
AhouseholderwhohasrightlyunderstoodthemagnitudeofthesufferingsofSamsaratriestoget
ridoftheSamsariclife.Whereas,abachelorfullofpassionimaginesthatheisverymiserableon
accountoftheabsenceofawifeandchildrenandtriestogetmarried.ThisisMaya.Thisisa
mentaltrick.Beware.
Apassionatebacheloriseverthinking:"WhencanIlivewithayoungwife?"Adispassionate
householderinwhomVivekahasdawnediseverthinking:"WhencanIdisentanglemyselffromthe
clutchesofmywifeandretireintotheforestsforcontemplationonAtman?"Youmustthinkover
thedifference.
Thousandsofyounggraduatesandyoungdoctorscometomewithearthenpotsintheirhands,
attiredinorangecolouredrobes,inquestofcavesinUttarakashiandGangotrifordeepmeditation
andpracticeofPranayama.AndsomeyoungresearchstudentsinscienceandsomeRajakumarsgo
toPunjabandKashmirinsilksuitswithstiffcollarsandtiesinsearchofgirlsformarriage.Isthere
pleasureorpaininthisworld?Ifthereispleasure,whydotheyoungeducatedmenretireinto
forests?Ifthereispain,whydoyoungmenrunafterwealth,womenandposition?Mysteriousis
Maya!MysteriousisMoha!Trytounderstandtheriddleoflifeandtheriddleoftheuniverse.
Beautyisamentalconcept
Mayahavocsthroughtheimaginationofthemind.Womanisnotbeautiful,buttheimaginationis
beautiful.Sugarisnotsweet,buttheimaginationissweet.Foodisnotpalatable,butthe
imaginationispalatable.Manisnotweak,buttheimaginationisweak.Understandthenatureof
Mayaandmindandbecomewise.CurbthisimaginationofthemindbyVicharaorrightthinking
andrestinBrahmanwhereinthereisneitherimaginationnorthought.
Beautyanduglinessarefalseimaginationsofthemind.Minditselfisafalseillusoryproduct.
Conceptionsofthemindalsomustthereforebefalse.Theyarealllikeamirageinthedesert.What
isbeautifulforyouisuglyforanother.Beautyanduglinessarerelativeterms.Beautyisonlya
mentalconcept.Itisonlyamentalprojection.Itisonlyacivilizedmanwhotalksmuchofthe
symmetryofform,goodfeatures,gracefulgait,eleganceofmannersandgracefulform.AnAfrican
Negrohasnoideaofallthesethings.RealbeautyisintheSelfonly.Beautyresidesinthemindand

notintheobjects.Mangoisnotsweettheideaofmangoissweet.ItisallVritti.Itisallmental
deception,mentalconception,mentalcreation,mentalSrishti.DestroytheVrittibeautyvanishes.
Thehusbandstretcheshisownideaofbeautyinhisuglywifeandfindsherverybeautifulthrough
passion.Shakespearehasrightlyexpressedthisinhis"MidsummerNightsDream":"Cupidis
paintedblind.ItfindsHelensbeautyinthebrowofEgypt".
TheIndriyasandtheminddeludeyouateverymoment.Theyareyourrealenemies.Beautyisa
productofmentalcreation.Beautyisaproductoftheimagination.Anuglywomanappearsvery
beautifulonlyintheeyesofherhusband.Whereisthebeauty,mydearfriends,inthewrinkledskin
ofanoldwoman?Whereisthebeautywhenyourwifeisbedridden?Whereisthebeautywhen
yourwifegetsangry?Whereisthebeautyinthedeadbodyofawoman?Thebeautyinthefaceisa
merereflection.TherealundecayingBeautyofbeautiesthefountainofbeautiescanbefoundin
theAtmanonly.Youhaveignoredthesubstanceandcaughtholdofabrokenpieceofglass.Whata
seriousblunderhaveyoucommittedbyyourimpurethoughts,impuremind,impureBuddhiand
impurewayofliving!Haveyourealizedyourmistake?Willyouopenyoureyesatleastnow?
Abeautifulwifeisverycharming.Sheisverysweetwhensheisyoung,whenshesmiles,whenshe
putsonbeautifuldress,whenshesingsandplaysonthepianoortheviolin,whenshedancesinthe
ballroom.Butsheishorribletolookatwhensheloseshertemper,whenshequarrelswithher
husbandfornotgettingsilksareesandgoldnecklace,whenshesuffersfromacuteabdominalcolic
orsomesuchdiseaseandwhenshebecomesold.
ForafewyearsNaturebestowsonwomanhergiftofspecialbeauty,charmandeleganceinorder
thatshemaycapturetheheartsofmen.Beautyisskindeeponly.Itwillsoonfade,thehairwill
becomegrayandtheskinwillsoonbefilledwithwrinkles.Thetailor,theweaver,theembroiderer,
thetoiletmakerandthegoldsmithmakeusbeautifulforafewseconds.Man,inhisexcitement,
infatuationanddelusion,forgetsthispoint.ThisisMaya.NevertrustthisMaya.Beware.Oman,
wakeup!FindouttheBeautyofbeauties,whichiswithinyou,whichisyourinnermostSelf.O
woman!SinglikeMiraandmergeinMirasGirdharNagar.
Haveyoueverpausedandconsideredwhatconstitutesthebasicladieswhoexcitelustinyou?A
bundleofbones,flesh,blood,urine,faecalmatter,pus,perspiration,phlegmandotherdirt!Willyou
allowsuchabundletobecomethemasterofyourthoughts?Willyouexchangeyourbirthrightof
eternalpeaceandhappinessforsuchafleeting,filthymessofpottage?Shameonyou!Wereyour
will,yourreasonandyourdiscriminationgiventoyouonlyforsuchaningloriousend?Haveyou
notheardandseenthatphysicalbeautyisonlyskindeepandatthemercyofeverypassing
accident,illnessandyear?
Misleadingdescriptionsofawomansbeauty
Poetshaveexaggeratedthebeautyofladies.Theyaremisguidedpersonswhoputyoungmenonthe
wrongpath.Descriptionslike"damselswithbewitchingeyes","facelikethemoon","rosycheeks
andhoneyedlips"arefalseandimaginary.Whereisthebeautyinthedeadbody,inoldwomen,in
sickladies?Whereisthebeautywhenaladyisinfuriated?Youareawareofthisandyetyoucling
totheirbodies!Areyounotconfirmedfools!ThisisduetotheforceofMaya.Howmysteriousis
thepowerofMayaandMoha!Thebeautyofawomanisfalse,artificialanddecaying.Realbeauty
isundecayingandeternal.TheAtmanisthesourceofallbeauties.Hisbeautyiseverlastingand
undecaying.Itisornaments,silkenclothingwithfancifulborders,dressingofthehairwithgolden
hairpins,flowers,applicationofpowdertotheirfaces,lipsticktothelipsandunguenttotheireyes
thatlendatemporarydecorationandartificialglitteringtothewomen.Deprivethemoftheirface
powders,theirornamentsandgaudydress,andaskthemtowearasimplewhiteclothwithoutany
border.Whereisthebeautynow?Thebeautyoftheskinisadelusiononly.

Poetsdescribeintheirfanciful,passionatemoodsthathoneyflowsfromthelipsofayoung,
beautifullady.Isthisreallytrue?Whatdoyouactuallysee?Thestinkingpusfromthesocketsof
theteeththatareaffectedwithdreadfulpyorrhoea,thenastyandabdominalsputumfromthethroat,
andfoulsalivadribblingonthelipsatnightdoyoucallallthisashoneyandnectar?Andyet,the
passionate,lustfulandsexintoxicatedmanswallowsthesefilthyexcretionswhenheisunderthe
swayofexcitement!Isthereanythingmorerevoltingthanthis?Arenotthesepoetsculpable,when
theyhavegivensuchafalsedescription,whentheyhavecausedgreathavocanddamageto
passionateyoungmen?
Behindtheshiningskinthereistherawflesh.Behindthesmilesofayoungladyarehiddenfrown
andanger.Behindtherosylipsliegermsofdiseases.Behindthegentlenessandkindwordsare
hiddenharshwordsandabuses.Lifeisfleetinganduncertain,Opassionateman!Realizethebeauty
oftheAtmanintheheart.Thebodyistheabodefordiseases.Thenetofaffectioninthisworldis
strengthenedbylongindulgence.Ithasentwineditsthickknottedtwinearoundyourneck.
Minusskin,minusdress,minusornaments,womanisnothing.Justimagineforamomentthather
skinisremoved.Youwillhavetostandbyhersidewithalongsticktodriveawaycrowsand
vultures.Physicalbeautyissuperficial,illusoryandfading.Itisskindeep.Donotbedeludedby
externalappearances.ItisthejuggleryofMaya.Gotothesource,Atman,thebeautyofbeauties,
theeverlastingbeauty.
Passionblindstheintellect
Sexualpleasureisanillusion.ItisBhrantiSukha.Itisnorealhappinessatall.Itismerenerve
tickling.Allworldlypleasuresappearasnectarinthebeginning.Theybecomepoisonintheend.
Reflectwell,OSaumya,mybelovedson!Donotbeledawaybyimpulsesandpassion.Nobodyhas
beenbenefitedinthisworldbythisMaya.Peopleweepintheend.Askanygrownuphouseholder
whetherhefindsevenaniotaofhappinessinthisworld.
Theflyrunstowardsthefireorlampthinkingthatitisaflowerandgetsburntup.Evenso,the
passionatemanrunstowardsafalsebeautifulformthinkingthathecangettheretherealhappiness
andgetshimselfburntupinthefireoflust.
Justasthesilkwormentanglesitselfinitsselfwovencocoon,soalso,youhaveentangledyourself
inthemeshesofyourowndesires.Tearthemeshesbytheknifeofdispassionandsoarhighinthe
realmofeternalpeaceonthewingsofdevotionandknowledge.
Apassionatemanisarealblindman.Thoughhemaybeanintellectualman,hebecomesblind
whenheisundertheswayofsexualexcitement.Hisintellectprovestobeofnousewhenhesuffers
fromthiskindofblindness.Pitiableishislot!Satsanga,prayer,Japa,enquiryandmeditationwill
eradicatethisdirediseaseandbestowonhimtheeyeofwisdom.
Thereisnosexintheelements.Thereismindinthebody,whichismadeupoftheseelements.
ThereisKalpanainthemind.AndthatKalpanaordesireforlustissexdesire.Ifyoukillthismind,
whichisabundleofdesires,youkilllustandeverything.KillthatKalpana.Youwillhavenolust
then.Youhavekilledlust.
Thesexideaisamentalcreation.ThewholeMayaorAvidyaisnothingbutthebodyideaorthe
sexidea.ThewholespiritualSadhanaiscalculatedtodestroythisoneidea.Theextinctionofthis
oneideaaloneisMoksha!

5.THEDISASTROUSEFFECTSOFSEXUALINDULGENCE

Themostdevitalisinganddemoralizingofpleasuresisthesexpleasure.Sensualenjoymentis
attendedwithvariousdefects.Itisattendedwithvarioussortsofsins,pains,weaknesses,
attachments,slavementality,weakwill,severeexertionandstruggle,cravingandmental
restlessness.Worldlypersonsnevercometotheirpropersensesalthoughtheygetsevereknocks,
kicksandblowsfromdifferentcorners.Thestrollingstreetdogneverstopsfromvisitingthehouses
eventhoughitispeltedwithstoneseverytime.
EminentdoctorsoftheWestsaythatvariouskindsofdiseasesarisefromthelossofsemen,
particularlyinyoungage.Thereappearboilsonthebody,acneoreruptionsontheface,bluelines
aroundtheeyes,absenceofbeard,sunkeneyes,palefacewithanaemia,lossofmemory,lossof
eyesight,shortsightedness,dischargeofsemenalongwithurine,enlargementofthetestes,painin
thetestes,debility,drowsiness,laziness,gloominess,palpitationoftheheart,dyspnoeaordifficulty
inbreathing,phthisis,painintheback,loins,headandjoints,weakkidneys,passingurineinsleep,
ficklemindedness,lackofthinkingpower,baddreams,wetdreamsandrestlessnessofmind.
Markcarefullytheevilaftereffectsthatfollowthelossofseminalenergy!Personsarephysically,
mentallyandmorallydebilitatedbywastingtheseminalpoweronsomanyoccasionsfornothing.
Thebodyandthemindrefusetoworkenergetically.Thereisphysicalandmentallethargy.You
experiencemuchexhaustionandweakness.Youwillhavetotakerecoursetodrinkingmilk,to
eatingfruitsandaphrodisiacconfections,tomakegoodthelossofenergy.Rememberthatthese
thingscannever,neverrepairthelosscompletely.Oncelostislostforever.Youwillhavetodrag
onadreary,cheerlessexistence.Bodilyandmentalstrengthgetsdiminisheddaybyday.
ThosewhohavelostmuchoftheirVeeryabecomeveryirritable.Littlethingsupsettheirminds.
Thosewhohavenotobservedthevowofcelibacybecometheslavesofanger,jealousy,laziness
andfear.Ifyouhavenotgotyoursensesundercontrol,youventuretodofoolishactswhicheven
childrenwillnotdaretodo.
Hewhohaswastedthevitalenergybecomeseasilyirritable,loseshisbalanceofmindandgetsinto
astateofexplosivefuryfortriflingthings.Whenamanbecomesfurious,hebehavesimproperly.
Hedoesnotknowwhatheisexactlydoingasheloseshispowerofreasoninganddiscrimination.
Hewilldoanythinghelikes.Hewillinsultevenhisparents,Guruandrespectablepersons.It
behoves,therefore,thattheaspirantwhoistryingtodevelopgoodbehaviourmustpreservethevital
energy.Preservationofthisdivineenergyleadstotheattainmentofstrongwillpower,good
behaviour,spiritualexaltation,andSreyasorMokshaeventually.
Excessivesexualintercoursedrainstheenergyenormously.Youngmendonotrealizethevalueof
thevitalfluid.Theywastethisdynamicenergybyimmoderatecopulation.Theirnervesaretickled
much.Theybecomeintoxicated.Whataseriousblundertheycommit!Itisacrimethatdemands
capitalpunishment.TheyareslayersofAtman.Whenthisenergyisoncewasted,itcanneverbe
recoupedbyanyothermeans.Itisthemostpowerfulenergyintheworld.Onesexualactshatters
completelythebrainandthenervoussystem.Peoplefoolishlyimaginethattheycanrecoverthelost
energybytakingmilk,almondsandMakaradhvaja.Thisisamistake.Youmusttryyourlevelbest
topreserveeverydropalthoughyouareamarriedman.Selfrealizationisthegoal.
Theenergythatiswastedduringonesexualintercourseistantamounttotheenergythatisspentin
physicallabourfortendaysortheenergythatisutilizedinmentalworkforthreedays.Markhow
preciousisthevitalfluid,semen!Donotwastethisenergy.Preserveitwithgreatcare.Youwill
havewonderfulvitality.WhenVeeryaisnotused,itisalltransmutedintoOjasSaktiorspiritual
energyandstoredupinthebrain.Westerndoctorsknowlittleofthissalientpoint.Mostofyour
ailmentsareduetoexcessiveseminalwastage.
WetdreamandvoluntarycopulationAvitaldifference

Asexualactshattersthenervoussystem.Thewholenervoussystemisshakenoragitatedduringthe
act.Thereisexcessivelossofenergy.Moreenergyiswastedduringcoition.Butitisnotsowhen
emissionoccursduringthedreamingstate.Inawetdream,itmaybetheoutflowoftheprostatic
juiceonly.Evenifthereislossofthevitalfluid,thereisnotmuchdraining.Theactualessencedoes
notcomeoutduringwetdreams.Itisonlythewateryprostaticjuicewithalittlesementhatis
dischargedduringnocturnalpollutions.Whennocturnalemissiontakesplace,themindwhichwas
workingintheinnerastralbodysuddenlyentersthephysicalbodyvehementlyinanagitated
condition.Thatisthereasonwhyemissiontakesplacesuddenly.
Thenightdischargemaynotstimulatethesexualdesire.Butavoluntarycopulation,inthecaseofa
sincereaspirantishighlydetrimentaltohisspiritualprogress.TheSamskaracreatedbytheactwill
beverydeepanditwillintensifyorstrengthentheforceofthepreviousSamskarasthatarealready
imbeddedinthesubconsciousmindandwillstimulatethesexualdesire.Itwillbelikepouringghee
inthefirethatisslowlygettingextinguished.ThetaskofobliteratingthisnewSamskarawillbean
uphillwork.Youshouldcompletelygiveupcopulation.Thismindwilltrytodeludeyouina
varietyofwaysbygivingwrongcounsel.Beonthealert.Donothearitsvoice,buttrytohearthe
voiceoftheconscienceorthevoiceofthesoulorthevoiceofdiscrimination.
Youthwithbloodlessfaces
Agoodlotofenergyiswastedduringcopulation.Badmemory,prematureoldage,impotence,
varioussortsofeyediseasesandvariousnervousdiseasesareattributabletotheheavylossofthis
vitalfluid.Itisgreatlyshockingindeedtoseemanyofouryouthwalkingwithtotteringsteps,with
pale,bloodlessfacesowingtolossofthisvitalfluid,insteadofjumpinghitherandthitherwith
agile,nimblestepswithvigourandvitalitylikethesquirrel.Somepeoplearesopassionateand
weakthateventhethoughtorsightortouchofawomancausesdischargeofsemen.Pitiableistheir
lot!
Whatdoweseeinthesedays?Boysandgirls,menandwomen,aredrownedintheoceanofimpure
thoughts,lustfuldesiresandlittlesensualpleasures.Itishighlydeplorableindeed.Itisreally
shockingtohearthestoriesofsomeoftheseboys.Manycollegeboyshavepersonallycometome
andnarratedtheirpitiablelivesofgloomanddepressionbroughtaboutbyheavylossofsemen
resultingfromunnaturalmeans.Theirpowerofdiscriminationhasbeenlostowingtosexual
excitementandlustfulintoxication.Whydoyoulosetheenergythatisgainedinmanyweeksand
monthsforthesakeofthelittle,momentarysensualpleasure?

6.THEVALUEOFSEMEN
Mydearbrothers!Thevitalenergy,theVeeryathatsupportsyourlife,whichisthePranaofPranas,
whichshinesinyoursparklingeyes,whichbeamsinyourshiningcheeks,isagreattreasurefor
you.Rememberthispointwell.Veeryaisthequintessenceofblood.Onedropofsemenis
manufacturedoutoffortydropsofblood.Markherehowvaluablethisfluidis!
AtreedrawstheessenceorRasafromtheearth.Thisessenceiscirculatedthroughoutthetree,its
twigs,branches,leaves,flowersandfruits.Theshiningcoloursandlifeintheleaves,flowersand
fruitsareduetothisRasa.Similarly,theVeeryathatismanufacturedbythecellsofthetestesoutof
bloodgivescolourandvitalitytothehumanbodyanditsdifferentorgans.
AccordingtoAyurveda,semenisthelastDhatuthatisformedoutoffood.Outoffoodis
manufacturedchyle.Outofchylecomesblood.Outofbloodcomesflesh.Outoffleshcomesfat.
Outoffatcomesbone.Outofbonecomesmarrow.Outofmarrowcomessemen.Thesearethe
SaptaDhatusorthesevenDhatusthatsupportthislifeandbody.Markherehowpreciousissemen!

Itisthelastessence.ItistheEssenceofessences.TheVeeryacomesoutoftheverymarrowthat
liesconcealedinsidethebones.
TherearethreedivisionsineachDhatu.Semennourishesthephysicalbody,theheartandthe
intellect.Onlythatmanwhousesthephysicalbody,theheartandtheintellectcanhaveperfect
Brahmacharya.Awrestlerwhouseshisphysicalbodyonly,butkeepstheintellectandtheheart
undeveloped,cannotexpecttohavefullBrahmacharya.HecanhaveBrahmacharyaofthebody
only,butnotofthemindandtheheart.Thesementhatbelongstotheheartandthemindwill
certainlyflowout.IfanaspirantdoesonlyJapaandmeditation,ifhedoesnotdeveloptheheart,
andifhedoesnotpracticephysicalexercise,hewillhaveonlymentalBrahmacharya.Theportion
ofthesemen,whichgoestonourishtheheartandthebody,willflowout.ButanadvancedYogi
whodivesdeepinmeditationwillhavefullBrahmacharyaevenifhedoesnottakephysical
exercise.
Semenisthequintessenceoffoodorblood.Onedropofsemeninmanufacturedoutoffortydrops
ofbloodaccordingtomodernmedicalscience.AccordingtoAyurveda,itiselaboratedoutofeighty
dropsofblood.Thetwotestesorseedsthatarelocatedinthescrotalbagarecalledsecretory
glands.Thecellsofthesetesteshavebeenendowedwiththepeculiarpropertyofsecretingsemen
fromtheblood.Justasbeescollecthoneyinthehoneycombdropbydrop,soalso,thecellsofthe
testescollectsemendropbydropfromtheblood.Thenthisfluidistakenbythetwoductsortubes
tothevesiculaeseminalis.Underexcitement,itisthrownoutbyspecialducts,calledejaculatory
ducts,intotheurethrawhereitismixedwiththeprostaticjuice.
Semenisfoundinasubtlestateinallthecellsofthebody.Justassugarisallpervadinginthe
sugarcane,butterinmilk,soalso,semenispervadingthewholebody.Justasthebuttermilkisthin
afterthebutterisremoved,soalso,semenisthinnedbyitswastage.Themorethewastageofsemen
themoreistheweakness.IntheYogaSastrasitissaid:
MaranamBinduPatanat,
JivanamBinduRakshanat.
Fallingofsemenbringsdeathpreservationofsemengiveslife.Semenistherealvitalityinmen.It
isthehiddentreasureinman.ItimpartsBrahmaTejastothefaceandstrengthtotheintellect.
Modernmedicalopinion
EminentEuropeanmedicalmenalsosupportthestatementoftheYoginsofIndia.Dr.Nicolesays:
"Itisamedicalandphysiologicalfactthatthebestbloodinthebodygoestoformtheelementsof
reproductioninboththesexes.Inapureandorderlylife,thismatterisreabsorbed.Itgoesbackinto
circulationreadytoformthefinestbrain,nerveandmusculartissues.Thisvitalfluidofmancarried
backanddiffusedthroughhissystemmakeshimmanly,strong,braveandheroic.Ifwasted,it
leaveshimeffeminate,weakandphysicallydebilitatedandpronetosexualirritationanddisordered
function,awretchednervoussystem,epilepsy,andvariousotherdiseasesanddeath.Thesuspension
oftheuseofthegenerativeorgansisattendedwithanotableincreaseofbodilyandmentaland
spiritualvigour."
Ifthespermaticsecretioninmeniscontinuous,itmusteitherbeexpelledorbereabsorbed.Asa
resultofthemostpatientandperseveringscientificinvestigations,ithasbeenfoundthatwhenever
theseminalsecretionsareconservedandtherebyreabsorbedintothesystem,itgoestowards
enrichingthebloodandstrengtheningthebrain.Dr.DioLouisthinksthattheconservationofthis
elementisessentialtostrengthofbody,vigourofmindandkeennessofintellect.Anotherwriter,
Dr.E.P.Miller,says:"Allwasteofspermaticsecretions,whethervoluntaryorinvoluntary,isa
directwasteofthelifeforce.Itisalmostuniversallyconcededthatthechoicestelementoftheblood

entersintothecompositionofthespermaticsecretion.Iftheseconclusionsarecorrect,thenit
followsthatachastelifeisessentialtomanswellbeing."
Mind,PranaandVeerya
Mind,PranaandVeeryaarethethreelinksofonechain.Theyarethethreepillarsoftheedificeof
Jivatma.Destroyonepillarmind,PranaorVeeryaandthewholebuildingwillfalltopieces.
Mind,PranaandVeeryaareone.Bycontrollingthemind,youcancontrolPranaandsemen.By
controllingPranayoucancontrolthemindandsemen.Bycontrollingsemen,youcancontrolthe
mindandPrana.
Mind,PranaandVeeryaareundertheoneSambandhaorconnectionorcircuit.Ifthemindis
controlled,PranaandVeeryaarecontrolledautomatically.HewhosuspendsorrestrainsPrana
restrainsalsotheworkingofthemindandthemovementoftheVeerya.Again,iftheVeeryais
controlled,andifitismadetoflowupwardsintothebrainbypurethoughtsandthepracticeof
ViparitaKaraniMudrassuchasSarvangasanaandSirshasanaandPranayama,themindandthe
Pranaareautomaticallycontrolled.
ThemindissetinmotionorrenderedactivebytwothingsthevibrationofPranaandtheVasanas
orsubtledesires.Wherethemindisabsorbed,therethePranaisrestrainedandwherethePranais
fixed,therethemindalsoisabsorbed.MindandPranaareintimatecompanions,likeamanandhis
shadow.IfthemindandthePranaarenotrestrained,alltheorgansofsensationandactionkeep
activelyengagedintheirrespectivefunctions.
Whenamanisexcitedbypassion,thePranaissetinmotion.Thenthewholebodyobeysthedictate
ofthemindjustasasoldierobeysthecommandofhiscommander.ThevitalairorPranamovesthe
internalsaporsemen.Thesemenisputintomotion.Itfallsdownwards,justasthecloudsburstinto
rainwater,justasthefruits,flowersandleavesofthetreesdropdownbytheforceoftheblowing
winds.
IftheVeeryaislost,Pranagetsunsteady.Pranaisagitated.Themanbecomesnervous.Thenthe
mindalsocannotworkproperly.Themanbecomesfickleminded.Thereismentalweakness.
IfthePranaisrenderedsteady,themindalsobecomessteady.IftheVeeryaissteady,themindalso
issteady.IftheVeeryaissteady,themindalsoissteady.IftheDrishtiorvisionissteady,themind
alsobecomessteady.Therefore,controlthePrana,theVeeryaandtheDrishti.
GodisRasa.RasoVaiSah.RasaisVeerya,thevitalfluidorsemen.Youcangeteternalblissbythe
attainmentofRasaorVeeryaonly.RasohyevayamLabdhvaAnandiBhavati.
Graspfullytheimportanceandvalueofthisvitalessenceoflife.Veeryaisallpower.Veeryaisall
money.VeeryaisGod.VeeryaisSita.VeeryaisRadha.VeeryaisDurga.VeeryaisGodinmotion.
VeeryaisdynamicWill.VeeryaisAtmaBal.VeeryaisGodsVibhuti.TheLordsaysintheGita:
"PaurushamNrishu.Iamtheseedorvirilityinmen".Veeryaistheessenceoflife,thought,
intelligenceandconsciousness.Therefore,preservethisvitalfluidvery,verycarefully,mydear
readers!

SECTIONII.THEGLORYOFBRAHMACHARYA
7.THEMEANINGOFBRAHMACHARYA

BrahmacharyaliterallymeansAcharaorconductthatleadstotherealizationofBrahmanorones
ownSelf.Itmeansthecontrolofsemen,thestudyoftheVedasandcontemplationonGod.The
technicalmeaningofBrahmacharyaisselfrestraint,particularlymasteryofperfectcontroloverthe
sexualorganorfreedomfromlustinthought,wordanddeed.Strictabstinenceisnotmerelyfrom
sexualintercourse,butalsofromautoeroticmanifestations,fromhomosexualactsandfromall
perversesexualpractices.Itmustfurtherinvolveapermanentabstentionfromindulgenceinerotic
imaginationandvoluptuousreverie.Allsortsofsexanomaliesandevilhabitsofvarioussortslike
masturbationandsodomymustbecompletelyeradicated.Theybringaboutatotalbreakdownofthe
nervoussystemandimmensemisery.
Brahmacharyaispurityinthought,wordanddeed.Itiscelibacyandcontinence.Brahmacharyais
thevowofcelibacy.ThetermcelibacyisfromtheLatincaelebs,meaningunmarriedorsingle,
andsignifiesthestateoflivingunmarried.ButBrahmacharyaisnotmerebachelorhood.Itincludes
thecontrol,notonlyofthesexorreproductiveIndriya,butalsoofallotherIndriyasinthought,
wordanddeed.ThisisthedefinitionofBrahmacharyainabroadsenseoftheterm.Thedoorto
NirvanaorperfectioniscompleteBrahmacharya.Completecelibacyisthemasterkeytoopenthe
realmsofElysianbliss.TheavenuetotheabodeofsupremepeacebeginsfromBrahmacharyaor
purity.
Brahmacharyaisabsolutefreedomfromsexualdesiresandthoughts.ArealBrahmachariwillnot
feelanydifferenceintouchingawoman,apieceofpaperorablockofwood.Brahmacharyais
meantforbothmenandwomen.Bhishma,Hanuman,Lakshman,MiraBai,SulabhaandGargiwere
allestablishedinBrahmacharya.
MerecontroloftheanimalpassionwillnotconstituteBrahmacharya.Thisisincomplete
Brahmacharya.Youmustcontrolalltheorganstheearsthatwanttohearlustfulstories,thelustful
eyethatwantstoseeobjectsthatexcitepassion,thetonguethatwantstotasteexcitingthingsand
theskinthatwantstotouchexcitingobjects.
Tolooklustfullyisadulteryoftheeyestohearanythingthatexcitespassionisadulteryoftheears
tospeakanythingthatexcitespassionisadulteryofthetongue.
TheeightbreaksinBrahmacharya
Youshouldcarefullyavoidtheeightkindsofenjoyment,namely,Darshanorlookingatwomen
withpassionateresolve,Sparshanortouchingthem,Keliorplay,Kirtanorpraisingthequalitiesof
theothersex,GuhyaBhashanortalkinginprivate,Sankalpaordetermination,Adhyavasayaor
nearingtheothersexwiththedesireforgratificationandKriyanivrittiortheactualsexualact.
Theseeightkindsofenjoymentareeightkindsofbreaks,sotosay,inthecurrentofAkhanda
Brahmacharyapractice.Youmustavoidtheseeightinterruptionswithgreatcare,sincereexertion
andvigilantcircumspection.Onlyhewhoisfreefromallthesebreakscanbecalledatrue
Brahmachari.ArealBrahmacharishouldruthlesslyavoidalltheseeightbreaks.
ABrahmacharishouldavoidlookingatawomanwithlustfuleyes.Heshouldnothavethedesireto
touchherorgonearherwithevilintention.Heshouldnotplay,cutjokesorconversewithher.He
shouldnotpraiseawomansqualitieswithinhimselforbeforehisfriends.Heshouldnotspeaktoa
womaninsecrecy.Heshouldnotthinkofwomenatall.Heshouldnothaveacarnaldesiretohave
sexualenjoyment.ABrahmacharishould,withoutfail,avoidsexualintercourse.Ifhebreaksanyof
theaboverules,heviolatesthevowofBrahmacharya.
ThoughthefirstsevenkindsofMaithunadonotcausetheactuallossofsemen,yetthesemenis
separatedfromthebloodandittriestoescapewhenopportunityarises,eitherindreamsorinother
ways.Inthefirstsevenkinds,manenjoysmentally.

Aspirantsshouldnotindulgeintalkaboutsex.Theyshouldnotthinkaboutladies.Bringtheimage
ofyourIshtaDevataintoyourmindifthethoughtofawomancropsup.RepeattheMantra
vigorously.
Lustfullook,lustfulthinking,wetdreamsareallfailuresorbreaksinBrahmacharya.Bechastein
yourlook.GiveupDrishtiDoshaorlustfullook.AlustfullookitselfisabreakinBrahmacharya.
Thereisinternaldischarge.Veeryaisseparatedfromthesystem.
SeeMotherKaliinallwomen.Cultivatesublime,divinethoughts.DoJapaandmeditation
regularly.YouwillbeestablishedinBrahmacharya.
PhysicalBrahmacharyaandmentalBrahmacharya
ItisverynecessarythatyoushouldbepureinmindifyouwishtobeaBrahmachari.Mental
Brahmacharyaismoreimportant.YoumaysucceedinphysicalBrahmacharya,butyoumust
succeedinmentalBrahmacharyaalso.Thatstateofmindwhereinnosinglesexualthoughtenters
themindistermedmentalBrahmacharya.Ifthoughtsareimpure,theseximpulsewillbevery
strong.Brahmacharyadependsuponregulatingthewholecourseoflife.
Whenyoucannotcontrolthelustfulthoughts,atleastcontrolthephysicalbody.Physical
Brahmacharyamustbestrictlypracticedatfirst.Controlthebodywhentheseximpulsetroubles
you.MentalpurityormentalBrahmacharyawillgraduallymanifest.
SurelyitisbettertocontroltheKarmaIndriyasatleastthantoindulgeactuallyinsensualpleasures.
GraduallythethoughtswillbepurifiedifyoupersistinyourJapaandmeditation.Eventuallythere
willbedirectcontrolofthemindalso.
Asexualact,asexualcontact,revivesallbadideasandgivesthemanewleaseoflife.Therefore,
thebodyshouldbecontrolledfirst.PhysicalBrahmacharyamustbemaintainedfirst.Thenonlyyou
canachievementalpurityandmentalBrahmacharya.
Youmaybeabletostopcopulationformonthsandyears,butthereshouldnotbeanysexual
cravingorattractionforwomen.Evilthoughtsalsoshouldnotarisewhenyoulookatawoman,
whenyouareinthecompanyofwomen.Ifyousucceedinthisdirection,thenyouareestablishedin
perfectBrahmacharya.Youhavecrossedthedangerzone.
Thoughtistherealaction.Anevildesireistantamounttoadultery.Thedesireismorethantheact.
But,thereisagreatdealofdifferencebetweentheactualshootingofamanandthinkingtoshoota
man,betweenactualcopulationandthinkingtohaveintercoursewithawoman.Philosophically
speaking,thinkingtoshootamanorthinkingtohavecopulationistherealact.
Evenifthereisasingleimpuresexualthoughtinthemind,youcanhardlyexpecttohavestrict
mentalBrahmacharya.YoucannotthenbetermedasOordhvaretasoroneinwhomtheseminal
energyflowsupwardstowardsthebrainforbeingstoredupasOjasSakti.Thereisatendencyfor
thesementoflowdownwardsevenifthereisasingleimpurethought.
ThestateofmentalBrahmacharyamustbekeptupevenamidsttemptationsandsickness.Then
onlyyouaresafe.Thesensesbegintorevoltduringtimesofailmentandalsowhenyoucomein
contactwithsenseobjects.
Ifthoughtsofalustfulnaturemanifestinyourmind,itisduetohiddenpassion.Thecunning
diplomaticmindseekssilentgratificationbylookingataladyandtalkingtoher.MentalMaithunam
takesplacesecretlyorunconsciously.Theforcethatdragsyouishiddenpassion.

Thesexenergyhasnotbeensublimatedthoroughly.ThevitalbeingorPranamavaKosahasnot
beenregeneratedandpurifiedperfectly.Thisisthereasonwhyimpurethoughtsenteryourmind.
DomoreJapaandmeditation.Doselflessserviceinsomeformforthesociety.Youwillsoonattain
purity.
Learntocleanseyourmindwiththewaterofpurityorcelibacy,withthesoapofdivinelove.How
canyouexpecttobecomepureinternallybymerelywashingthebodywithsoapandwater?Internal
purityismoreimportantthanexternalpurity.
ContinuethelifeofBrahmacharya.Hereinliesyourspiritualprogressandrealization.Donotgivea
newleaseoflifetothisdireenemylustbyrepetitionofthesinfulact.
Keepthemindfullyoccupied.Intensemusingontheobjectsofsensedoesmoreharmtotheinner
spirituallifethanactualsensegratification.IfthemindisnotrenderedpurebySadhana,mere
mortificationoftheexternalsenseswillnotproducethedesiredeffect.Althoughtheexternalsenses
aremortified,theirinternalcounterparts,whicharestillenergeticandvigorous,revengeuponthe
mindandproduceintensementaldisturbanceandwildimagination.
Itisthemindthatreallydoesallactions.Adesirearisesinyourmindandthenyouthink.Thenyou
proceedtoact.Thedeterminationofthemindisputintoaction.FirstthereisSankalpaorthought
andthencomesaction.Therefore,donotallowthesexualthoughtstoenterthemind.
Nospaceisemptyatanytime.Thisisthelawofnature.Ifonethingisremovedfromaplace,
immediatelyanothercomesintotakeitsplace.Thesamelawholdsgoodinthecaseoftheinner
mentalworldalso.Therefore,itisnecessarytoentertainsublimedivinethoughtstoreplaceevil
thoughts.Asyouthink,soyoubecome.Thisistheimmutablepsychologicallaw.Theviciousmind
isgraduallydivinisedbyentertainingdivinethoughts.
Acommoncomplaint
ThereisalwaysacomplaintamongstmenthattheydonotgetgoodsuccessinBrahmacharya
despitetheirearnesteffortsandsincerepractices.Theygetunnecessarilyalarmedanddiscouraged.
Itisamistake.Thereisathermometricregistrationinthespiritualrealmalso.Itisverysubtle.The
spiritualthermometerregistersorindicatestheadvancementinmentalpurityeventotheminutest
degree.YouwantaVisuddhaBuddhiorpureintellecttocomprehendthedegreeofpurity.Intense
Sadhana,burningVairagyaandburningMumukshutvaordesireforliberationbringonthehighest
degreeofmentalpurityquickly.
EvenifanyonerepeatstheGayatriorthePranavaforjusthalfanhour,thespiritualthermometer
registersatonceaminutedegreeofBrahmacharyaorpurity.Youareunabletonoteitonaccountof
yourMalinaBuddhiorimpureintellect.DoSadhanaregularlyforoneortwoyearsandthen
compareyourstateofmindwiththatofthepreviousyear.Youwillsurelyfindavastchange.You
willexperienceorfeelmorecalmness,morepurity,moreinnermoralforceorstrength.Thereisno
doubtofthis.BecausetheoldviciousSamskarasareverypowerful,ittakessometimeformental
purification.Youneednotbediscouraged.Nildesperandum.Neverdespair.Youhavetofight
againsttheSamskarasofAnadiKalaorbeginninglesstime.Therefore,agreatdealofexertionis
needed.

8.THEGLORYOFBRAHMACHARYA
Therecannotbeanylanguagewithoutvowels.Youcannotdrawapicturewithoutacanvasora
wall.Youcannotwriteanythingwithoutpaper.Evenso,youcannothavehealthandspirituallife
withoutBrahmacharya.Brahmacharyabringsmaterialprogressandpsychicadvancement.Itisthe

basisformorality.Itisthebasisforeternallife.Itisaspringflowerthatexhalesimmortalityfrom
itspetals.ItisthesubstratumforalifeofpeaceinAtman.ItisthefirmsupportforBrahma
Nishtha,whichiseagerlylongedforbysages,aspirantsandYogicstudents.Itistheshieldfor
wagingwaragainsttheinternalAsuraslust,angerandgreed.Itservesasagatewaytothebliss
beyond.ItopensthedoorofMoksha.Itcontributestoperennialjoy,totheuninterruptedand
undecayingbliss.EvenRishis,Devas,GandharvasandKinnarasserveatthefeetofatrue
Brahmachari.EvenIsvaraappliestohisforeheadthedustofthefeetofagenuinecelibate.
BrahmacharyaistheonlykeytoopentheSushumnaandawakenKundalini.Itbringsglory,fame,
virtueandManaPratishtha.TheeightSiddhisandthenineRiddhisrollunderthefeetofthetrue
celibate.Theyareeverreadytoobeyhiscommand.TheLordofDeathfleesfromhim.Whocan
describethemagnanimity,majestyandgloryofatrueBrahmachari!
BrahmacharyenaTapasaDevaMrityumupagnata.TheVedasdeclarethatbyBrahmacharyaand
penancetheDevashaveconquereddeath.HowdidHanumanbecomeaMahavir?Itiswiththis
weaponofBrahmacharyathatheacquiredunsurpassablestrengthandvalour.ThegreatBhishma,
thegrandfatherofthePandavasandtheKauravas,conquereddeathbyBrahmacharya.Itisonly
Lakshman,theidealBrahmachari,whoputdownMeghanada,themanofinestimableprowess,the
conquerorofthethreeworlds,thesonofRavana.EvenLordRamacouldnotfacehim.Itisthrough
theforceofBrahmacharyathatLakshmanwasabletodefeatthatinvincibleMeghanada.Thevalour
andgreatnessofemperorPrithvirajwasduetothestrengthofBrahmacharya.Thereisnothingin
thethreeworldsthatcannotbeattainedbyaBrahmachari.TheRishisofyoreknewfullywellthe
valueofBrahmacharyaandthatisthereasonwhytheysanginbeautifulversesaboutthegloryof
Brahmacharya.
Justastheoilcomesupinawickandburnswithglowinglight,soalso,theVeeryaorsemenflows
upbythepracticeofYogaSadhanaandisconvertedintoTejasorOjas.TheBrahmacharishines
withBrahmicaurainhisface.Brahmacharyaisthebrightlightthatshinesinthehouseofthe
humanbody.Itistheblossomedfloweroflifearoundwhichthebeesofstrength,patience,
knowledge,purityandDhritiwanderabouthumminghitherandthither.Inotherwords,hewho
observesBrahmacharyawillbeendowedwiththeabovequalities.Thescripturesdeclare
emphatically:
"AyustejoBalamVeeryamPrajnaSreeschaYashastatha
PunyamchaSatPriyatvamchaVardhateBrahmacharyaya"
BythepracticeofBrahmacharya,longevity,glory,strength,vigour,knowledge,wealth,undying
fame,virtuesanddevotiontothetruthincrease.
Secretofhealthandlongevity
Pureair,purewater,wholesomefood,physicalexercise,outdoorgames,walkingwithbrisksteps,
rowing,swimming,lightgamesliketennisallcontributetothemaintenanceofgoodhealth,
strengthandahighstandardofvitality.Thereareindeedmanywaystogainhealthandstrength.
Thesewaysaredoubtlessindispensablyrequisite.But,Brahmacharyaisthemostimportantofall.
WithoutBrahmacharya,allyourexercisesarenothing.Itisthemasterkeyforopeningtherealmsof
healthandhappiness.Itisthecornerstoneoftheedificeofblissandunalloyedfelicity.Itistheonly
specificthatkeepsuptruemanliness.
Thepreservationofsemenisthesecretofhealthandlongevity,andofallsuccessinthephysical,
mental,intellectualandspiritualplanes.HewhohasevenalittlebitofBrahmacharyawilltideover
acrisisofanydiseaseveryeasily.Ifittakesamonthforanordinarymanforrecovery,thismanwill
becompletelyallrightinaweek.

TheSrutisdeclareafulllifeorageofonehundredyearsforaman.Thisyoucanattainonlybythe
establishmentofBrahmacharya.Thereareinstancesofmenwhohaveattainedlongevityand
intellectualpowersdespitetheirloose,immoralways.Buttheywouldhavebeenstillmorepowerful
andbrillianthadtheypossessedagoodcharacterandcontinenceaswell.
AfterDhanvantarihadtaughtallthedetailsaboutAyurvedatohisdisciples,theyenquiredaboutthe
keynoteofthismedicalscience.TheMasterreplied,"ItellyouthatBrahmacharyaistrulya
preciousjewel.Itistheonemosteffectivemedicinenectarindeedwhichdestroysdiseases,
decayanddeath.Forattainingpeace,brightness,memory,knowledge,healthandSelfrealization,
oneshouldobserveBrahmacharya,whichisthehighestDharma.Brahmacharyaisthehighest
knowledgeBrahmacharyaisthegreateststrength.OfthenatureofBrahmacharyaisverilythis
AtmanandinBrahmacharyaItresides.SalutingBrahmacharyafirst,thecasesbeyondcure,Icure.
Aye,Brahmacharyacanundoalltheinauspicioussigns."
PracticeofBrahmacharyagivesgoodhealth,innerstrength,peaceofmindandlonglife.It
invigoratesthemindandthenerves.Ithelpstoconservephysicalandmentalenergy.Itaugments
memory,willforceandbrainpower.Itbestowstremendousstrength,vigourandvitality.Strength
andfortitudeareobtained.
Theeyeisthewindowofthemind.Ifthemindispureandcalm,theeyealsoiscalmandsteady.He
whoisestablishedinBrahmacharyawillhavelustrouseyes,asweetvoiceandabeautiful
complexion.
Celibacypromotesconcentration
Bytheestablishmentofcontinence,vigourisobtained.TheYogigetsSiddhiorperfectionby
attainingperfectmentalandphysicalBrahmacharya.Brahmacharyahelpshimingainingdivine
knowledgeandotherSiddhis.Whenthereispurity,theraysofthemindarenotdissipated.
Focussingofthemindbecomeseasy.Concentrationandpuritygotogether.Althoughasagetalksa
fewwordsonly,adeepimpressionisproducedinthemindsofthehearers.ThisisduetohisOjas
Sakti,whichisconservedbythepreservationofsemenanditstransmutation.
AtrueBrahmachariinthought,wordanddeedhaswonderfulthoughtpower.Hecanmovethe
world.Ifyoudevelopstrictcelibacy,VicharaSaktiandDharanaSaktiwilldevelop.VicharaSaktiis
thepowerofenquiry.DharanaSaktiisthepowerofgraspingandholdingtheTruth.Ifaman
persistentlyrefusestoyieldtohislowernatureandremainsastrictcelibate,theseminalenergyis
deflectedupwardstothebrainandisstoredupasOjasSakti.Therebythepoweroftheintellectis
intensifiedtoaremarkabledegree.Theintellectbecomessharpandclearbycontinence.Continence
increasesinfinitelythepowerofretentivememory.Thestrictcelibatehaskeenandacutememory
eveninoldage.
AmanwhohasthepowerofBrahmacharyacanturnoutimmensemental,physicalandintellectual
work.Hehasamagneticauraaroundhisface.Hecaninfluencepeoplebyspeakingjustafew
wordsorevenbyhisverypresence.Hecancontrolangerandmovethewholeworld.Lookat
MahatmaGandhi!HehadacquiredthispowerbyconstantandcarefulpracticeofAhimsa,Satyam
andBrahmacharyanonviolence,truthandcelibacy.Heinfluencedtheworldthroughthispower
alone.ThroughBrahmacharyaandBrahmacharyaalonecanyougetphysical,mentalandspiritual
advancementinlife.
ItisworthrepeatingthatatrueBrahmacharipossessestremendousenergy,aclearbrain,gigantic
willpower,boldunderstanding,retentivememoryandgoodVicharaSakti.SwamiDayananda
stoppedthecarnageofaMaharaja.Hebroketheswordwithhishands.Thiswasduetohispowerof
Brahmacharya.Jesus,Sankara,JnanaDevaandSamarthRamdaswereallBrahmacharins.

Haveyourealized,mydearfriends,theimportanceofBrahmacharya?Haveyourecognised,my
dearbrothers,thetruesignificanceandgloryofBrahmacharya?Howcanyouexpecttobestrong
andhealthyiftheenergythatisacquiredthroughvariousmeanswithgreatdifficultyandatgreat
priceiswasteddaily?Itisimpossibletobestrongandhealthyunlessmalesandfemales,boysand
girls,trytheirlevelbesttokeepupBrahmacharyaorthevowofcelibacy.
Evenamongelectrons,therearebachelorelectronsandmarriedelectrons.Marriedelectrons
manifestinpairs.Bachelorelectronsexistsingly.Itisthesebachelorelectronsonlythatcreate
magneticforce.ThepowerofBrahmacharyaisseeninelectronsalso.Friend,willyoulearnsome
lessonsfromtheseelectrons?WillyoupracticeBrahmacharyaanddeveloppowerandspiritual
force?Natureisyourbestteacherandspiritualguide.
ThroughBrahmacharyagetoverthemiseriesofmundanelifeandattainhealth,strength,peaceof
mind,endurance,bravery,materialprogress,psychicadvancementandimmortality.Onewhohasa
perfectcontroloverthesexualenergyattainspowersunobtainablebyanyothermeans.Therefore,
dissipatenotthyenergyinsensualpleasures.Conservethyenergy.Donobledeedsandpractice
meditation.Youwillsoonbecomeasuperman.YouwillcommunewithGodandattainDivinity.

9.IMPORTANCEOFCELIBACYINSPIRITUALLIFE
Brahmacharyaisadivineword.ItisthesumandsubstanceofYoga.ThroughAvidya,thisis
forgotten.TheimportanceofBrahmacharyawasemphasisedbyourgreatRishis.Itisthesupreme
Yoga,whichLordKrishnaemphasisesrepeatedlyinHis"ImmortalSong".InChapterVI,Sloka14,
itisveryclearlystatedthatthevowofBrahmacharyaisnecessaryformeditation:
BrahmacharivrateSthitah.InChapterXVII,Sloka14,HesaysthatBrahmacharyaisoneofthe
requisitesfortheausterityofthebody.Now,wehaveanotherstatementmadeinChapterVIII,
Sloka11,thatYogispracticeBrahmacharyainordertoattainthegoalspokenofbytheKnowersof
theVedas.AsimilarstatementisalsofoundintheKathopanishad.
IntheRajaYogaofPatanjaliMaharshialso,Yamaisthefirststep.YamaisthepracticeofAhimsa,
Satya,Asteya,BrahmacharyaandAparigrahanonkilling,truthfulness,nonstealing,celibacyand
nonreceivingofgifts.AmongtheseBrahmacharyaisthemostimportant.
InJnanaYogatoo,Damaorselfcontrolisthefoundationforthestudent.
IntheMahabharataagain,youwillfind,intheSantiParva:"ManyarethebranchesofDharma,but
Damaisthebasisofthemall.
Brahmacharyaisthevitalsubjectforthosewhowantsuccessinmaterialorspirituallife.Withoutit,
amanisabsolutelyunfitforworldlyactivitiesaswellasforspiritualpractices.
Celibacyinthedifferentreligiousorders
Downtheages,thehigheststresshasbeenlaidonBrahmacharyaorsexualabstinenceinevery
religion.Throughoutfolklorerunstheideathatsecondsightandthevisionofthesupernaturalare
especially,ifnotsolely,theprivilegeofthecelibates.Westermackfavourstheexplanationthat
pollutiondestroysholiness.AtribeontheRioNegroenjoinedcelibacyupontheirShamans,
becausetheybelievedthatmedicinewouldproveineffectualifadministeredbyamarriedman.
Lambichusstatesthatthegodsdonothearhimwhoinvokesthemifheisimpurefromsexual
connections.InIslam,strictcontinenceisrequiredonthepilgrimagetoMecca.Itisrequiredforthe
HebrewcongregationduringthetheophanyatSinaiandbeforeenteringthetemple.AncientIndia,
EgyptandGreeceenforcedtherulethattheworshippermustabstainfromintercourseduringand

beforeworship.InChristianity,continencewasrequiredasapreparationforbothbaptismand
Eucharist.
ThehighesttypeofChristianwasacelibate.Christianteacherspraisedcelibacy,andmarriagecame
tobe,intheireyes,onlyasecondarygoodforthosewhowereunabletoservecontinence.The
bishopsoftheGreekChurcharealwayscelibates,beingchosenfromthemonks.
Themonk,wholowershimselftotouchawomanspersonwithcorruptthoughts,whileheclasps
herhandorclaspsherhairortouchesonepartoranotherofherbody,bringsshameanddegradation
ontheorder.Thepresentordinationvowistoabstainfromallsexualintercourseaslongaslifeshall
last.
TheJainsforceontheirMunistheruletoabstainfromallsexualrelationsnottodiscusstopics
relatingtowomen,nottocontemplatetheformsofwomen.Lustisthuscondemned:"Ofthemyriad
vices,lustistheworst."
Thereareotherrulessubsidiarytothis,forbiddingallactionsofanunchastekind,especiallyanyact
orwordwhichmighteitherleadtoabreachoftheprincipalruleorgiverisetoanimpressionthatit
wasnotbeingstrictlyobserved.
ABhikshuisnottosleepinanyplacewhereawomanispresent,ortopreachthesacreddoctrinein
morethanfiveorsixwordstoawomanunlessagrownupmanbepresent,ortoexhortthesisters
unlessspeciallydeputedtodoso,ortojourneyalongthesameroutewithawoman.Onhisround
foralms,heistobeproperlycladandheistowalkwithdowncasteyes.Heisnottoacceptarobe
fromanywomannotrelatedtohim,exceptunderspecifiedconditions.Heisnottositinasecluded
placewithawoman,muchlesstotouchorspeaktoherwithimpureintent.
TheBuddhist"OrderofMendicants"wasgovernedbythe227rulesofthePatimokha.Ofthese,the
firstfourwereofspecificgravity.Abreachofanyoneofthefourrulesinvolvedexpulsionfromthe
orderandtheywere,therefore,calledtheParajikaortherulesastoactsinvolvingdefeat.
Thefirstrulesays:"WhatsoeverBhikshuwhohastakenuponhimselfthesystemofselftraining
andruleoflife,andhasnotthereafterwithdrawnfromthetrainingordeclaredhisinabilitytokeep
theruleshallhavecarnalknowledgeofanylivingthing,downeventoananimal,hehasfallen
intodefeat,heisnolongerincommunion"."Withdrawnfromthetraining"wasthetechnical
expressionforthrowingofftherobes,retiringfromtheorder,andreturningtotheworld,astep
whichanymemberoftheorderwasatlibertytotakeatanytime.
Numawassaidtohaveinstitutedthe"OrderofVestalVirgins".Theyremainedunmarriedforthirty
years.Burialalivewasthepenaltyforbreakingthevowofchastity.TheVirginsweredistinguished
byextraordinaryinfluenceandpersonaldignity.Theyweretreatedwithmarksofrespectusually
accordedtoroyaltythus,onthestreets,theywereprecededbyalictorandthehighestmagistrates
madewayforthem.Theyenjoyedsometimestheexceptionalprivilegeofridinginacarriageat
publicgames,aplaceofhonourwasassignedtothem.Andafterdeaththey,liketheimperators,
wereallowedtobeburiedwithinthecity,becausetheywereabovethelaws.Theyenjoyedtheroyal
privilegeofmercy,foriftheymetacriminalonhiswaytoexecution,hislifewasspared.
InthelargecolonyofTibetansatDarjeeling,severalhundredsofthemendoingcooliesworkare
exlamaswhofledfromTibet,withtheirparamoursorsingly,inordertoescapetheseverepenalties
attachingtotheirbreachofcelibacy.Thedelinquentisdenounced,andifcaught,issubjectto
corporalchastisementinpublic,aswellastoaheavyfineandexpulsionfromtheorderindisgrace.
ThePeruvian"VirginsoftheSun"atypeofpriestswerepunishedwithlivingburialifdetected
inmisconduct.

Brahmacharyathefoundationofspirituallife
Brahmacharyaisasinequanonofspirituallife.Itisagreatdesideratum.Itisofvitalimportance.
WithoutperfectBrahmacharya,youcannothavesubstantialspiritualprogress.
AbstinenceorcontinenceisthecornerstoneonwhichthepedestalofMokshastands.Ifthecorner
stoneisnotverystrong,thesuperstructurewillfalldownwhenthereisheavyrain.Evenso,ifyou
arenotestablishedinBrahmacharya,ifyourmindisagitatedbyevilthoughts,youwillfalldown.
YoucannotreachthesummitoftheladderofYogaorthehighestNirvikalpaSamadhi.
ThereisnohopeforyoutohaveSelfrealizationorKnowledgeoftheSelfifyouarenotwell
establishedinBrahmacharya.Brahmacharyaisthemasterkeytoopentherealmsofeternalbliss.
BrahmacharyaistheveryfoundationofYoga.Justasahousethatisbuiltonarottenfoundation
willsurelyfalldown,soalso,youwillfalldownfromyourmeditationifyouhavelaidnoproper
foundation,namely,theattainmentofperfectBrahmacharya.Youmaymeditatefor,aperiodof
twelveyears,andyet,youwillhavenosuccessinSamadhiifyouhavenotdestroyedthesubtlelust
orthecravingseedthatlingersintheinnermostrecessesofyourheart.
BrahmacharyaisthebasisfortheattainmentofKayaSiddhi.Completecelibacymustbeobserved.
Thisisofparamountimportance.BythepracticeofYogathesemenbecomestransmutedintoOjas
Sakti.TheYogiwillhaveaperfectbody.Therewillbecharmandgraceinhismovements.Hecan
liveaslongashelikes.ThisisalsoknownasIcchaMrityuordeathatwill.
ThepracticeofBrahmacharyaisthemostimportantqualificationforthespiritualaspirant,no
matterwhathischosenpathmaybeKarmaYoga,Upasana,RajaYoga,HathaYogaorVedanta.
Thedisciplineofcompleteabstinenceisdemandedfromallaspirants.AtrueBrahmacharionlycan
cultivateBhakti.AtrueBrahmacharionlycanpracticeYoga.AtrueBrahmacharionlycanacquire
Jnana.WithoutBrahmacharya,nospiritualprogressispossible.
Lustdealsadeadlyblowtothespiritualcalibreofman.Itisnotpossibleforyoutoenterthe
spiritualpaththatleadstounionwithGodunlessanduntilyoucontrollustandbecomeestablished
inBrahmacharya.Aslongaslustsmellssweetinyournostrils,youcannotentertainsublime,divine
thoughtsinyourmind.Thatmaninwhomthesexideaisdeeprootedcanneverdreamof
understandingVedantaandrealisingBrahmanevenwithinSataKotiJanma,evenwithinone
hundredcroresofbirths.Truthcannotdwellwherepassionlives.
Sexualindulgenceisagreatobstacleinthespiritualpath.Itbarsspiritualpracticesdefinitely.The
sexualurgemustbecontrolledbyentertainingsublimethoughtsandregularmeditation.Theremust
becompletesublimationofthesexualenergy.Thenonlytheaspirantisabsolutelysafe.Thetotal
annihilationofthesexualdesireistheultimatespiritualideal.
Sexattraction,sexualthoughtsandsexualurgearethethreegreatobstaclesinthepathofGod
realization.Evenifthesexualurgevanishes,thesexattractionremainsforalongtimeandtroubles
theaspirants.Sexattractionisvery,verypowerful.Sexattractionbindsonetothisworld.Eachcell
inthebodyofamaleorafemaleissurchargedwiththesexelement.Themindandthesensesare
filledwithsexjuice.Mancannotremainwithoutlookingatawoman,withouttalkingtoher.He
derivespleasureinthecompanyofawoman.Womanalsocannotremainwithoutlookingataman,
withouttalkingtohim.Shederivespleasureinthecompanyofaman.Thatisthereasonwhyheor
shefindsitextremelydifficulttoannihilatethesexattraction.Sexattractioncannotbedestroyed
withoutthegraceoftheLord.Nohumaneffortcaneradicateintotothismightyforceofsex
attraction.
Theorganofsightdoesgreatmischief.Destroythelustfullook,theadulteryoftheeye.Trytosee
Godinallfaces.Againandagaingeneratethecurrentsofdispassion,discriminationandenquiry.

EventuallyyouwillbeestablishedinBrahmanortheEternal.Againandagaingeneratesublime
divinethoughtsandincreaseyourJapaandmeditation.Thesexualthoughtwillbeannihilated.
Ofwhatavailisknowledgeoftheartsandsciences,ofwhatavailisreputationortitles,ofwhat
availisrepetitionoftheLordsNameormeditationorenquiryof"WhoamI?",ifyoubecomea
slaveoflust?Controlthisstrongurgefirstbytherigorouspenanceofsensecontrol.Beforeyou
taketoadvancedmeditation,firstbecomeatleastastrictphysicalcelibate.Thenendeavourtohave
perfectioninmentalchastity.
Amongstyouall,theremaybeahiddenShakespeareoraKalidasa,ahiddenWordsworthora
Valmiki,apotentialsaint,aSt.Xavier,anAkhandaBrahmacharilikeBhishmaPitamaha,a
HanumanoraLakshman,aVisvamitraoraVasishtha,agreatscientistlikeDr.J.C.BoseorRaman,
aYogilikeJnanaDevaorGorakhnath,aphilosopherlikeSankaraorRamanuja,aBhaktalike
Tulsidas,RamdasorEknath.
Awaken,then,yourhiddenfaculties,potentialenergiesofalldescription,throughBrahmacharya
andattainGodconsciousnessquicklyandgetoverthemiseriesofthismundanelifewithits
concomitantevilsofbirth,deathandsorrow.
BlessedistheBrahmachariwhohastakenthevowofcelibacytilltheendoflife.Twiceblessedis
thatBrahmachariwhoissincerelystrugglingtodestroylustandattainperfectpurity.Thriceblessed
isthatBrahmachariwhohascompletelyrootedoutlustandhasattainedSelfrealization.Glorybe
tosuchexaltedBrahmacharins!Theyareveritablegodsonearth.Maytheirblessingsbeuponyou
all.

10.BRAHMACHARYAFORHOUSEHOLDERS
ItisbeyondalldoubtthatalifeofBrahmacharyaisgloriousandmarvellous.Atthesametime,a
lifeofmoderationinthehouseholdlifeisequallygoodandhelpfulforspiritualgrowth.Bothhave
theirownadvantages.Youmusthavegreatstrengthtotreadthepatheitherway.
VarnashramaDharmaispracticallyextinctnow.EveryoneisaVaisyaoraBaniawithgreedfor
accumulationofwealthbyhookorbycrook,bybegging,borrowingorstealing.Almostall
BrahminsandKshatriyasareBaniasorVaisyasonly.ThereisnorealBrahminorKshatriyainthese
days.Theywantmoneyanyhow.TheydonotattempttopracticetheDharmasoftheircasteororder
oflife.Thisisthefundamentalcauseforthedownfallofman.Ifthehouseholderdischargesstrictly
thedutiesofhisstageoflife,ifheisanidealGrihasthi,thereisnonecessityfortakingSannyasa.
TheswellingupinthenumberofSannyasinsatthepresentmomentisduetothefailureofthe
householdersinthedischargeoftheirduties.Thelifeofanidealhouseholderisasmuchdifficult
andrigidasthatofanidealSannyasin.PravrittiMargaorthepathofKarmaYogaisasmuch
difficultandrigidasthatofNivrittiMargaorthepathofrenunciation.
Ifamanleadsalifeofcelibacyeveninhishouseholderslifeandhascopulationoccasionallyfor
thesakeofprogenyonly,hecanbringforthhealthy,intelligent,strong,beautifulandselfsacrificing
children.TheasceticsandsavantsofancientIndia,whenmarried,usedtofollowthisexcellentrule
verycarefullyandalsousedtoteach,bypracticeandprecept,howtoleadthelifeofaBrahmachari
evenasahouseholder.Ourancestorsindeedfollowedtheasceticsincreatingprogenyforthe
defenceofthemotherlandandforotherennoblingworksofthenation.Thosewhohaveread
SrimadBhagavataknowthelivesofDevahuti,daughterofManu,andherhusbandKardamaRishi.
KapilaMuni,founderoftheSankhyaphilosophy,wasbornofDevahutiafterKardamaRishivisited
heroncetogiveherason.ParasaravisitedMatsyagandhitobringforthSriVyasa,founderofthe
Vedantaphilosophy.

GreatRishisofyoreweremarried,buttheydidnotleadthelifeofpassionandlust.Theirlifeof
GrihasthashramwasalifeofDharmaonly.Ifitisnotpossibleforyoutoemulatethemtothevery
letter,youwillhavetokeeptheirlivesbeforeyouaslandmarks,asanidealforemulating,andyou
musttreadthepathofTruth.Grihasthashramisnotalifeoflustandlooseliving.Itisastrictlifeof
selflessservice,ofDharmapureandsimple,ofcharity,goodness,kindness,selfhelp,andallthatis
goodandallthatishelpfultohumanity.Ifyoucanlivesuchalife,thelifeofaGrihasthiisasgood
asthelifeofaSannyasin.
WhatisBrahmacharyainmarriedlife?
Leadawellregulated,moderatemarriedlife.EvenasahouseholderyoucanbeaBrahmachari,by
stickingtotheprinciplesofGrihasthaDharma,bymoderationandregularworshipofGod.
Marriageshouldnotinanywayleadyoudownwardsinyourspiritualpath.Youshouldkeepthe
spiritualfireeverblazing.Youshouldmakeyourwifealsounderstandtherealgloryofaspiritual
life.IfbothofyouobserveBrahmacharyaforsometimeandthenavoidexcesses,shewillgivebirth
torobustchildrenwhowillbetheprideofthecountry.Conservedenergycanbeusedforhigher
spiritualpurposes.Preventionoffrequentmaternitywillpreserveyourwifeshealthtoo.
BrahmacharyainGrihasthashramaisabsolutemoderationinsexualintercourse.Householdersare
allowedtovisittheirwivesonceinamonthatthepropertimewithouttheideaofsexualenjoyment
justtogetprogenytokeepuptheline.ThisisalsoBrahmacharyaVrata.Theyarealso
Brahmacharins.
HouseholdersshouldasktheirwivesalsotoobservefastsandtodoJapa,meditationandother
practices,whichwillenablethemtokeepupthisBrahmacharyaVrata.Theyshouldtraintheir
wivesalsointhestudyoftheGita,theUpanishads,theBhagavataandtheRamayanaandindiet
regulation.
IfyouwanttopracticeBrahmacharya,thinkandfeelthatyourwifeisyoursister.Destroytheidea
ofhusbandandwifeanddeveloptheideaofbrotherandsister.Youbothwilldeveloppureand
stronglove,becausetheimpurityoflustwillberemoved.Talktoyourwifealwaysonspiritual
matters.NarratetoherstoriesfromtheMahabharata,theBhagavata.Sitwithheronholidaysand
readsomereligiousbook.Graduallyhermindwillbechanged.Shewilltakeinterestanddelightin
spiritualpractices.PutthisintopracticeifyouwanttogetridofthemiseriesofSamsaraandenjoy
theeternalblissoftheSoul.
YoungmenofthepresentdayimitateWesternersintakingtheirwivesalwayswiththemwhenthey
goout.Thispracticecreatesastronghabitinmenforhavingthecompanyofwomenatalltimes.A
littleseparationbringsagreatdealofpainandsuffering.Manygetashockwhentheylosetheir
wives.Further,itbecomesverydifficultforthemtotakeavowofcelibacyevenforamonth.Poor,
miserableweaklings!Spiritualbankrupts!Trytobeawayfromyourpartnersinlifeasmuchasyou
can.Talklittlewiththem.Beserious.Donotlaughorjokewiththem.Goalongforanevening
walk.Whatdidyourwiseforefathersdo?AssimilatefromtheWestonlywhatisgood.Vile
imitationinfashion,style,dressandfoodisdangerous.
Whenthewifebecomesthemother
Assoonasasonisborntoyou,yourwifebecomesyourmother,becauseyouyourselfarebornas
theson.Asonisnothingbuttheenergyofthefather.Changethementalattitude.Serveyourwife
astheWorldMother.StartspiritualSadhana.Destroypassion.Everymorning,assoonasyouget
upfrombed,touchyourwifesfeetandprostratebeforehertakingherforKaliortheWorld
Mother.Donotfeelashamed.Thispracticewillremovetheideaofwifefromyourmind.Ifyou
cannotdotheprostrationphysically,atleastdoitmentally.

Assoonasachildisborn,manmustgiveuplust.Hemustobservecelibacy.Hemusttreathiswife
ashisownmother.Whenoncethisthoughtisbroughtforemostinthemind,howcanhe,evenwhen
thechilddies,changehismentaloutlookandthinkofhiswifewithalustfullook?Thisisagreat
Sadhanaforthehouseholder.Ifachildisnotborn,itisnotadvisabletomarryasecondwife.Both
husbandandwifemaythenpursuethespiritualpathjointly,observingcelibacy.
Livingalifeofspiritualpartnership
SaysManu:"ThefirstbornchildisbornofDharmaandtherestofKamaorlust.Thesexualactfor
merepleasureisnotjustifiable".ThirstyaspirantswhoaretreadingthepathofSelfrealization,who
arehouseholdersabovefortyyearsofage,shouldgiveupcontactwiththeirpartnersinlife.
Because,asexualcontactrevivesallbadideasandgivesthemanewleaseoflife.Marriageshould
nowbeconsideredaGodordainedholyallianceoftwosoulsforthecompletedivinizationoftheir
natureandforrealisingthegoaloflifeGodrealizationthroughawellorderedDharmic
Grihasthalife.Thehusbandandthewifeshould,fromnowon,observeperfectphysical
Brahmacharya,iftheywantrapidspiritualprogressandSelfrealizationinthisverybirth.Thereare
nohalfwaymeasuresinthespiritualpath.
Areyouahouseholderabovefortyyearsofage?Then,youmustbecomeaperfectBrahmachari
now.YourwifealsomustobservefastonEkadasi.Donotsaynow,"Swamiji,whatcanIdo?Iama
householder".Thisisalameexcuse.Howlongdoyouwanttoremainasapassionatehouseholder?
Isittilltheendoflife?Istherenotanoblermissioninlifethaneating,sleepingandprocreating?
DoyounotwanttoenjoytheeternalblissoftheSelf?Youhavetastedenoughofthemundane
pleasures.Youhavepassedthestageofahouseholder.Icanexcuseyouifyouareayoungman,but
notnow.NowgetreadyforthestageofVanaprasthaandmentalSannyasawhileremaininginthe
world.Colouryourheartfirst.Thiswillbeanoblelifeindeed.Prepareyourself.Disciplinethe
mind.RealSannyasaismentalnonattachment.RealSannyasaisdestructionofVasanas,Iness,
mineness,selfishnessandMohaforchildren,body,wifeandproperty.Youneednotretireintothe
Himalayancaves.Attaintheabovestateofmind.Liveintheworldwithfamilyandchildrenamidst
peaceandplenty.Beintheworld,butbeoutoftheworld.Giveupworldliness.Thisisreal
Sannyasa.ThisiswhatIreallywant.ThenyouwillbecomeaKingofkings.Iamshoutingatthe
topofmyvoicelikethisformanyyears,butonlyveryfewpersonsfollowmyteaching.
Agoodwife,aworthyjewel,isthematerialisationoftheLordsinfinitegraceforonewhotreads
thePravrittiMarga.HarmonyineverywalkoflifeisararegiftoftheLordtoacouple.Each
partnershouldbetotheotheratruecompanionineverysenseoftheterm.GrihasthaAshramaisa
saferungintheladderofevolutiontoGodhead.Followthescripturallawsandenjoyinfinitebliss.
Trueunioncanbeestablishedonthespiritualbasis.Bothofyoushouldaspiretorealizethe
commongoaloflifeGodrealization.Whenthecoupleswholivearoundyouviewithoneanother
inmaterialism,andintheirindividualcapacity,todrageachotherdown,bothofyoushould
competewitheachotherinadvancingrapidlyinspiritualSadhana.Whatanovelcompetition!What
ablessingitistohavesuchacompetitorasthelifepartner!

11.WOMENANDBRAHMACHARYA
Anaspirantwrites:"Iwouldliketoknowwhetherthesametheoryregardingtheformationof
Veeryaandlossofthesameholdsgoodinthecaseofwomenalso.Aretheyactuallyaffectedtothe
sameextentasmen?"Thequestionisanimportantandpertinentone.Yes,indulgenceinthesexual
actisexhaustingtothefemalesystemandadrainuponthevitalityasinman.Thenervousstrainit
imposesonthesystemisverygreatindeed.
Thefemalegonads,theovariescorrespondingtothetestesinthemales,produce,developand
matureprecious,vitalforcelikesemen.Thisistheovum.Thoughthewomandoesnotactuallylose

thisoutofherbody,asinthecaseofsemeninman,yet,duetothesexualact,itleavestheovaries
andistakenupintheprocessofconceptiontoformtheembryo.Andoneknowsonlytoowellwhat
astrainanddrainonstrengthchildbearingistoawoman.Repeateddepletionofthisforceandthe
strainofchildbirthmakeswrecksofhealthyladies,andworkshavocwiththeirstrength,beautyand
graceaswellastheiryouthandmentalpower.Eyeslosethelustreandsparklethatareindicativeof
theinnerforces.
Theintensesensuousexcitementoftheactshattersthenervoussystemandcausesdebilitytoo.
Theirsystembeingmoredelicateandhighstrung,femalesareoftenmoreaffectedthanmen.
Womenshouldpreservetheirpreciousvitalforce.Theovumandthehormonessecretedbythe
ovariesareveryessentialforthemaximumphysicalandmentalwellbeingofwomen.
Womenalsoshouldobservethevowofcelibacy.TheyalsocanremainasNaishthicBrahmacharinis
likeMirabaianddevotethemselvestotheserviceanddevotionofGod.OrtheycandoBrahma
VicharalikeGargiandSulabha.TheywillbestyledasBrahmaVicharinis,enquirersofBrahman,if
theyadoptthispath.
GrihasthaDharminisorhouseholdersamongwomenshouldobservePativrataDharmaorthevow
ofchastityandshouldkeepSavitri,Anasuya,astheirideal.TheyshouldseeLordKrishnaintheir
husbandsandrealizeGod,likeLailainMajnu.TheyalsocanpracticealltheKriyassuchasAsanas
andPranayamas.TheyshoulddovigorousSankirtan,Japaandprayerdailyintheirhouses.Through
Bhakti,theycaneasilydestroypassion,becausebynaturetheyaredevotional.
Manywomenofyorehaddonemiraculousdeedsandshowntotheworldthepowerofchastity.
Nalayini,bythepowerofchastity,stoppedtherisingofthesuntosaveherhusbandsslife.Anasuya
turnedtheTrimurtisBrahma,VishnuandMahesvaraintobabieswhentheywantedNirvana
Bhiksha.Itisthroughthepowerofchastityonlythatshewasabletoturnthegreatdeitiesinto
babies.SavitribroughtbackthelifeofSatyavan,herhusband,fromthenooseofYama,byher
chastity.SuchisthepowerofchastityorBrahmacharya.Womenwholeadanidealhouseholders
lifewithchastitycanalsobecomelikeAnasuya,NalayiniorSavitri.
Brahmacharinisancientandmodern
Inoldendays,therewereBrahmacharinisinIndia.TheywereBrahmavadinistheydiscoursedon
Brahman.TheydidnotwishtoleadthelifeofGrihasthaDharminisdevotedtoahouseholders
duties.TheyservedtheRishisandsagesintheirhermitagesanddidBrahmaVicharaorenquiryof
Brahman.KingJanasrutiplacedhisdaughterattheserviceofRishiRaikva.Youwillfindthisinthe
ChhandogyaUpanishad.
Sulabhawasaverylearnedlady.Shewasborninaroyalfamily.ShewasaBrahmacharini.Shewas
instructedinthereligionofemancipation.Sheobservedthepracticeofasceticism.Shewasfirmin
thepracticesthatbelongedtothemodeoflifesheled.Shewassteadyinhervows.Shenever
utteredawordwithoutreflectingonitspropriety.ShewasaYogini.SheledthelifeofaSannyasini.
SheappearedbeforeJanakainhiscourtandhadagreatdiscussionwithhimonBrahmaVidyaor
theScienceoftheSelf.
GargiwasalsoaBrahmacharini.Shealsowasahighlyculturedlady.Shealsohadalengthy
discussionwithYajnavalkyaonBrahmaVidya.Thedialoguebetweenthemcomesinthe
BrihadaranyakaUpanishad.
InEuropealsothereweremanywomenwhowerecelibateandwhodedicatedtheirlivesentirelyto
severeausterity,prayerandmeditation.Theyhadtheirownhermitages.InIndia,evenatthepresent
moment,thereareeducatedwomenwholeadthelifeofBrahmacharinis.Theydonotwishtomarry.

ThisisduetotheforceofgoodSamskarasofpreviousbirths.Theygiveeducationtothegirlsin
schools.Theygivefreetuitionprivatelytopoorgirlsandtraintheminsewingandotherhousehold
works.Theystudyreligiousbooksandpracticemeditationinthemorningandintheevening.They
doKirtan.Theykeepadailyspiritualdiary.TheyconductSatsangaclassesandKirtanamong
women.TheytraingirlsinthepracticeofAsanasandPranayama.TheygivediscoursesontheGita
andtheUpanishads.TheydeliverlecturesonthereligioussubjectsinEnglish,SanskritandHindi.
Duringholidaysandonimportantoccasions,theyholdreligiousconferencesforladiesonagrand
scaleformassspiritualawakening.
Sometimestheyvisitnearbyvillagesanddistributemedicinesfreelytothepoor.Theyareequipped
withtheknowledgeoffirstaid,homoeopathy,allopathyandthebiochemicalsystemofmedicine.
Theyaretrainedinnursingthesick.ThereisahighlyeducatedBrahmacharini,whoiswellversed
inSanskrit,EnglishandHindi,whoistheheadofaninstitutionforgirls.Shemaintainsafree
privateschoolalsoforpoorgirlsatherownexpense.Thisisaverynobleserviceindeed.
SuchgirlsandwomenarereallyablessingtoIndia.Theyleadalifeofpurityandselfsacrifice.
Theyenjoybliss,prosperityandrenownhereandwillalsoattaintheimmortalabodeofsupreme
peacehereafter.IndiaisinneedofmoreBrahmacharinisofthisdescriptionwhocandedicatetheir
livestoservice,meditationandprayer.
TherewasaMaharaniintheerstwhileUnitedProvinceswhoworesimpledress,atesimplefood,
servedSadhusandpoorpeopleandalwayslivedamongstSannyasins.Shehadasoundknowledge
ofthescripturesandshedidregularmeditationandprayer.SheobservedMounaorthevowof
silenceformonthstogetherandspentsometimeinseclusionandruledherstatealso.
ThereisaneducatedwomanwhoisanM.B.B.S.Herhusbandisholdingagoodposition.Shetreats
thepatientsfreely.Shedoesnotchargeanyfeesforvisiting.Shedoesverygoodservicetothe
society.Sheisnotajobhunter.Sheisfreefromgreed.Shedoesmedicalserviceforthepurification
ofherheart.SheregardsmedicalserviceofthepoorpeopleasworshipofGod.Shelooksafterthe
houseandservesherhusband.Shestudiesreligiousbooksandspendssometimeinmeditation,
worshipandprayer.Sheisanidealwomanwholeadsagloriousandpiouslife.
Looselifeisnotfreedom
Theworldisindireneedofsuchidealwomen.Iwishthattheworldmayaboundwithsuchglorious
women.Idonotcondemnwomen.Idonotopposegivingthemeducationandfreedom.Ihavethe
highestvenerationforwomen.IadorethemasDevisorgoddesses.But,Iamnotinfavourofsuch
freedomforwomenaswillruinthem.Iaminfavourofsucheducationandcultureaswillmake
themimmortalandglorious,aswillmakethemidealwomenlikeSulabha,MiraandMaitreyi,like
SavitriandDamayanti.ThisiswhatIwant.Thisiswhateverybodywouldlike.
Looselifeisnotperfectfreedom.SomewomenofIndiahaveruinedthemselvesbytaking
advantageofthisfalsefreedom.Thereisnolimittothefreedom,whichthesocallededucated
womanenjoysnow.Thisfreedomhascausedmanyhomestobewrecked.Ithascreateddisordersin
society.Ithasbroughtshameonmanyrespectablefamilies.Thegirls,intheirinsatiablecravingfor
freedom,haveoversteppedthelimitandlostthatpricelesspossessionwhichthewomenofthepast
couldkeepuntarnished.
Bymixingwithmenfreely,womanlosesherdignity,modesty,femininegrace,andthesanctityof
herpersonandcharacter.Awomanwhomixesfreelywithmencannotpreserveherchastityfor
long.Therecanbe,andtherehavebeen,exceptions.Awomanwhomixeswithmenfreelyinpublic
lifeandyetremainspuremustbecertainlysuperhuman.Anordinarywomanwithhernatural
passionwillsoonsuccumb.Humannaturewillfulfilitself.

Whatisthereinawomanslifeifherpurityislost?Sheisonlyalivingcorpseifthereisnopurity,
althoughshemayberollinginwealthandmovinginhighcirclesinsociety.Promiscuousmixing
willleadtodisastrousresults.EvenRishisandYoginswhoarecladinrags,wholiveonrootsin
seclusion,willbepulleddownbythedarkforcesofnatureiftheyarecareless.Thenwhattospeak
ofwomenwhoeatdailydaintiesandsweetmeats,whoarecladinperfumedvelvetandsilkwith
laceborders,whoaregiventotoomuchmixing,whodonotleadalifeofselfcontrol,whohaveno
religioustraininganddiscipline,whohavenoideaoftheinnerlifeandthereligionof
emancipation?Owisereader!Ileavethisforyourownconsideration,reflection,cogitationand
deliberation.
Womenshouldnotdoanythingthatcanbringdishonourorinfamyonthemandtheirfamily,anda
blotontheircharacter.Withoutcharacter,amanorawomanisconsideredasdeadwhileliving.
Womenshouldbeverycarefulandcautiouswhentheymoveinsociety.Theyshouldavoidtoo
muchtalking,toomuchmixing,guffawandgiggling.Theyshouldalwayswalkinadignified
mannerandnotwiththeswingingofthehips.Theyshouldneverlookatmenwithaflittinggesture.
Clothesshouldnotbetootightorrevealing.Abandonmakeup.
Acalltospirituallife
ODevis!Donotwasteyourlivesinfashionandpassion.Openyoureyes.Walkinthepathof
righteousness.PreserveyourPativrataDharma.SeeDivinityinyourhusband.StudytheGita,the
Upanishads,BhagavataandRamayana.BecomegoodGrihasthaDharminisandBrahmaVicharinis.
BringforthmanyGourangas.Thedestinyoftheworldisentirelyinyourhands.Youareholdingthe
masterkeyoftheworld.OpenthedoorofElysianbliss.BringVaikunthainyourhome.Trainyour
childreninthespiritualpath.Sowthespiritualseedwhentheyareyoung.
ODevisoftheworld!Shouldyounotstriveforthehigherlife,thegrand,thesublime,theonlyreal
lifeintheSoul?Isitsufficientifyouaresatisfiedwiththepettymaterialnecessitiesoflifeon
earth?DoyourememberwhatMaitreyisaidtoYajnavalkya?"WhatshallIdowiththewealthof
thiswholeworldiftherebyIwouldnotbecomeimmortal?"saidshetoherhusband.Howmany
ladiesofthisworldwillbeboldenoughtoassertthiswisesayingoftheUpanishadicidealofa
woman?
TochainthemselveswiththebondageofSamsaraisnotthebirthrightofthemothersandsistersof
theworld.Togetstuckupinfamily,childrenandrelativesisnottheidealofcourageousand
discriminativewomen.Everymotheroftheworldshouldrealizeherresponsibilitytoawaken
herself,herchildren,herfamilyandherhusband,tothetruelight,andsplendourofspirituallife.
WhatagloriousmotherwasMadalasa!Didsheaskherchildrentostudyuptothepostgraduate
examination,andthenseekforsomeemployment?"Suddhosi,Buddhosi,Niranjanosi,Samsara
MayaParivarjitosiYouarepure,youareconsciousness,youaretaintless,youaredevoidofthe
MayaofSamsara"suchwastheAdvaiticinstructionwhichMadalasagavetoherchildrenwhen
sherockedtheminthecradle.Howmanymothersofthepresentdayworldhavegotthefortuneto
teachtheirchildrensuchprofoundknowledge?Ontheotherhand,thepresentdaymotherswould
trytocrushthespiritualtendencyoftheirchildrenevenifitisfoundintheminamicroscopicstate!
Whatasadandpitiablecondition!Wakeup,Omothers,sisters!Wakeupfromyourdeepsleep.
Recogniseyourresponsibility.Spiritualiseyourselves.Spiritualiseyourchildren.Spiritualiseeven
yourhusbands,foryouarethemakersofthefamily!RememberhowChudalailluminedher
husband.Youarethemakersofthenations!Youarethebuildersoftheworld!Therefore,
spiritualiseyourselves.AssertinyourselvesthespiritofSulabha,Maitreyi,Gargi.Donotbe
cowardly.Comeoutofyourfleshyhomesthehomesofdelusion,thehomesofvanity!
BeyouallrealSannyasinisandbringrealglory,realgreatness,forthatisrealboldnessandcourage,
thatisrealwisdomandunderstanding.Awomanisnotawomanifsheisdevoidofspiritualfirein
her,ifsheisignorantofahigherlifeintheSoul.Awomansdutyisnotmerelyfamilyherdutyis

alsototranscendthefamily.Herdutydoesnotlieinsans,bangles,jackets,powdersandscents.Her
dutydoesnotlieingettingemploymentforherchildren.HerdutyisalsoconcernedwiththeSelf,
theAtman,theBrahman.SuchawomanisarealsymbolofGod.Sheistobeadored,sheistobe
worshipped!

12.BRAHMACHARYAANDTHEEDUCATIONALCURRICULUM
IfyoucomparethepresentsystemofeducationwithourancientGurukulsystem,thereisawide
gulfbetweenthetwo.Inthefirstplace,thepresentsystemofeducationisverycostly.Themoral
sideofeducationisabsolutelyignoredatthepresentmoment.EverystudentintheGurukulwas
pure.Everystudent,hadperfectmoraltraining.Thiswasthepredominatingfeatureofancient
culture.EverystudenthadaknowledgeofPranayama,MantraYoga,Asanas,thecodeofmorals,
Gita,Ramayana,MahabharataandtheUpanishads.Everystudentpossessedhumility,selfrestraint,
obedience,aspiritofserviceandselfsacrifice,gooddemeanour,politeness,acourteousnature,and
lastbutnottheleast,adesiretoacquireAtmaJnana.
AvitaldrawbackinthepresenteducationalsysteminIndia
Thecollegestudentsofthepresentdaydonotpossessanyoftheabovevirtuesatall.Selfcontrolis
athingunknowntothem.Luxuriouslivingandselfindulgencebeginfromtheirveryboyhood.
Arrogance,impertinenceanddisobediencearedeeprootedinthem.Theyhavebecomeconfirmed
atheistsandrankmaterialists.ManyareashamedtosaythattheybelieveintheexistenceofGod.
TheyhavenoknowledgeofBrahmacharyaandselfcontrol.Fashionabledress,undesirablefood,
badcompany,frequentattendanceatthetheatres,andthecinema,andapplyingWesternmanners
andcustomshaverenderedthemweakandpassionate.BrahmaVidya,AtmaJnana,Vairagya,the
wealthofMokshaandAtmicpeaceandblissarequiteforeigntothem.
Fashion,style,epicureanism,gluttonyandluxuryhaveoccupiedtheirminds.Itisverypitiableto
hearthelifehistoryofsomeofthecollegestudents.IntheancientGurukul,boyswerehealthyand
strongandlivedlong.Ithasindeedbeendetectedthatthehealthofthestudentshasdeteriorated
throughoutIndia.Moreover,thevicesandbadpracticesthatareruiningtheirhealthareonthe
increase.Thereisnoethicalcultureinmodernschoolsandcolleges.Inthepresentsystem,the
moralsideofeducationisabsolutelyignored.
Moderncivilizationhasenfeebledourboysandgirls.Theyleadanartificiallife.Childrenbeget
children.Thereisracialdegeneration.Thecinemahasbecomeacurse.Itexcitespassionand
emotion.Nowadays,inthecinema,vulgarscenesandimmoralplaysareenactedevenwhenthey
showstoriesfromtheMahabharataandtheRamayana.AgainIhavetoreiteratewithforcethatthe
presentsystemofeducationinIndianeedsathoroughdrasticoverhaulingimmediately.
Anysystemofeducation,whichisnotbasedontheprinciplesofBrahmacharya,andhasnotinits
curriculumacompulsorystudyofSanskritliterature,willnotbegoodfortheHindus.Itisboundto
fail!Thosewhoareresponsibleforgivingthemapropersystemofeducationareignorantonthis
importantpointandhencethenumerousunfortunateexperimentsineducation.
Professorsofsomecollegesinsistonthestudentsputtingonfashionabledress.Theyevendislike
studentswhowearcleanbutsimpleclothing.Agreatpity!Cleanlinessisonethingandfashionis
anotherthing.Thesocalledfashiontakesrootinworldlinessandsensuality.
Cleanlinessoflifeisverynecessaryforphysicalandspiritualgrowth.Boysandgirlssufferin
silenceonaccountofignorance,onaccountofmisuseofbodilypartswhichconstitutesadefinite
drainuponthevitality.Thisretardsnormalmentalandphysicalprogress.Whenthehumansystem

isdeprivedofitsnaturalsecretions,theremustbeacorrespondingdeclineinnervousenergy.Thisis
thereasonwhyfunctionaldisordersdevelop.Thenumberofwrecksisincreasing.
Youngboyssufferfromanaemia,badmemoryanddebility.Theyhavetodiscontinuetheirstudies.
Diseasesareincreasing.Thousandsofinjectionshavecomeintothepharmacy,hospitalsand
dispensaries.Thousandsofdoctorshaveopenedtheirclinicsandshops.Yet,miseryisincreasing
daybyday.Peopledonotgetsuccessintheirenterprisesandbusiness.Whatisthereasonforthis?
Thereasonisnotfartoseek.Itisbecauseofwastageofthevitalforceorsementhroughevilhabits
andimmoderatesexualintercourse.Itisbecauseofanuncleanmindandanuncleanbody.
Dutyofteachersandparents
Agreatandonerousdutyrestswiththeteachersandprofessorsofschoolsandcollegestotrainthe
studentsinthepathofSadacharaorrightconductandtomouldtheircharacterproperly.
Brahmacharyaincludescharacterbuildingorrightmouldingofcharacter.Theysaythatknowledge
ispower.ButIassertboldly,withgreatassuranceandpracticalexperience,thatcharacterispower
andthatcharacterisfarsuperiortoknowledgeeven.
Everyoneofyoushouldendeavouryourlevelbesttomouldyourcharacterproperly.Yourwhole
lifeandyoursuccessinlifedependentirelyupontheformationofyourcharacter.Allthegreat
personsinthisworldhaveachievedtheirgreatnessthroughcharacterandcharacteralone.The
brilliantluminariesoftheworldhavewontheirlaurelsoffame,reputationandhonourthrough
characterandcharacteralone.
Theteachersthemselvesshouldbestrictlymoralandpure.Theyshouldbeendowedwithethical
perfection.Otherwise,itwillbeliketheblindleadingtheblind.Beforetakingtotheprofessionofa
teacher,everyteachershouldfeelthehighresponsibilityofhispositionintheeducationalline.
Mereintellectualachievementintheartofdeliveringdrylectureswillnotsuffice.Thisalonewill
notadornaprofessor.
Whenstudentsreachtheageofmaturity,certaingrowthsandchangestakeplaceinthephysical
body.Thevoicechanges.Newemotionsandsentimentsarise.Naturally,theyoungstersbecome
curious.Theyconsultthestreetboys.Theygetilladvised.Theyruintheirhealthbyvilehabits.A
clearknowledgeofsexualhealth,hygieneandBrahmacharya,ofhowtoattainlongevityandhowto
controlpassion,shouldbeimpartedtothem.Parentsshouldteachtheirchildrenthevariousstories
fromtheMahabharataandtheRamayanathatrelatetoBrahmacharyaandrightconduct.
Parentsshouldadvisetheirchildren,oftenandoften,onthesubjectofBrahmacharya.Thisistheir
imperativeduty.Candidtalkstotheboysandgirlsareverynecessarywhentheybegintoshow
signsofpuberty.Itisnousebeatingaboutthebush.Mattersthatrelatetosexshouldnotbekept
hidden.Itwillbeonlyfalsemodestyiftheparentsfeelshytotalktotheirchildrenonthisimportant
subject.Silencewillonlyexcitethecuriosityoftheadolescentchildren.Whereas,iftheycan
understandthesethingsclearlyintime,surelytheywillnotbemisguidedbyevilcompanionsand
theywillnotdevelopbadhabits.
Teachersandparentsshouldgiveproperinstructionstotheboysandgirlsastohowtheyshould
leadacleanlifeofBrahmacharya.Theyshouldgetridoftheirfalsesenseofmodestyandshame.
Theyareagooddealresponsiblefortheignoranceoftheboysandgirls.Therehasbeenmore
sufferingcausedbyignoranceofthesemattersthanbyanythingelse.Youarepayingthepriceof
ignorance,ofthefalsemodestythatmattersofsexandsexualphysiologyshouldnotbediscussed.
Theteachersandparentsshoulddiligentlywatchtheconductoftheyoungstersandclearlyimpress
ontheirmindthevitalimportanceofacleanlifeofBrahmacharyaandthedangersofanunclean
life.PamphletsonBrahmacharyashouldbefreelydistributedtothem.

MagiclanterndemonstrationsonthesubjectofBrahmacharya,onthelivesofBrahmacharinsof
yore,onthestoriesoftheMahabharataandtheRamayana,shouldberegularlyconductedinthe
schoolsandcolleges.Thiswillbeagreathelpinelevatingandinspiringthestudentstoahighmoral
standard.
Oteachersandprofessors!Wakeupnow!TrainthestudentsinthepathofBrahmacharyaand
righteousnessandmorality.MakethemtrueBrahmacharins.Donotneglectthisdivinework.You
aremorallyresponsibleforthisoneroustask.ThisisyourYoga.YoucanhaveSelfrealizationif
youtakeupthisworkinrightearnest.Betrueandsincere.Openyoureyesnow.Explaintotheboys
andthegirlstheimportanceofBrahmacharyaandinstructtheminthevariousmethodsbywhich
theycanpreservetheVeerya,thesoulforceorAtmaSaktithatishiddeninthem.
Teacherswhohavedisciplinedthemselvesfirstshouldholdprivatetalkswithstudentsandgive
themregularpracticallessonsonBrahmacharya.Rev.H.PackenhamWalsh,whowasprincipalof
theS.RG.College,Tiruchirappali,afewdecadesago,andwholaterbecameabishop,usedtohold
regulartalkswithhisstudentsonthesubjectofBrahmacharyaandselfcontrol.
Thefuturedestinyoftheworldrestsentirelywiththeteachersandstudents.Iftheteacherstrain
theirstudentsintherightdirection,inthepathofrighteousness,theworldwillbefilledwithideal
citizens,YogisandJivanmuktas,whowillradiatelight,peace,blissandjoyeverywhere.
BlessedishewhotrulyendeavoursinmakinghisstudentstrueBrahmacharins.Twiceblessedishe
whotriestobecomearealBrahmachari.MaytheblessingsofLordKrishnabeuponthem.Gloryto
theteachers,professorsandstudents.

13.SOMEIDEALBRAHMACHARINS
Hanuman
HanumanwasbornofAnjanafromPavana,thewindgod.HewasnamedHanumanafterthename
ofthecityHanumanoverwhichhismaternalunclePartiSuryaruled.Hanumansbodywasashard
asstone.So,AnjananamedhimVajranga.HeisalsoknownbythenameMahavirormightiesthero,
becauseheexhibitedseveralheroicfeats.HisothernamesareBalabhimaandMaruti.
Theworldhasnotyetseen,andwillnotseeinthefuturealso,amightyherolikeSriHanuman.
Duringhislifetimeheworkedwondersandexhibitedsuperhumanfeatsofstrengthandvalour.He
hasleftbehindhimanamewhich,aslongastheworldlasts,willcontinuetowieldamighty
influenceoverthemindsofmillionsofpeople.
HanumanisoneofthesevenChiranjivis.Heistheonlylearnedscholarwhoknowsthenine
Vyakaranasorsciencesofgranunar.HelearnttheSastrasfromthesungod.Heisthe
personificationofBrahmacharya.Heisthewisestofthewise,thestrongestofthestrongandthe
bravestofthebrave.HeistheSaktiorenergyofRudra.HewhomeditatesonHanumanandrepeats
hisnameattainspower,strength,glory,prosperityandsuccessinlife.Hanumanisworshippedinall
partsofIndia,particularlyinMaharashtra.
Hanumanhadthepowertoassumeanyformheliked,toswellhisbodytoanenormousextentand
toreduceittothelengthofathumbnail.Hisstrengthwassuperhuman.Hewastheterrorofthe
Rakshasasordemons.HewaswellversedinthefourVedasandothersacredbooks.Hisvalour,
wisdom,knowledgeofthescripturesandsuperhumanstrengthattractedeverybodywhocamenear
him.Hehadextraordinaryskillinwarfare.

Hanumanwasthechosenmessenger,warriorandservantofSriRama.Hewasavotaryanddevotee
ofLordRama.Ramawashisallinall.HelivedtoserveRama.HelivedinRama.Helivedfor
Rama.HewasaministerandintimatefriendofSugriva.
Hanumanwasbornonthemorningofthe8thofthelunarmonth,Chaitra,onthemostblessedday,
Tuesday.Fromhisverybirth,Hanumanexhibitedextraordinaryphysicalstrengthandworkedmany
miracles.Whenhewasachild,hejumpedupatthesunandcaughtholdofhimtoeat.Allthegods
wereverymuchtroubled.Theycamewithfoldedhandstothechildandhumblyentreatedhimto
releasethesun.Thechildsetfreethesunattheirrequest.
ARishipronouncedacurseon.Hanumanforhiswrongactionthathewouldremainunconsciousof
hisgreatstrengthandprowesstillhemetSriRamaandservedHimwithdevotion.Hanumansaw
SriRamaforthefirsttimeinKishkinda.SriRamaandLakshmanacamethereinthecourseoftheir
searchforSitawhomRavanahadcarriedaway.AssoonasHanumanbeheldSriRama,hebecame
quiteconsciousofhisownstrengthandpower.
HanumanburntthewholeofLankaandbroughtnewsofSitatoRama.Inthegreatwarbetween
RamaandRavana,HanumankilledmanyheroesoftheRakshasaarmy.Hedidmanysuperhuman
acts.CarryingabigmountainandothergreatactivitieswerenothingforHanuman.Allthosewere
duetothepowerofBrahmacharya.
Whenthegreatwarwasover,VibhishanawasinstalledonthethroneofLanka.Thetimeof
banishmentwasover.SriRama,Lakshmana,SitaandHanumansatonthePushpakaVimanaor
aeroplaneandreachedAyodhyaintime.ThecoronationceremonyofLordRamawascelebrated
withgreateclatandpomp.SitapresentedanecklaceofpearlstoHanuman.
GlorytoHanuman,theblesseddevoteeofLordRama.Glory,glorytoSriAnjaneya,themighty
hero,undauntedwarriorandlearnedBrahmachari,thelikeofwhomtheworldhasnotyetseenand
willnotseeinalltimetocome.
MaywederiveinspirationfromHanumansideallifeofBrahmacharya!MayHisblessingsbeupon
youall.LetussingHisglory:
JayaSiyaRamJayaJayaSiyaRam
JayaHanumanJayaJayaHanuman
JayaSiyaRamJayaJayaSiyaRam
JayaHanumanJayaJayaHanuman
SriLakshmana
Lakshmana,thesonofDasarathabyhissecondqueenSumitra,wastheyoungerbrotherofSri
Rama.HewasanAvataraofAdisesha.HewastheconstantcompanionofRamabothinpleasure
andinpain.RamaandLakshmanalived,dined,playedandstudiedtogether.Onecouldnotbearthe
separationoftheother.LakshmanawasalovingservantalsoofSriRama.HecarriedoutSri
Ramascommandstotheveryletter.HelivedinperfectobediencetoSriRama.
Lakshmanahadpureanduntaintedbrotherlylove.Hisobjectoflifewasservicetohiselderbrother.
Obediencetothecommandsofhisbrotherwasthemottoofhislife.Hewouldnotdoanything
withoutgettingRamaspermission.HeregardedSriRamaashisGod,Guru,fatherandmother.He
followedRamaasashadow.
Hewasquiteunselfishatheart.Heabandonedallthecomfortsofaroyallifewillinglyonlyforthe
companyofhisbrother.HeservedRamascauseinallpossibleways.HemadeRamascausehis
own.Hesacrificedeverypersonalconsiderationonthealtarofbrotherlylove.SriRamawashisall

inall.Lakshmanacouldrelinquishanything,hislifeeven,forthesakcofRama.Heabandonedina
momenthismother,hiswifeandhisroyalcomfortstofollowSriRamaandSitainexile.Whata
magnanimoussoul!WhatagreatTyagihewas!Hereisanunprecedentedexample,inthehistoryof
thewholeworld,ofadisinterested,nobleanddevotedsoulwholivedonlytoservehisbrother.That
isthereasonwhythereadersofRamayanaeulogizeLakshmanaforhispureanduniquelove
towardshisbrother.SomeeulogizeBharata,whileothersspeakveryhighlyofHanuman,but
LakshmanawasinnowayinferiortoBharataorHanuman.
LakshmanafollowedSriRamaforthelongperiodoffourteenyearsthoughhewasperfectlyaware
ofthedangersoftheforest.HeaccompaniedRamawithhisbowandarrow,thoughhishelpwasnot
requiredbyVisvamitra.ItwasallduetohisdevotionandlovetowardshisbrotherSriRama.
SriRamaalsohadintenseloveforLakshmana.WhenLakshmanafelldownunconsciousbythe
fatalarrowofMeghanada,Ramasheartwasbroken.Heweptbitterly.Hemadeadeterminationnot
torevisitAyodhyawhenhelosthisdearbrother.Hesaid,"AwifelikeSitacanbehad,butareal
devotedbrotherofthetypeofLakshmanacannotbehadagain.Theworldisnothingformewithout
mybrother."
Lakshmanawaspureinthought,wordanddeed.HeledthelifeofanidealBrahmachariduringthe
fourteenyearsofexile.HeneverlookedatthefaceorbodyofSita.Hiseyeswereeverdirected
towardsherlotuslikefeetonly.WhenSugrivabroughtSitascloakandjewelswhich,whileshe
wasbeingcarriedaway,shehadallowedtofallontheearth,seeingthemonkeysonthemountain
RamashowedthemtoLakshmanaandaskedwhetherherecognizedthem.Lakshmanasaid:
NahamJanamiKeyureNahamJanamiKankane
NupuraEvaJanamiNityamPadabhivandanat
"IdonotrecognisethebraceletsorearringsIknowonlytheanklets,forIworshippedherfeet
alone."SeehowLakshmanareveredSitaasmotherorGoddess.
Meghanada,thesonofRavana,hadconqueredevenIndra,thelordofgods.Byvirtueofthis
victory,MeghanadaalsocametobeknownasIndrajit.Hehadaboonofbeinginvincibletoall
excepttoonewhocouldabstainfromallsortsofsensualenjoymentsasleastforafullfourteen
years.Hewasunconquerable.ButLakshmanadestroyedhimbythepowerofhispurity,bythe
powerofBrahmacharya.
OLakshmana!Weshalleversingthygloryandrepeat,"RamLakshmanJanaki,JaiBoloHanuman
Ki!"IntroduceustoourbelovedLordRama,thydearbrotherandmaster.Helpusalsoinholding
communionwithLordRama.OLakshmana!BeevermercifultothoseneophyteSadhakaswho
gropeinthedarknessofignorance!Teachusthesecretofsuccessandhelpusinbecomingstaunch
celibatestilltheendofourlives.Onceagain,salutationstothee,OLakshmana,thedarlingof
SumitraandtheappleofSriRamaseyes!
Bhishma
BhishmasfatherwasSantanu,whowastherulerofHastinapura.HismotherwasGangaDevi.His
earlynamewasDevavrata.HewasanincarnationofVasuDevata.
OnedaySantanuwentintotheforests,closetothebanksoftheYamuna,forhunting.Hecame
acrossahandsomemaiden.Hesaidtoher,"Whoareyou?Whatareyoudoinghere?"Shereplied,
"IamthedaughterofDasaraja,thefisherchief.MynameisSatyavati.Iamengagedathis
commandinrowingtheboatfortakingpassengersacrosstheriver".

KingSantanuwantedtomarryher.HewenttoDasarajaandaskedhisconsent.Thefisherchief
replied,"Iamquitewillingtogivemydaughtertoyouinmarriage.But,first,Iwantyoutogiveme
apromise".
Thekingreplied,"ODasaraja,whatisthat?Iwillcertainlydowhatliesinmypower".Thefisher
chiefsaid,"Thesonbornofmydaughtershouldsucceedyou".
Santanudidnotwishtogivethispledgetothefisherchief,becausehisvaliantandintelligentson
Devavrata,whomhelovedintensely,wouldhavetoabandonthethrone.Hewouldnolongerbethe
heirapparent.Butthefireofloveforthemaidenburnthim.Hewasinagreatdilemma.Hegrew
paleanddidnottakeanyinterestintheaffairsofthestate.Heopenedhishearttothechiefminister
whomhetrusted,butthelatterwasnotabletoadvisehiminthematter.Santanutriedtoconcealhis
loveforthemaidenfromhissonDevavrata.
Devavratawaswiseandwasverystrong.Hesuspectedsomethingandthoughtthathisfatherwas
unhappy.Hesaidtohisfather,"Obelovedfather!Youareprosperous.Youhavegoteverything.
Thereshouldbenocauseforyouranxiety.Whyareyoucheerlessnow?Youarelosingyourvigour
andstrength.Kindlyletmeknowthereasonforyourgrief.Iameverreadytodowhatliesinmy
powertoremoveit."
Thekingreplied,"ObelovedDevavrata!Youaremyonlyson.Ifanycalamityfallsonyou,Iwill
becomesonless.Iwillbedeprivedofheaven.Youareequaltoahundredsons.Therefore,Idonot
wanttomarryagain.ButonesonisnosonaccordingtothewordsoftheRishis.Thesethoughtsare
troublingmeinmymind".
Thereupon,Devavrata,accompaniedbytheoldministerandmanyrespectableKshatriyachiefs,
wenttoDasarajaandpleadedonbehalfofhisfather.Heaskedhimtogivehisdaughtertohisfather
inmarriage.
Thefisherchiefreplied,"Oamiableprince!Ihavealreadytoldyourfatherabouttheconditionon
whichIcangive,mydaughterinmarriagetohim".
Devavratasaid,"Ofisherchief!Imakeasolemndeclarationnowthatthesonthatmaybebornof
thisgirlshallsucceedmyfathertothethrone.Ishalldoallthatyouwish".
Thefisherchiefsaid,"Ihighlyappreciateyournoblecharacterandhighideal.Butyoursonsmay
expelmydaughterssonatanytimeattheirsweetwill.Ientertainagravedoubtonthispoint".
Devavrataprayed,"OTruth!Dwellinmeforever.Comeandpervademywholebeing!Giveme
innerstrengthtosticktothevowofperfectcelibacythatIamgoingtotakenowinthepresenceof
thesepeople!".Hethenresolutelysaidtothefisherchief,"ODasaraja!ListentowhatIsay.From
today,IshallleadalifeofstrictNaishthikaBrahmacharyatilltheendofmylife.Allthewomenof
theworldaremymothers.IamthemostdevotedandloyalsubjectoftheKingofHastinapura.IfI
diesonless,Ishallyetattaintheabodeofeternalblissandimmortality".
Fromheavenatthattime,thecelestialdamsels,thegodsandtheassemblageofsagesshowered
flowersonhimandsaid,"ThisisverilyBhishma,theTerrible!".
Thefisherchiefsaid,"Oprince!Iamquitereadynowtogivemydaughterinmarriagetoyour
father".Thereupon,thefishermanandhisdaughteraccompaniedDevavratatothepalaceof
Santanu.Theoldministerinformedthekingaboutallthathadhappened.Themonarchswho
assembledinthehallgreatlyappreciatedtheextraordinaryspiritofselfsacrificeandrenunciation
ofDevavrataandsaid,"DevavrataisreallyBhishma,theTerrible".Sincethen,Devavrataborethe
nameofBhishma.KingSantanuwasimmenselypleasedwiththenobleconductofhissonand

conferreduponhimtheboonofdeathatwill.Hesaid,"Maythegodsprotectyou!Deathshallnever
cometoyouaslongasyouwishtolive".
Whatanexaltedsoul!Thisnobleexampleisanunprecedentedoneinthehistoryoftheworld.No
onesaveBhishma,onthesurfaceofthisearth,hadmadesuchagreatsacrificeforthesakeoffilial
dutyatsuchayoungage.Bhishmasfilialdutyandpietymightverywellbecomparedtothatof
LordRama.
Bhishmawasveryfirm,inhisprinciples.Hewasabsolutelyfreefromtheslightesttingeof
selfishness.Hewasanembodimentofselfdenialandselfsacrifice.Hispowerofenduranceand
patienceinallthedifficulttrialshemetwith,weremarvellousandunprecedented.Hewas
matchlessinfortitudeandcourage.Allmenhonouredhim.AlltheKshatriyachiefspaidtheir
homagetohim.HewasamightyYogiandasage.Hewasabovebodyconsciousness.Herestedin
hisownSatchidanandaSvarupa.Thatisthereasonwhyhewaspeacefulandsereneeventhoughhe
waspiercedbysharparrowsalloverhisbody.Lyingonthebedofsharparrowswhichwasassoft
asabedofflowerstohim,hegavewonderfuldiscoursesonpolitical,philosophical,religious,
socialandmoralsubjectstoYudhishthira.Haveyoueverheardofanyone,saveBhishma,inthe
historyoftheworld,whowasabletogiveloftyandsublimediscoursesonhisdeathbed?Bhishma
laidhislifeforothers.Helivedtoserveandelevateothers.Thenoblelifeledbythehighsouled
Bhishmaofmightywillforcestillinspiressterlingvirtuesinthosewhostudyhisdiscoursesinthe
SantiParva.Bhishmadiedlong,longago,buthisvoiceintheSantiParvaandhisidealandexalted
lifeawakenslumberingpeopletoaction,righteousness,dutyandenquiry,rigorousTapasand
meditation,tothisday.
GlorytoBhishma,whoseexemplarylifeofBrahmacharyainspiresourheartseventodayand
elevatesourmindstomagnanimousheightsofdivinegloryandsplendour.

SECTIONIII.TECHNIQUESOFSEXSUBLIMATION
14.SUPPRESSIONANDSUBLIMATION
InthePracticeofBrahmacharya,whatiswantediseliminationoflust,butnotsuppression.
Suppressionofthesexurgeisnoteradication.Youcanneverbefreeofthatwhichissuppressed.
Thesuppressedsexdesirewillattackyouagainandagainandwillproducewetdreams,irritability
andrestlessnessofmind.
Repressionorsuppressionofthesexualdesirewillnothelpyoumuch.Iflustissuppressed,itwill
againmanifestwithredoubledforcewhenasuitableopportunityarises,whenthewillbecomes
weak,whenVairagyawanes,whenthereisslackeninginmeditationorYogicSadhana,whenyou
becomeweakowingtoanattackofdisease.
Donottrytorunawayfromwomen.ThenMayawillchaseyouterribly.TrytoseetheSelfinall
formsandrepeattheformula"OmEkSatChitAnandaAtma"veryoften.RememberthatAtmanis
sexless.Mentalrepetitionofthisformulawillgiveyoustrength.
IgnorantpeopleadoptfoolishmethodstokilltheIndriyas.Theyfaileventually.Manyfoolish
aspirantsamputatetheorganofreproduction.Theythinkthatlustcanbeeradicatedbysucha
procedure.Whatagreatfoolishact!Lustisinthemind.Ifthemindissubdued,whatcanthis
externalfleshyorgando?Someswallowtonsofnuxvomicatokillthisorgan.Theyfailintheir
attemptstobecentredinBrahmacharya.Thestateoftheirmindremainsthesame,thoughthey
becomeimpotentbytakingnuxvomica.

WhatiswantedisajudiciouscontroloftheIndriyas.TheIndriyasshouldnotbeallowedtorunriot
insensualgrooves.Theyshouldnotbeallowedtothrowusruthlesslyintothedeeppitof
worldliness,liketheturbulenthorsecarryingawaytheriderwhereveritlikes.
Brahmacharyameanscontrol,butnotsuppression,ofthesexdesireorsexforce.Themindshould
berenderedpurebymeditation,Japa,Kirtanandprayer.Ifthemindisfilledwithsublimedivine
thoughtsbymeditation,Japa,prayerandstudyofholyscriptures,thesexdesirewillbedevitalised
ordeenergisedbythewithdrawalofthemind.Themindalsowillbethinnedout.
Fromsexenergytospiritualenergy
ThesexualenergymustbetransmutedintospiritualenergyorOjasSaktibythepracticeofJapa,
prayer,meditation,studyofreligiousbooks,PranayamaandAsanas.Youmustdevelopdevotion
andaburningdesireforliberation.Youmustconstantlymeditateonthepure,immortal,sexless,
bodiless,desirelessAtman.Thenonlythesexualdesirewillbeannihilated.
IfthesexualenergyistransmutedintoOjasorspiritualenergybypurethoughts,itiscalledsex
sublimationinwesternpsychology.Sublimationisnotamatterofsuppressionorrepression,buta
positive,dynamic,conversionprocess.Itistheprocessofcontrollingthesexenergy,conservingit,
thendivertingitintohigherchannels,andfinally,convertingitintospiritualenergyorOjasSakti.
Thematerialenergyischangedintospiritualenergy,justasheatischangedintolightand
electricity.Justasachemicalsubstanceissublimatedorpurifiedbyraisingthesubstancethrough
heatintovapourwhichagainiscondensedintosolidform,soalso,thesexualenergyispurifiedand
changedintodivineenergybyspiritualSadhana.
Ojasisspiritualenergythatisstoredupinthebrain.Byentertainingsublime,soulelevating
thoughtsoftheSelforAtman,bymeditation,Japa,worshipandPranayama,thesexualenergycan
betransmutedintoOjasSaktiandstoredupinthebrain.Thisstoredupenergycanthenbeutilised
fordivinecontemplationandspiritualpursuits.
AngerandmuscularenergycanalsobetransmutedintoOjas.AmanwhohasagreatdealofOjasin
hisbraincanturnoutimmensementalwork.Heisveryintelligent.Hehaslustrouseyesanda
magneticaurainhisface.Hecaninfluencepeoplebyspeakingafewwords.Ashortspeechofhis
producesatremendousimpressiononthemindsofthehearers.Hisspeechisthrilling.Hehasan
aweinspiringpersonality.SriSankara,anAkhandaBrahmachari,workedwondersthroughhis
powerofOjas.HedidDigvijayaandheldcontroversiesandheateddebatesindifferentpartsof
IndiawithlearnedscholarsthroughhispowerofOjas.AYogialwaysdirectshisattentiontothe
accumulationofthisdivineenergybyunbrokenchastity.
InYoga,itiscalledOordhvaretas.AnOordhvaretaYogiisoneinwhomtheseminalenergyhas
flownupwardsintothebrainasOjasSakti.Thereisnownopossibilityofthesemengoing
downwardsbysexualexcitement.
Thesecretofsexsublimation
AccordingtoYogicscience,semenexistsinasubtleformthroughoutthewholebody.Itisfoundin
asubtlestateinallthecellsofthebody.Itiswithdrawnandelaboratedintoagrossforminthe
sexualorganundertheinfluenceofthesexualwillandsexualexcitement.AnOordhvaretaYoginot
onlyconvertsthesemenintoOjas,butchecksthroughhisYogicpower,throughpurityinthought,
wordanddeed,theveryformationofsemenbythesecretarycellsofthetestesorseeds.Thisisa
greatsecret.AllopathsbelievethateveninanOordhvaretaYogi,theformationofsemengoeson
incessantlyandthatthefluidisreabsorbedintotheblood.Thisisamistake.Theydonotunderstand
theinnerYogicsecretsandmysteries.Theyareinthedark.TheirDrishtiorvisionisconcerned
withthegrossthingsoftheuniverse.TheYogipenetratesintothesubtlehiddennatureofthings

throughYogicChakshuortheinnervisionofwisdom.TheYogigetscontrolovertheastralnature
ofsemenandtherebypreventstheformationoftheveryfluiditself.
ThebodyofamanwhoistrulyanOordhvaretashasthescentofalotus.Amanwhoisnota
Brahmachari,inwhomgrosssemenisformed,may,ontheotherhand,smelllikeabuckgoat.The
semendriesupinthosewhopracticePranayamaseriously.Thesemenenergyascendsuptothe
brain.ItisstoredupasOjasSaktiorspiritualenergyandcomesbackasAmritaornectar.
Theprocessofsexsublimationisextremelydifficult.ItdemandsconstantandprotractedSadhana
andperfectdiscipline.ThatYogiwhohasachievedperfectsublimationhasperfectcontroloverlust.
CompletesublimationisachievedthroughceaselessmeditationonAtmanandSelfrealization.That
YogiorJnaniwhohasattainedthehighestNirvikalpaSamadhi,inwhomtheseedsofSamskaras
arefriedintoto,canclaimtobeaperfectOordhvaretasoronewhohascompletesexsublimation.
Thereisnofearofhisdownfall.Heisperfectlysafe.Hewillbeabsolutelyfreefromimpurity.This
stageisaveryhighstage.Amicroscopicminorityonlyhaveattainedthissublimeexaltedstate.
Sankara,Dattatreya,JnanaDevaofAlandiandothersreachedthisstage.
Thereisanothersectcalled"Dhiryaretas",orthosepersons,who,previouslyapreytolustful
thoughtsanddeviatedfromBrahmacharya,latertaketothepracticeofstrictcelibacy.Sucha
person,ifhepracticesstrictcelibacyfortwelveyears,canacquiresuperhumanpowers.MedhaNadi
orBuddhiNadiisformedinhim.Bymeansofthis,hecanhaveretentivememoryofanythingas
longashelives,andhewillbeinapositiontolearnallkindsofsubjects.
ByobservanceofunbrokenBrahmacharyainthought,wordanddeedforaperiodoffulltwelve
years,oneisbestowedevenwiththevisionofGod,ifoneaspiresforit.Hecansolvethemost
abstruseandcomplicatedproblemseasily.But,thiskindofobservanceshouldcommencebeforethe
thirtysecondorthethirtyfourthyear.
ThatYogiwhohasdisciplinedhimselfthroughceaselessprotractedSadhana,continuous
meditation,PranayamaandAtmicVichara,thepracticeofSama,Dama,YamaandNiyama,isalso
safe,althoughhehasnotattainedthestageofperfectsexsublimation.Womenwillholdno
attractionforhim.Hehasthinnedouthismind.Themindisstarvedtodeath.Itcannotraiseits
hood.Itcannothiss.
Totalsublimationisdifficult,yetnotimpossible
Theprocessofsexsublimationisverydifficult,andyet,itismostnecessaryfortheaspirantinthe
spiritualpath.ItisthemostimportantqualificationfortheSadhaka,beheinthepathofKarma
Yoga,Upasana,RajaYogaorVedanta.Itisafundamentalprerequisiteforanaspirant.Ifonehas
thisqualificationormerit,allothermeritswillcomeandclingtohim.Allgoodqualitieswillcome
bythemselves.Youmustachievethisatanycost.Youwillsurelyattemptthisinfuturebirths.But
whynotnow?
Thetotalannihilationofthesexualdesireistheultimatespiritualideal.Completesublimationalone
willmakeyoufree.But,perfectsublimationcanhardlybeachievedwithinadayortwo.Itdemands
continuousstrugglewithpatienceandperseveranceforsometime.Eventhehouseholdersshould
keeptheaboveidealbeforethemandtrytorealizeitgradually.Ifthestateofperfectsublimationis
attained,therewillbepurityinthought,wordanddeed.Nosexualthoughtwillenterthemindat
anytime.
ItisthroughconstantVicharaandBrahmaBhavanathatthemindhastobeweanedfromlustful
thoughtsandtendencies.Youmustremovenotonlythesexualcravingandthesexualimpulses,but
alsothesexattraction.Thinkofthemiseriesthatyougetfromamarriedlifewithitsvarious
entanglementsandbondage.Makethemindunderstandbyrepeatedautosuggestionandhammering

thatsexualpleasureisfalse,worthless,illusoryandfullofpain.Placebeforethemindthe
advantages,bliss,powerandknowledgeofaspirituallife.Makeitunderstandthattheexalted,
eternallifeisintheimmortalAtman.Whenithearsconstantlythesesuggestions,itwillslowly
leaveoffitsoldhabits.Theattractionforsexwillslowlydie.Thenonlyrealsexsublimationwill
takeplace.ThenonlyyouwillbecomeanOordhvaretaYogi.
Therearetwokindsofforceinthemind,namely,hostileorantagonisticforceandfriendlyor
favourableforce.Passionisahostileforcethatdragsyoudown.Purereasonisafavourableforce
thatelevatesyouandtransmutesyouintoDivinity.Develop,therefore,mychild,purereasontoget
unalloyedblissandsupremeBrahmicknowledge.Passionwilldiebyitself.
Sexsublimationiswithinyourreachifyouwishtoattainit.Thepathisquiteclear,straightand
easyifyouunderstanditandifyouapplyyourselfwithpatience,perseverance,determinationand
strongwill,ifyoupracticedisciplineoftheIndriyas,rightconduct,rightthinking,rightacting,
regularmeditation,assertion,autosuggestionandenquiryof"WhoamI?".Atmanissexless.
AtmanisNirvikara.Feelthis.Cantherebeanytraceoflustorimpurityintheetemal,pureAtman?
GlorytothoseYogiswhohaveattainedOordhvaretasorfullsexsublimationandwhoarerestingin
theirownSvarupa!MayweallpracticeperfectcelibacythroughthepracticeofSama,Dama,
Viveka,Vichara,Vairagya,Pranayama,JapaandDhyanaandreachthegoaloflife!Maythe
IndwellerofourheartsgrantusspiritualstrengthtocontroltheIndriyasandthemind!Mayweall
becomefullOordhvaretaYogislikeSankaraandJnanaDevofyore!Maytheirblessingsbeuponus
all!

15.TOMARRYORNOTTOMARRY
Iscelibacypossible?
Itisquitepossibleforamantopracticecelibacywhileremainingintheworld,albeitthereare
varioussortsoftemptationsanddistractions.Manyhaveachievedthisintimesofyore.Thereare
manyevenatthepresentmomentalso.Awelldisciplinedlife,aSattvicandmoderatediet,studyof
religiousscriptures,Satsanga,Japa,Dhyana,Pranayama,dailyintrospectionandenquiry,self
analysisandselfcorrection,Sadachara,practiceofYamaandNiyama,physical,verbalandmental
TapasinaccordancewiththeteachingsoftheSeventeenthChapteroftheGitaallwillpavealong
wayintheattainmentofthisend.Peoplehaveanirregular,unrighteous,immoderate,irreligious,
undisciplinedlife.Hencetheysuffer,andfailintheachievementofthegoaloflife.Justasthe
elephantthrowssandonitsownhead,soalso,theythemselvesbringdifficultiesandtroubleson
theirownheadsonaccountoftheirfoolishness.
ThosewhopracticeBrahmacharyagenerallycomplainthattheygetmentalfatigueowingto
continence.Thisisonlyadeceptionofthemind.Yougetsometimesapseudohunger,whereas,
whenyouactuallysitfordinner,youhavenorealgoodappetiteandyoudonottakeanyfood.So
also,thereisafalsementalfatigue.IfyouobserveBrahmacharya,youwillhaveimmensemental
strength.Youwillnotbeabletofeelitalways.Youwillmanifestitwhentheoccasionarises,inthe
samewayasawrestlermanifestshisphysicalstrengthinthearena,thoughhefeelsasnormalman
inordinarytimes.
Continenceisnotharmful.Itconservesenergy.Itgivesimmensestrengthandpeace.Sexual
indulgenceleadstomoralandspiritualbankruptcy,prematuredeath,andlossoffaculties,talents
andcapacities.
Thepracticeofcelibacyisnotattendedwithanydangeroranydirediseaseorundesirableresult
suchasthevarioussortsofcomplexwhicharewronglyattributedtoitbytheWestern

psychologists.Theyhavenopracticalknowledgeofthesubjectonhand.Theyhavegotawrong,ill
foundedimaginationthattheungratifiedsexenergyassumesindisguisethevariousformsof
complexsuchasthetouchphobia.Thecomplexisduetosomeothercauses.Itisamorbidstateof
mindduetoexcessivejealousy,hatred,anger,worryanddepressionbroughtaboutbyvarious
causes.
Onthecontrary,evenalittleselfrestraintoralittlepracticeofcontinenceisanidealpickmeup.It
givesinnerstrengthandpeaceofmind.Itinvigoratesthemindandnerves.Ithelpstoconserve
physicalandmentalenergy.Itaugmentsmemory,willforceandbrainpower.Itbestows
tremendousstrength,vigourandvitality.Itrenovatesthesystemorconstitution,rebuildsthecells
andtissues,energisesdigestionandgivespowertofacethedifficultiesinthedailybattleoflife.
Thespecialvirtuesofenduranceandbraveryareintimatelyconnectedwiththecultivationof
chastity.Aperfectcelibatecanmovetheworld,canstoptheoceanwaveslikeLordJesus,canblow
upmountains,cancommandnatureandthefiveelementslikeJnanaDev.Thereisnothinginthe
threeworldsthatcannotbeachievedbyhim.AllSiddhisandRiddhisrollunderhisfeet.
AfoolishargumentoftheEpicureans
Someignorantpeoplesay:"Itisnotrighttocheckpassion.Wemustnotgoagainstnature.Whyhas
Godcreatedyoungbeautifulwomen?Theremustbesomesense,inHiscreation.Weshouldenjoy
themandprocreateasmanyaspossible.Weshouldkeepuptheprogenyoftheline.Ifallpeople
becomeSannyasinsandgotoforests,whatwillbecomeofthisworld?Itwillcometoanend.Ifwe
checkpassion,wewillgetdisease.Wemustgetplentyofchildren.Thereishappinessinthehouse
whenwehaveabundantchildren.Thehappinessofmarriedlifecannotbedescribedinwords.Itis
thebeallandendalloflife.IdonotlikeVairagya,Tyaga,SannyasaandNivritti."Thisistheir
crudephilosophy.TheyarethedirectdescendantsofCharvakaandVirochana.Theyarelife
membersoftheEpicureanschoolofthought.Gluttonismistheirgoaloflife.Theyhaveaverylarge
following.TheyarefriendsofSatan.Admirableistheirphilosophy!
Whentheylosetheirproperty,wifeandchildren,whentheysufferfrom,anincurabledisease,they
willsay,"OGod,freemefromthishorribledisease.Forgivememysins.Iamagreatsinner."
Passionshouldbecheckedatallcosts.Notasinglediseasecomesbycheckingpassion.Onthe
contrary,youwillgetimmensepower,joyandpeace.Therearealsoeffectivemethodstocontrol
passion.OneshouldreachAtman,whichisbeyondnature,bygoingagainstnature.Justasafish
swimsupstreamagainstthecurrentinariver,soalso,youwillhavetomoveagainsttheworldly
currentsofevilforces.ThenalonecanyouhaveSelfrealization.Passionisanevilforceandit
shouldbecheckedifyouwanttoenjoyundecayingAtmicbliss.Sexualpleasureisnopleasureat
all.Itisamentaldelusion.Itisattendedwithdangers,pain,fear,exertionanddisgust.Ifyouknow
YogaorthescienceofAtman,youcanveryeasilycontrolthediremalady,whichispassion.God
wantsyoutoenjoytheblissofAtman,whichcanbehadbyrenouncingallthesepleasuresofthis
world.ThesebeautifulwomenandwealtharetheinstrumentsofMayatodeludeyouandentrapyou
intohernets.Ifyouwishtoremainalwaysasaworldlymanwithlowthoughts,debasingdesires,
youcanbyallmeansdoso.Youareatperfectliberty.Youcanmarrythreehundredandfiftywives
andprocreateasmanychildren.Nobodycancheckyou.Butyouwillsoonfindthatthisworld
cannotgiveyouthesatisfactionyouwant,becauseallobjectsareconditionedintime,spaceand
causation.Therearedeath,disease,oldage,cares,worriesandanxieties,fear,loss,disappointment
failure,abuse,heat,cold,snakebites,scorpionstings,earthquakesandaccidents.Youcannotatall
findrestofmindevenforasinglesecond.Asyourmindisfilledwithpassionandimpurity,your
understandingiscloudedandyourintellectispervertednow.Youarenotabletounderstandthe
illusorynatureoftheuniverseandtheeverlastingblissofAtman.
Passioncanbeeffectivelychecked.Therearepotentmethods.Aftercheckingpassion,youwill
enjoyrealblissfromwithinfromAtman.AllmencannotbecomeSannyasins.Theyhavevarious

tiesandattachments.Theyarepassionateandcannot,therefore,leavetheworld.Theyarepinnedto
theirwives,childrenandproperty.Yourpropositioniswhollywrong.ItisAsambhava.Itis
impossible.Haveyoueverheardintheannalsoftheworldshistorythatthisworldbecamevacant
asallmenbecameSannyasins?Then,whydoyoubringinthisabsurdproposition?Thisisan
ingenioustrickofyourmindtosupportyourfoolishargumentsandsatanicphilosophy,whichhas
passionandsexualgratificationasitsimportanttenets.Donottalklikethisinfuture.Thisexposes
yourfoolishnessandpassionatenature.Donotbotheryourselfaboutthisworld.Mindyourown
business.Godisallpowerful.Evenifthisworldiscompletelyevacuatedwhenallpeopleretireto
theforests,Godwillimmediatelycreatecroresofpeoplebymerewilling,withinthetwinklingof
aneye.Thisisnotyourlookout.Findoutmethodstoeradicateyourpassion.
Marriagecannotbetakenasanindispensablefactorineveryoneslife.Rather,atrueaspirantshould
definitelykeephimselffar,farawayfromthefettersofamarriedlife.Forhim,marriageconstitutes
acursewhileatthesametime,foramanofalustfuldispositionforwhomitisextremelydifficult
togetovercarnalpassions,itisasortofafenceandaprotectingvaulttohismoralrecklessness.
Marriageis,therefore,prescribedforthoseanditappliestothemajorityofmankindwhoarenot
yetreadyforalifeofabsoluteselfrestraintandthusistoberegardedbythemasasacrament,and
certainlynotasalicencetoselfindulgence.
Everyoneborninthisworldneednotnecessarilymarry.Marriageismeanttoregulateoneslifein
theworld.Butfortheinstitutionofmarriageinsociety,lifewouldbecomeirregularandbeastly.
But,wherethereisnopassionintheheart,wherethedesireforGodisstrong,wherethereisa
longingforspiritualpursuits,marriageisnotcompulsory.SuchamancanleadaNaishthik
Brahmacharislife.
Parentsshouldnotforcemarriageontheirsons.TheyshouldnotstampoutthespiritualSamskaras
oftheirchildren.Manyyoungmeninwhomthereisaspiritualawakeningwritetomeinpitiable
words:"DearSwamiji,myheartthrobsforhigherspiritualthings.Ihavenointerestinworldly
matters.Thesurroundingsarenotfavourable.Iamentangledinthemeshesofmarriage.Myparents
forcedme,muchagainstmywill,tomarry.Ihadtopleasemyoldparents.Theythreatenedmein
variousways.Inowweep.WhatshallIdonow?"Youngboys,whohavenoideaofthisworldand
thislife,aremarriedwhentheyareeightortenyearsofage.Weseechildrenbegettingchildren.
Therearechildmothers.Aboyofabouteighteenhasthreechildren.Whatahorriblestateofaffairs!
Earlymarriageshavewroughtearlylossofsemen.Thereisphysicalandmentaldegeneration.
Thereisnolongevity.Allareshortlived.Frequentchildbearingdestroysthehealthofwomenand
bringsinahostofotherailments.
YouhaveadoptedvarioushabitsfromtheWestinmattersrelatingtodressandfashion.Youhave
becomeacreatureofvileimitation.They,intheWest,donotmarryunlesstheyareabletomaintain
afamilydecently.Theyhavegotmoreselfrestraint.Theyfirstsecureadecentstationinlife,earn
money,savesomethingandthenonlythinkofmarriage.Iftheyhavenotgotsufficientmoney,they
remainbachelorsthroughouttheirlives.Theydonotwanttobringforthbeggarsintothisworldjust
inthesamemannerasyoudo.Hewhohasunderstoodthemagnitudeofhumansufferinginthis
worldwillneverdaretobringforthasinglechildfromthewombofawoman.
Natureofthelovebetweenhusbandandwife
Thelovebetweenhusbandandwifeismainlyphysical,selfishandhypocritical.Itisnotconstant.It
isofanephemeralandchangingnature.Itiscarnalpassiononly.Itissexualappetite.Itistinged
withloweremotions.Itisofbestialnature.Itisfinite.Butdivineloveisinfinite,pure,allpervading
andeverlasting.Thereisnoquestionofdivorcehere.
Inreality,thereisnointernalunionbetweenhusbandandwifeinthevastmajorityofcases.Savitri
andSatyavan,AtriandAnasuyaarevery,veryrareinthesedays.Ashusbandsandwivesare

externallyunitedonlyforselfishends,thereisonlysomeshowofsmileandexternallove.Itisall
mereshowonly.
Asthereisnorealunionintheirheartofhearts,thereisalwayssomekindoffrictionandrupture,
wryfacesandhotwords,ineveryhouse.Ifthehusbanddoesnottakehiswifetothecinema,there
willbefightinginthehouse.Canyoucallthisreallove?Itismercenary,commercialbusiness.On
accountoflust,menhavelosttheirintegrity,independenceanddignity.Theyhavebecomethe
slavesofwomen.Whatapitiablespectacleyousee!Thekeyiswiththewife,andevenfortwo
rupees,thehusbandhastostretchhishandstoher.Stillhesays,underdelusionandintoxicationof
passion,"Ihaveasweet,lovingwife.SheisreallyaMira!Shecanbereallyworshipped!"
Inmercenarylove,therecannotbeanyrealhappinessbetweenthetwo,theloverandthebeloved.If
thehusbandisinadyingcondition,thewifetakesthebankpassbookandwalkstohermothers
housequietly.Ifthehusbandloseshisjobforsometime,thewifeshowswryfaces,speaksharsh
wordsanddoesnotservehimproperlywithanylove.Thisisselfishlove.Thereisnorealaffection
fromthecoreoftheheart.Sothereisalwaysquarrel,fightingandAsantiinthehouse.Husbands
andwivesarenotreallyunited.Theypullonanyhow,draggingadreary,cheerlessexistence.
Passionisnotloveatall.Itisananimalinstinct.Itiscarnallove.Itisofabeastlynature.Itis
shifting.Ifthewifelosesherbeautyonaccountofsomeincurablemalady,shegetsdivorcedandthe
husbandmarriesasecondwife.Thisstateofaffairsisgoingonintheworld.
Ahusbandloveshiswifenotforthesakeofhiswife,butforthesakeofhisownself.Heisselfish.
Heexpectssensualpleasurefromher.Ifleprosyorsmallpoxdestroysherbeauty,hisloveforher
ceases.Whenthewifedies,thehusbandisdrownedinsorrow,notbecauseofthelossofhisloving
partnerinlife,butbecausehecannotgetsexualpleasurenow.
Whenyourwifeisyoungandbeautiful,youadmirehercurlyhair,rosycheeks,finenose,shining
skinandsilveryteeth.Whenshelosesherbeautyonaccountofsomechronicincurablemalady,she
nolongerholdsanyattractionforyou.Youmarryasecondwife.Hadyoulovedyourfirstwifewith
AtmaBhav,hadyouacomprehensiveunderstandingthattheSelfinyouandinyourwifewasthe
same,yourloveforherwouldhavebeenpure,unselfish,lasting,undecayingandunchanging.Just
asyouloveoldsugarcandyoroldricethemore,soalso,youwouldloveyourwifemoreandmore,
evenwhenshebecomesold,asyouhaveAtmaBhavthroughJnana.JnanaonlywillintensifyPrem
andmakeitlasting.
Physicalloveisanimalism.Loveofthebodyorskinispassion.Itispassionexaltedandrefined.It
isgrossandsensual.Passionforthefleshorbodyisnotpureorreallove.ItisonlyMohaor
infatuationbornofignorance.Youdowickeddeedsandkillyoursoulonaccountofthispassion.
Evenoursistersofillfameshowforsometimeabundantlove,sweetsmileandhoneyedwords
towardstheircustomers.Thistheydoaslongastheycanextractmoney.Canyoucallthisloveand
realhappiness?Justtellmefrankly.Thereiscunningness,diplomacy,crookednessandhypocrisy
here.Thereisnoelementofsacrificeinthislove.
Tobeacelibate?Ortobeahouseholder?
ItisonlyforpassionatepeoplethattheGrihasthaAshramorhouseholderslifeisprescribed,
becausetheycannotcontroltheirlust.IfoneisbornwithsufficientspiritualSamskaras,inborn
VivekaandVairagya,likeSankaraorSadasivaBrahman,hewillnotentertheGrihashthaAshram.
HewillatoncetaketoNaishthikBrahmacharyaandthenembraceSannyasa.TheSrutisalso
endorsethis.SaystheJabalaUpanishad:"RenouncetheworldontheverydayyougetVairagya".

Tosome,marriagehindersthespiritualprogresstoothers,ithelps.ForRajaBhartrihari,itwasa
hindranceforsaintTukaram,itwasahelp.Manreachesthesamegoalinthelongrun.Lettherun
betheshortest.Lettheshortcutbepreferredtothelongwalk.Thatiswhatmanalwayswants.
AlifeofcelibacyisahundredtimesbetterthanthelifeofaGrihasthi.Ibelieveincelibacy,foritis
thethingthatunfoldsthehiddenpowerinman.BrahmacharyaisthestraightroadtoGod
realizationmarriageisaserpentineroute.Theformerismorepreferablethanthelatter,butman
takestothelatterrouteonaccountofhislowerpassions.
TherealizationoftheSelf,however,isnotdeniedeventoaGrihasthijustbecausehehastheburden
ofafamilyonhisshoulders.SaintTukaramwasmarriedtwiceandhadchildrenyet,hereached
VaikunthainaVimanaoranaerialcar.Ifyouroutlookonworldlylifeissimple,trueandhonest,if
yourwouldbepartnerisonewhoispiousandonewhowillobeyyouinallmatters,thereisno
harminmarrying.Butifthemarriedlifeismorelikelytoproveburden,acurseonone,whyshould
onemarryandentangleoneselfinchainsthatcanneverbecutasunder?
Ifyouwanttoobservestrictcelibacy,donotmarry.Donotallowyourselftobedupedbysaying,"I
willobservestrictcelibacyaftermarriage."Afterwardsitwillofferyouitsownargumentsfor
givingupthisvowofcelibacy.YourDharmaistorealizeGod.
Youhadenoughofsenseandsexgratificationinallyourpreviousbodiesofvariousanimals.
Animallifeismeantforsatisfactionofthelowerappetitesofsexandtongue,buthumanlifeis
meantforahigherpurpose.Whydoyou,ohman,burnthesandalwoodtreeforservingthepurpose
ofcharcoal?Thishumanlifeisveryprecious,enviedevenbythegods.Onelifelostmeansone
goldenopportunitytobecomeGodislost.
Sensualpleasureistantalizing.Aslongasapersondoesnotpossesstheobjectofdesire,solong
thereisenchantment.Afterobtainingpossessionoftheobject,hefindsthatheisentangledinit.
Thebachelorthinksofhismarriagedayinanddayout,butenjoymentdoesnot,andcannot,bring
satisfactiontohim.Farfromit,itonlyaggravatesandintensifiesthedesireandmakesthemind
morerestlessthroughpassionandcraving.Herealizesthatheisinimprisonment.ThisisMayaic
jugglery.Thisworldisfulloftemptations.
Youcannotgetblissintheobjectsoftheworld.Itisonlymaterialisticpoison.Further,marriageisa
lifelongimprisonment.Itisthegreatestbondageoftheearth.Thebachelorwhowasoncefreeisthe
yokeandhishandsandfeetarechained.Thisistheexperienceofallmarriedpeople,invariablyas
itwere.Therefore,donotmarryifyoucanhelpit.Escapewillbedifficultaftermarriage.Realize
thegloryofalifeinthespiritualpathandthegreatdifficulties,anxieties,worriesandtroublesofa
marriedlife.DevelopintenseVairagya.AssertyourbirthrightofGodconsciousness.Artthounot
Brahmanitselfintruth?
Awifeisasharpknifetocutthelifeofthehusband.IfthegoldnecklaceandBenaressilksarees
arenotsupplied,thewifefrownsatthehusband.Thehusbandcannotgethisfoodattheproper
time.Thewifeliesdowninbedunderthefalsepretextofacuteabdominalcolic.Youcanseethis
spectacleinyourownhouseanddailyexperience.IndeedIneednottellyoumuch.Therefore,be
weddedtoSantiandhaveVairagya,theworthyson,andViveka,themagnanimousdaughterandeat
thedeliciousdivinefruitofAtmaJnana,whichcanmakeyouimmortal.
Awifeisonlyaluxury.Itisnotanabsolutenecessity.Everyhouseholderisweepingaftermarriage.
Hesays:"Mysonisailingfromtyphoid.Myseconddaughteristobemarried.Ihavedebtstoclear.
Mywifeisworryingmetopurchaseagoldnecklace.Myeldestsoninlawdiedrecently".
Donotmarry.Donotmarry.Donotmarry.Escapewillbedifficultaftermarriage.Marriageisthe
greatestbondage.Womanisasourceofconstantvexationandtrouble.WhatdidBuddha,Pattinattu
Swami,BhartrihariandGopichanddo?Didtheynotliveinpeaceandcomfortwithoutawoman?

Lustisthegreatestenemyonearth.Itdevoursaman.Agreatdealofdepressionfollowsthesexual
act.Youhavetoexertalotinearningmoneytopleaseyourwifeandsatisfyherwantsandluxuries.
Youcommitvarioussortsofsinsinacquiringmoney.Youmentallyshareherpainsandsorrowsand
thepainsandmiseriesofyourchildrenaswell.Youhavetoworryinathousandandonewaysin
runningthefamily.Astwomindscannotagree,therewillalwaysbequarrelsinthehouse.Youhave
tounnecessarilymultiplyyourwantsandresponsibilities.Yourintellectgetsspoiled.Onaccountof
heavylossoftheseminalfluid,youwillsufferfromdiseases,depression,weaknessandlossof
vitality.Consequently,youwillhaveanearlydeath.Therefore,becomeanAkhandaBrahmacharior
alifelongcelibate.Freeyourselffromallmiseries,worriesandtroubles.
Inthepresenceoflight,youcannothavedarkness.Inthepresenceofsensualpleasures,Atmicbliss
cannotexist.WorldlingswantsensualpleasuresandAtmicblissatthesametime,inoneandthe
samecup.Thisisanabsoluteimpossibility.Theycannotrenounceworldly,sensualpleasures.They
cannothaverealVairagyaintheirheartofhearts.Theywilltalkalot.Worldlymenimaginethat
theyarehappybecausetheygetafewgingerbiscuits,somemoneyandwoman.Whatmoreis
wantedforthem,poorcreatures?Morebeggarsarebroughtforthintotheworldthroughlust.All
worldlypleasuresappearasnectarinthebeginning,butbecomevirulentpoisonintheend.When
onegetsentangledinmarriedlife,hecanhardlybreakthedifferenttiesofMoha.Therefore,giveup
clingingtothisillusorylife.Befearless.ControltheIndriyasandthemind.Youwilldevelop
Vairagya.YouwillbeperfectlyestablishedinBrahmacharya.
TheAkhandaBrahmachari
IfyoucanremainasanAkhandaBrahmachari,anunbrokencelibate,foraperiodoftwelveyears,
youwillrealizeGodimmediatelywithoutanyfurtherSadhana.Youwillhaveachievedthegoalof
life.MarkthewordAkhanda.
SeminalenergyisapotentSakti.SemenisBrahmanItself.ABrahmachariwhohaspracticed
unbrokencelibacyforfulltwelveyearswillattaintotheNirvikalpastatethemomenthehearsthe
Mahavakya,"TatTvamAsi",becausehismindwillbeextremelypure,strongandonepointed.
AnAkhandaBrahmachari,who,foraperiodoftwelveyears,hasnotallowedevenadropofsemen
tocomeout,willenterintoSamadhiwithoutanyeffort.Pranaandmindareunderhisperfect
control.BalaBrahmacharyaisasynonymoustermforAkhandaBrahmacharya.AnAkhanda
BrahmacharihasstrongDharanaSakti,SmritiSaktiandVicharaSaktipowerofgrasping,
retentivememoryandpowerofenquiry.HeneednotpracticeMananaandNididhyasana,reflection
andmeditation.IfhehearstheMahavakyaevenonce,hewillatonceachieveSelfrealization.His
intellectispure,andhisunderstandingisextremelyclear.AkhandaBrahmacharinsarevery,very
rarebuttherearesome.YoualsocanbecomeanAkhandaBrahmachariifyouattemptinright
earnest.
Youwillhavetobeverycarefulofreaction.TheIndriyasthatareputunderrestraintforsome
months,oroneortwoyears,becomerebelliousifyouarenotalwaysvigilantandcareful.They
revoltanddragyououtwhenopportunitiesarise.SomepeoplewhoobserveBrahmacharyaforone
ortwoyearsbecomemorepassionateandwastetheenergyconsiderablyintheend.Somebecome
incorrigiblemoralwrecksalso.
Meremattedhairandapplicationofashestotheforeheadandthebodycannotmakeonean
AkhandaBrahmachari.ThatBrahmachariwhohascontrolledthephysicalbodyandthephysical
Indriyas,butwhoconstantlydwellsonsexualthoughts,isaconfirmedhypocrite.Heshouldnever
betrusted.Hemaybecomeamenaceatanytime.

16.THEDANGERSOFPROMISCUOUSMIXING

Donotbetoofamiliarwithanybody.Familiaritybreedscontempt.Donotmultiplyfriends.Donot
courtfriendshipwithwomen.Donotalsobeveryfamiliarwiththem.Familiaritywithwomenwill
eventuallyendinyourdestruction.Never,neverforgetthispoint.Friendsareyourrealfoes.
Donotmixwithmembersoftheoppositesex.Mayaworksthroughundercurrentssostealthilythat
youmaynotbeawareofyouractualdownfall.ThesexualVasanawillassumeanaggravatedform
suddenlywithoutamomentsnotice.Youwillcommitadulteryandthenrepent.Thenyour
characterandfamewillvanish.Dishonourismorethandeath.Thereisnocrimemoreheinousthan
this.ThereisnoPrayaschittaforthis.Sobeware.Becautious.
BhagavanDattatreyahascomparedwomantoaburningpitoffireandmantoapotofghee.When
thelattercomesincontactwiththeformer,itperishes.Therefore,abandonher.
IfyouhappentoliveinaDharmashalaorpublicinn,ifthereisasinglewomaninyour
neighbouringroom,leavetheplaceatonce.Youdonotknowwhatwillhappen.Itisalways
advisabletoleavethedangerzoneimmediately,howeverstrongyoumaybethroughthepracticeof
Tapasandmeditation.Donotexposeyourselftotemptation.
Donottestyourspiritualstrengthandpuritywhenyouareabeginneronthespiritualpath.Donot
rushintoevilassociationswhenyouareaspiritualneophytetoshowthatyouhavethecourageto
facesinandimpurity.Itwillbeaseriousmistake.Youwillberunningintoagravedanger.Youwill
haveaquickdownfall.Asmallfirewillbeveryeasilyextinguishedbyaheapofdust.
Youshouldremainfarawayfromwomeninthebeginningofyourpractices.Afteryouareperfectly
mouldedandwellestablishedinBrahmacharya,youcantestyourstrengthbymovingwithladies
verycautiouslyforsometime.Ifyourmindisverypurethenalso,ifthereisnosexidea,ifthe
mindceasestoactthroughthepracticeofUparati,SamaandDama,rememberthatyouhavegained
realspiritualstrengthandmadeconsiderableprogressinyourSadhana.Youaresafenow.You
shouldnotstopyourSadhanathinkingthatyouareaJitendriyaYogi.Ifyoustopit,youwillhavea
hopelessfall.
EvenadvancedaspirantswhohavemadegreatprogressinYogashouldbeverycareful.They
shouldnotfreelymixwithwomen.Theyshouldnotfoolishlyimaginethattheyhavebecomegreat
adeptsinYoga.Agreatsaintofreputehadadownfall.Hefreelymixedwithwomenandmade
womendisciples,whomheallowedtomassagehislegs.Asthesexenergywasnotcompletely
sublimatedandturnedintoOjas,aslustwaslurkinginasubtleforminhismind,hebecamea
victimtopassion.Helosthisreputation.Thesexualdesirewasonlysuppressedinhim,andwhena
suitableopportunitycame,itagainassumedagraveform.Hehadnostrengthorwillpowertoresist
thetemptation.
Anothergreatsoul,whowasregardedbyhisdisciplesasanAvatar,becameaYogaBhrashta.He
alsofreelymixedwithladiesandcommittedaseriouslapse.Hebecameapreytolust.Whatasad
misfortune!AspirantsclimbwithgreatdifficultybytheladderofYogaandtheyareirrecoverably
lostforeveronaccountoftheircarelessnessandspiritualpride.
Havocplayedbymentalimages
Thepresenceof,orrecollectionof,awomanusuallyexcitesunholyideasinthemindsofrecluses
whohaveabandonedthisworldanddevotedthemselvestospiritualexercisesandthusdeprives
themofthefruitoftheirausterity.Itisverydifficulttounderstandthepresenceofsubtlelustinthe
mindsofothers,particularlyinspiritualrecluses,thoughthelook,tone,gestures,gaitandbehaviour
maygiveaclue.

NotecarefullyhowRajaBhartriharihadcriedduringhisSadhanastage:"OmyLord!Ileftmy
wife,myterritory.Iliveonleaves,fruitsandroots.Theearthismysofa.Theblueskyismy
canopy.Thequartersaremyclothes.Yet,mypassionhasnotleftme."Suchisthepowerofpassion.
JeromewritestothevirginEustochiumabouthisstruggleforabstinenceandthepoweroflust:"Oh,
howmanytimeswheninthedesert,inthatvastsolitudewhich,burntbytheheatofthesun,offers
butahorribledwellingtomonks,IimaginedIwasamongthedelightsofRome!Iwasalone.My
limbswerecoveredbyawretchedsackandmyskinwasasblackastheEthiopians.EverydayI
weptandgroaned,andifIwasunwillinglyovercomebysleep,myleanbodylayonthebareearth.I
saynothingofmyfoodanddrink,forinthedesert,eveninvalidshavenodrinkbutcoldwater.
Well,Iwhooutoffearofhellhadcondemnedmyselftothisprison,companionofscorpionsand
wildbeasts,oftenseemedinimaginationamongabandofgirls.Myfacewaspalewithfastingand
mymindwithinmyfrigidbodywasburningwithdesirethefireoflustwouldstillflameupina
bodythatalreadyseemedtobedead."Suchisthepoweroflust.
Themindistheseedoftheworld.Itisthemindthatcreatesthisworld.Thereisnoworldquite
apartfromthemind.Theimagesofallobjectsarecontainedinthemind.Themindplayswiththese
imageswhenitcannotgettheobjectsanddoesgreathavoc.Ifyouconstantlythinkoftheimageof
theLord,theimagesofobjectswilldiebythemselves.
TheforbiddenfruitGodstestforthespiritualaspirant
Godplacessometemptationsbeforetheaspiranttotesthisspiritualstrength.Hegiveshimalso
strengthtoconquerthetemptations.Thestrongesttemptationinthisworldislust.Allthesaints
passedthroughtemptations.Temptationsareprofitable.Peopleareinstructedandstrengthened.
EvenBuddhawastestedforhismentalpurity.Hehadtofacetemptationsofeverysort.Hehadto
faceMara.Itwasonlythen,andnottillthen,thathehadilluminationundertheBodhitreeinGaya.
SatantemptedJesusinavarietyofways.Passionisverypowerful.Manyaspirantsfailinthetests.
Onehastobeverycareful.Theaspirantwillhavetodevelopaveryhighstandardofmentalpurity.
Thenalonehewillbeabletostandthetest.Godwillplacetheaspirantsinveryunfavourable
surroundingstotestthem.Theywillbetemptedbyyounggirls.Nameandfamebringthe
householdersinclosecontactwiththeaspirants.Womenbegintoworshipthem.Theybecometheir
disciples.Graduallytheaspirantsgetanastydownfall.Instancesaremany.Aspirantsshouldhide
themselvesandpassforquiteordinarypeople.TheyshouldnotshowtheirChamatkaras.
AlthoughRishiVisvamitrawaspractisingsevereausterities,hewascarriedawaybyhisturbulent
senseswhenhecameacrossthecelestialnymphsentbyIndratodisturbhisTapas.IfVisvamitra
andParasarawhowerelivingonleaves,airandwaterwerevictimsoflust,whatshouldbethefate
ofworldlypeoplewhoarelivingonrichfood?Iftheycancontroltheirpassion,theVindhya
mountainwillfloatontheocean,firewillburndownwards.
Thesexinstinctismostpowerful.Thesexurgeisformidable.Itmayconcealitselfinunderground
compartmentsinthemindandassailyouwhenyouarenotvigilant.Itwillattackyouwith
redoubledforce.VisvamitrafellavictimofMenaka.AnothergreatRishibecameapreytoRambha.
JaiminigotexcitedbyfalsewomanMasa.ApowerfulRishiwasexcitedbythesightofthemating
ofafish.AhouseholderaspirantcarriedawayevenhisGuruswife.Manyaspirantsarenotaware
ofthissecreturge,atreacherousenemy.Theythinkthattheyarequitesafeandpure.Whentheyare
puttotest,theybecomehopelessvictims.Alwaysremainalone,meditateandslaythisurge.
MoneyandwomanshinemorebrightlythanGodforanignorant,passionateman.Mayais
powerful.Adamfellonaccountofoneloosemoment.Evetemptedonaccountofonedesire.The
forbiddenfruitwillripenbeforethehumaneyesinnotime.Apostwilllookliketheillustrious
Devaandmakeyoubowinuttersubmissionbeforeit.BewareofMayaanditsmeshes.Thechains

ofgoldcanbecutasunder,butnotthesilkenmeshesofMaya.Asingleunguardedmomentis
sufficienttocapsizethewholecasketofpearls,downintothedarkabyssofpassionandlust.
Themossthatismomentarilydisplacedinatankresumesitsoriginalpositioninthetwinklingofan
eye.Similarly,Mayaenvelopseventhewise,iftheyarecarelessevenforaminute.Therefore,
sleeplessvigilanceisnecessaryinthespiritualpath.Theproverbgoes:"Thereismanyaslip
betweenthecupandthelip."Beforeyoubegintoeatthefruitofwisdom,themonkeyMayawill
snatchitawayfromyourhand.Evenifyouswallowit,itmaygetstucktoyourthroat.Therefore
youwillhavetobeevervigilantandcarefultillyouattainBhumaorthehighestrealization.You
shouldnotstopyourSadhanafalselythinkingthatyouhavereachedthegoal.
Hewholivesinseclusionismoreexposedtotemptationsanddanger.Hewillhavetobevery
carefulandvigilant.Themindwillbetemptedtodoanythingasthereisnobodytowitnessitsevil
action.AllsuppressedevilVrittiswillbewaitingforanopportunitytoattackhimwithredoubled
force.Heisjustlikeamanwhoisputinabigbagwithatiger,aserpentandabear.Theenemies
anger,lustandgreedwilltakeyouunawares.Whenyouwalkaloneinthespiritualpath,theywill
attackyoulikethethieveswhoattackalonelypassengerinthedenseforest.Therefore,bealwaysin
thecompanyofthewise.Donotgoastray.

17.STOPTHATLUSTFULLOOK!
AgentlemanwhohasgivenupsmokinganddrinkingwantstopracticeBrahmacharya,though
married.Hiswifehasnoobjection,buthehimselffindsthisdisciplinehardespecially,thetrouble
seemstobeinthecontrolofthesenseofsight."Thestreetismychiefenemy",hesaidtome
recently.Thismeansthattheeyesareattractedbywelldressedladies.
Anotheraspirantsays,"WhileIpracticedvigorouslyPranayama,Japaandmeditation,mymindwas
notpollutedevenifIsawhalfnudeyoungladies.ButwhenIleftthepractice,Iwasnotable,to
controlmysightandIwasattractedbywelldressedladiesinthestreetsandhalfnudepictures
pastedinfrontofpicturehouses.TheseabeachandMallRoadaremyenemies."
ThosewhopracticeBrahmacharyashouldcontrolthesexualgazingimpulse.Thiskindofimpulse
isagreatmenace,asitstimulatescuriosityandsexualdesire.Vasanasgrowfromlustfullook.
Lookingatawomanwillcreateadesiretotalktoher.Talkingtoawomanwillcreateadesireto
touchher.Eventuallyyouwillhaveanimpuremindandwillfallavictim.Therefore,neverlookat
awoman.Nevertalktoawomaninprivacy.Donotbefamiliarwithanywoman.
Mindthefeelingbehindthelook!
ThereisnoharminlookingatabeautifulobjectbutyouwillhavetodeveloptheDivineBhav.You
willhavetofeelthateverythingisamanifestationofGod.Purifyyourthoughtsandfeelings.Purity
isBrahman.Thouartpureinessence.Thouartanembodimentofpurity,ORam.Repeatmentally
theformula,"Suddhoham,Suddhoham.Iampurity,Iampurity",andattainthatstateofpristine,
matchlesspurity.
Youhavenolustfullookwhenyouseeyourmotherorsisteralthoughtheyarebeautiful,well
dressedanddecoratedwithornamentsandflowers.Youlookatthemwithaffectionandpurelove.
ThisisSuddhaBhavana.Therearenolustfulideas.Youwillhavetodevelopsuchapureloveor
Bhavanawhenyoulookatotherwomenalso.Ifthereisimpuritybehindthegaze,ittantamountsto
adultery.Lookingatawomanwithalustfulheartistantamounttosexualenjoyment.Itisoneform
ofMaithunam.ThatisthereasonwhyLordJesussays,"Ifyouhavealustfullookatawoman,you
havealreadycommittedadulteryinyourheart."

Thereisnoharminlookingatawoman,butyoumusthaveaperfectlychastelook.Youmusthave
AtmaBhav.Whenyoulookatayounglady,youcanthinkwithinyourself:"ProstrationsuntoThee,
OMother.ThouartanimageormanifestationofMotherKali.Donottempt.Donotallureme.I
haveunderstoodnowthesecretofMayaandhercreation.Whohascreatedtheseforms?Thereisan
omnipotent,allpervadingandallmercifulCreatorbehindthesenamesandforms.Thisisall
decaying,falsebeauty.TheCreatororGodisBeautyofbeauties.Heisanembodimentof
undecayingbeauty.Heisthefountainheadofbeauty.LetmerealizethisBeautyofbeauties
throughmeditation."Youwillhavetocultivatefeelingsofdevotion,admirationandawewhenyou
lookatanalluringformbyrememberingtheCreatorofthatform.Thenyouwillnotbetempted.If
youareastudentofVedanta,thinkandfeel:"EverythingisSelfonly.Thenamesandformsare
illusory.TheyareMayaicpictures.TheyhavenoindependentexistenceapartfromtheSelf."
Ifoneshouldnotlookatawoman,howdidtheRishisofyoreimpartAtmaJnanatoladies?Why
didtheykeepthemintheirconstantcompanyforservice?
Thedictum,"Donotlookevenatthepictureofawoman",isforpassionatepeoplewhohaveno
selfcontrol.YajnavalkyataughtAtmaVidyatohiswifeMaitreyi.RaikvahadthedaughterofKing
Janasrutitoservehim.HewasaNaishthikBrahmachari.
EveninaJivanmuktaoraliberatedsage,theeyeswillmovetowardstheobjectsthroughtheforce
ofhabit.But,hecanwithdrawthemcompletelyandmakethemmereemptysocketsifhewills.
Whenheseesawoman,hedoesnotseeheroutsidehimself.Heseesthewholeworldwithin
himself.HefeelsthatthewomanishisownSelf.Hehasnosexidea.Therearenoevilthoughtsin
hismind.Hefeelsnosexualattractiontowardsher.Whereas,aworldlymanseesthewoman
outsidehimself.Heentertainslustfulthoughts.HehasnoideaofSelf.Heisattractedtowardsher.
ThisisthedifferencebetweenthevisionofaJnaniandthatofaworldlyman.Thereisnoharmin
lookingatwomen,butyoumustnotentertainevilthoughts.
Thereisnoharminlookingatabeautifulwoman.Youcanadmirethebeautyofagirljustasyou
admirethebeautyofarose,thebeautyofthesea,thestarsoranyothernaturalscenery.Thinkthat
thebeautyofyourwifebelongstoNatureandNaturesLord,Isvar.Wheneveryouseealady,put
thisquestiontoyourmind:"Whoisthecreatorofthisbeautifulform?"Atonce,asenseofwonder,
asenseofadmirationandasenseofdevotionwillariseinyourmind.Itisonlywhenyoudarta
lustful,unchastelookatawomanthatyoucommitsin.Youcommitadulteryatheart.Onlywhen
youentertainlustfulthoughts,bondageandmiserycome.
ThebeautythatyouperceiveinthefacesoftheladiesisthebeautyoftheLord.Youcanhave
admirationinthismanner.Thereisnoharminsodoing.
Womanisasymbolofbeauty.Sheisasymbolofpower.Shetalkstoyouinthelanguageofsilence:
"IamarepresentativeofAdiSakti.SeeGodinme.SeeMotherKaliinme.RealizeGodinand
throughme.WorshipGodasanembodimentofbeauty.AdoreHimasanembodimentofpower.
RecogniseHisomnipotence."Againandagainthinkthatthebeautyofthefaceisthebeautyofthe
Lord.Godlyfeelingwillariseinyouwhenyoulookatawoman.StudytheTenthChapterofthe
Gita,VibhutiYoga,againandagain.
Howtocounterimpurethoughts
Impurethoughtsthatariseatthesightofawomanwillgraduallyvanishwhenyougrowinpurity
throughregularJapaandmeditation.IttakessometimetodestroytheoldviciousSamskarasand
overhaulthementalfactory.Againandagainraisepurecounterthoughtsinthemind.Bringupthe
imageoftheLord.AgainandagaintrytofeelAtmainwomenbyforgettingthesexideaandcreate
disgustinyourmindbyananalysisofthepartsofwhichthebodyiscomposed.

Wheneverthemindrunstowardsattractivewomenwithlustfulthoughts,haveadefiniteclearcut
photointhemindoftheflesh,bone,urine,faecalmatterandperspirationofwhichwomenare
composed.ThiswillinducedisgustandVairagyainthemind.Youwillneveragaincommitthesin
ofunchastelookatawoman.Ittakessometime,nodoubt.Ladiesalsocanpracticetheforegoing
methodandkeepamentalpictureofmeninjustthesameway.
Youshoulddevelopnotonlydisgustinyourmind,butalsofearinordertogetridofthesexidea.
Areyounotextremelyfrightenedwhenacobracomesinfrontofyou?Thismustbethestateof
yourmindwhenlustfulthoughtsenteryourmind.Thenonlythesexattractionwillgraduallydie.
Inflictselfpunishmentifthemindrunstowardswomenwithlustfulideas.Giveupnightmeals.Do
twentyMalasmoreofJapa.AlwayswearaKaupinorLangoti.
Donotlookatawomanwithanevileye.Ifsheisold,treatherasyourmotherifsheisyoung,as
yoursisterandifveryyoung,asyourchild.YoumayfailtodeveloptheBhavthatallwomenare
yourmothersandsistersahundredandonetimes.Itdoesnotmatter.Sticktoyourpractice
tenaciously.Youareboundtosucceedeventually.
Whenyouwalkontheroad,donotlookhitherandthitherlikeamonkey.Lookatthetipofyour
rightbigtoeandwalkgentlywithaGambhirattitude.Orlookatthegroundandwalk.Thisisa
greathelpinmaintainingBrahmacharya.Youcanlookatthetipofthenosealso.
OchildoftheImmortalEssence!Thouhastwalkedforalongtimewithlustfuleyes.Applythe
collyriumofdiscriminationandthepigmentofVichar.Youwillhaveanewmagnanimousvision.
Thewholeworldwillappeartoyouasamassofcrystallisedbliss.Youwillfindnoevil,no
ugliness.
Thereisnodenying,however,thatlustisapowerfulforcetoovercome.SomebodyaskedRaja
Yudhishthira,"OYudhishthira,whenyoulookatyourmotherKunti,isyourlookabsolutely
chaste?"Yudhishthirareplied,"Icannotsaythatmylookisentirelypure."Suchistheforceoflust.
Youmaysayoutwardly:"Iregardherasmymother.Iconsiderherasmysister."Thoughyoumay
notdoanythingoutwardlyonaccountofreligiousfearorLokaLajja,mentallyyouarenotwhat
youshouldbe.Themindwillruninwrongdirections.Itwillbedoinghavocsilently.Variouskinds
ofevilthoughtsanddesireswillariseinyourmind.Desireorthoughtismorethantheact.When
youareputtotestsilently,youwillfailhopelessly.Youwillnotbeabletohavephysicalcontrol
even.
Thereisnothing,however,thataSadhakacannotachieveifhesetshismindtoit.Thegreaterthe
difficulty,thegreaterthegloryofsuccess.Try,try,tryagain.Trainyourselfnottolookatawoman
forsometime.Ifyouareunabletodothisandfindyourlooksstrayinguptoawomanwithlustful
purpose,raiseinyourmindtheimageofacorpseoraskeletonorwrinkled,diseasedoldwoman
andkeepittillyouarefilledwithdisgust.Thiswillenableyoutosucceedfinallyinsubduing
passion.Atthesametime,takerefugeinDevislotusfeet.PraytoHerconstantlyforstrengthto
withstandandconquertheonslaughtsofpassion.LookuponeverywomanasSriDeviHerselfand
domentalprostrationtoheratsight,repeating,"OmSriDurgaDevyaiNamah."Byvigilantand
constantSadhanaliketheabove,youcangraduallyeradicatethepowerfulenemy.

18.THEROLEOFDIETINSEXCONTROL
DietplaysaprominentpartinkeepingupBrahmacharya.Purityoffoodbringsinpurityofmind.
Thatpowerwhichconnectsthebodyandthemindispresentinthefoodthatwetake.Variouskinds
offoodhavevaryingeffectsonthemind.Therearecertainkindsoffoodthatmakethemindand

thebodyverystrongandsteady.SoitisabsolutelyessentialthatweshouldtakepureandSattvic
food.FoodhasaverycloseconnectionwithBrahmacharya.Ifproperattentionisgiventothepurity
ofthefoodthatwetake,Brahmacharyabecomesquiteeasy.
Theinfluenceoffoodstuffsonthebraincells,emotionandpassionisremarkable.Thereare
differentcompartmentsinthebrainandeachfoodproducesitsowneffectoneachcompartmentand
onthegeneralsystem.Aconfectionofsparrowproducesanaphrodisiaceffect.Itdirectlystimulates
thereproductiveorgans.Garlic,onions,meat,fishandeggsstimulatepassion.Markhowelephants
andcowsthatliveongrassarequietandpeacefulandhowtigersandothercarnivorousanimalsthat
liveonmeatareturbulentandferocious.Instinctorthevoicefromwithinwillguideyouinthe
selectionofarticlesofdietthatareconducivetothekeepingupofBrahmacharya.Youcanalso
consultsomeelderlyandexperiencedpersons.
Sattvicfood
Cheru,HavisAnnam,milk,wheat,barley,bread,ghee,butter,driedginger,greengram,potatoes,
dates,plantains,curd,almondsandfruitsareallSattvicarticlesoffood.Cheruisamixtureofboiled
whiterice,ghee,whitesugarandmilk.HavisAnnamisalsoasimilarpreparation.Thisisvery
usefulforspiritualaspirants.Milkisaperfectfoodbyitself,containingasitdoes,thedifferent
nutritiveconstituentsinawellbalancedproportion.ThisisanidealfoodforYoginsand
Brahmacharins.Fruitsaregreatenergyproducers.Bananas,grapes,sweetoranges,apples,
pomegranatesandmangoesarewholesomeandnutritious.
Dryfruitssuchasgrapes,raisins,datesandfigs,sweetfreshfruitssuchasbananas,mangoes,
Sapotas,melons,limes,pineapples,apples,woodapplesandsweetpomegranates,sugarandsugar
candy,honey,sago,arrowroot,milk,butterandgheeofcows,tendercoconutwater,coconut,
almonds,pistachionuts,ToorDhal,Ragi,barley,maize,wheat,riceofredpaddywhosebranisonly
partlyremovedandriceofgoodsmellorsweettaste,andallpreparationsfromanyofthesegrains,
andwhitepumpkinareSattvicarticlesforkeepingupBrahmacharya.
Forbiddenfood
Highlyseasoneddishes,hotcurries,Chutnies,chillies,meat,fish,eggs,tobacco,liquor,sour
articles,oilofallkinds,garlic,onions,bitterthings,sourcurd,stalefood,acids,astringents,
pungentstuffs,roastedthings,overripeandunripefruits,heavyvegetablesandsaltarenotatall
beneficial.Onionsandgarlicareworsethanmeat.
Saltistheworstenemy.Toomuchsaltexcitespassion.Evenifyoudonottakesaltseparately,the
systemwillderivethenecessaryquantityofsaltfromotherfoodstuffs.Allfoodstuffscontainsalt.
GivingupofsalthelpsyouincontrollingthetongueandtherebythemindandalltheotherIndriyas.
Allkindsofpeasandbeans,bothfreshandfried,blackgrain,Bengalgram,horsegram,sprouted
grains,mustard,allsortsofchillies,asafoetida,lentils,brinjals,ladysfinger,cucumbers,Malabar
nightshades,bothwhiteandred,bambooshoots,papawfruit,drumsticks,allvarietiesofgourdsuch
aswhitegourd,snakegourdandsquashgourd,radish,leeks,mushroomsofallkinds,thingsfriedin
oilorghee,picklesofallsorts,friedrice,sesameseeds,tea,coffee,cocoa,allkindsofvegetables,
leaves,roots,fruitsandfoodstuffsthatcreatewindorindigestion,grief,painorcostivenessorother
sickness,pastrypreparations,foodsthataredryandburning,foodsthatarebitter,sour,saline,over
hotandpungent,tobaccoanditspreparations,foodsanddrinkscontainingliquorornarcoticdrugs
suchasopiumandbhang,foodpreparationswhicharestaleorhavebecomecoldsubsequentto
theirremovalfromthehearthorwhichhavelosttheirnaturaltaste,smell,colourorform,orwhich
areremnantsafterbeingeatenawaybyotherpersons,animals,birdsorinsects,orwhichcontain
dust,hair,straworotherrubbish,andmilkofbuffalo,goatorsheepshouldbeavoidedastheyare

eitherRajasicorTamasicbynature.Lemonjuice,rocksalt,gingerandwhitepeppercanbeusedin
moderation.
Mitaharaormoderationindiet
Mitaharaismoderationinfood.TakewholesomeSattvicfoodhalfstomachful.Fillaquarterwith
purewater.Allowtheremainingpartfree.ThisisMitahara.Brahmacharinsshouldalwaystake
Mitaharaonly.Theyshouldbeverycarefulabouttheirnightdiet.Theyshouldneveroverloadthe
stomachatnight.Overloadingisthedirectcausefornocturnalemissions.
AgluttoncanneverdreamofbecomingaBrahmachari.Controloftongueisasinequanonifyou
wanttocontrollust,ifyouwanttoobservethevowofBrahmacharya.Thetonguemustbe
controlledfirst.Thenitwillbeeasytocontrolthepassion.Thereisintimateconnectionbetweenthe
tongueandtheorganofgeneration.Tongueisanorganofknowledge.ItisbornoftheSattvic
portionofthewaterTanmatra.Theorganofgenerationisanorganofaction.Itisbornofthe
RajasicportionofthewaterTanmatra.Theyaresisterorgansasthesourceisthesame.Ifthetongue
isstimulatedwithRajasicfood,atoncethereproductiveorganalsogetsexcited.Thereshouldbe
selectionandrestrictionindiet.ThefoodofaBrahmacharimustbesimple,bland,spiceless,non
irritatingandnonstimulating.Moderationinfoodisverynecessary.Stuffingthestomachishighly
deleterious.Fruitsarehighlybeneficial.Youshouldtakefoodonlywhenyouarereallyhungry.The
stomachwilldeceiveyousometimes.Youmayhavefalsehunger.Whenyousitfortakingmeals,
youwillhavenoappetiteandnorelish.Dieteticrestrictionsandfastingareveryusefulauxiliariesin
controllingthecamelmindandintheattainmentofBrahmacharya.Youshouldnotignorethemor
makelightofthemonanyaccount.
Fastingapurificatoryexercise
Fastingcontrolspassion.Fastingdestroyssexualexcitement.Itcalmstheemotions.Itcontrolsthe
Indriyasalso.Passionateyoungmenandladiesshouldtakerecoursetooccasionalfasting.Itwill
provehighlybeneficial.FastingisagreatTapas.Itpurifiesthemind.Itdestroysagreatmultitudeof
sins.ShastrasprescribeChandrayanaVrata,KricharaVrata,EkadasiVrataandPradoshaVratafor
thepurificationofthemind.Fastingcontrolsparticularlythetongue,whichisyourdeadlyenemy.
Whenyoufast,donotallowthemindtothinkofdeliciousdishes,becausethenyouwillnotderive
muchbenefit.Fastingoverhaulstherespiratory,circulatory,digestiveandurinarysystems.It
destroysalltheimpuritiesofthebodyandallsortsofpoisons.Iteliminatesuricaciddeposits.Just
asimpuregoldisrenderedpurebymeltingitinthecrucibleagainandagain,soalso,theimpure
mindisrenderedpurerandpurerbyfastingagainandagain.Young,robustBrahmacharinsshould
observefastingwheneverpassiontroublesthem.Youwillhaveverygoodmeditationduringfasting,
asthemindiscalm.ThechiefobjectinfastingistopracticeDhyanarigorouslyduringthatperiod
asalltheIndriyasarecalm.YouwillhavetowithdrawalltheIndriyasandfixthemindonGod.
PraytoGodforguidingyouandthrowingafloodoflightonthepath.SaywithBhav:"OGod!
Prachodayat,Prachodayat.Guideme,guideme.Trahi,Trahi.Protectmeprotectme.IamThine,
myLord!"Youwillgetpurity,light,strengthandknowledge.Fastingisoneofthetencanonsof
Yoga.
Avoidexcessivefasting.Itwillproduceweakness.Useyourcommonsense.Thosewhoarenotable
toobserveafullfastcanfastfornineortwelvehoursandcantakemilkandfruitsintheeveningor
atnight.
Duringfasting,theinternaldigestiveorganssuchasthestomach,theliverandthepancreastake
rest.Epicureans,gluttonsandthosewhoaretirelesseatersdonotallowrestfortheseorganseven
forafewminutes.Hence,theseorgansgetdiseasedsoon.Diabetes,albuminuria,dyspepsiaand
hepatitisareallduetooverfeeding.Afterall,manwantsverylittleonthisearth.Ninetypercentof

thepeopleinthisworldtakemorefoodthanwhatisabsolutelynecessaryforthebody.Overeating
hasbecometheirhabit.Alldiseasestaketheirorigininovereating.Anoccasionalcompletefastisa
greatdesideratumforalltokeepupgoodhealth,relievetheinternalorgansandmaintain
Brahmacharya.Diseasesthatarepronouncedincurablebyallopathsandhomoeopathsarecuredby
fasting.Fastingdevelopswillpower.Itincreasesthepowerofendurance.Manu,theHindulaw
giver,prescribesinhiscodetheremedyoffastingforremovalofthefivecapitalsinsalso.
Itisbettertodrinkalargequantityofwater,eithertepidorcold,accordingtotemperamentand
inclination,duringfasting.Itwillflushoutthekidneysandremovethepoisonandallsortsof
impuritiesinthebody.InHathaYogaitistermedasGataSuddhiorpurificationofthefleshpot,
thephysicalbody.Youcanaddhalfateaspoonfulofsodabicarbonatetothewater.Thosewhofast
fortwoorthreedaysshouldnotbreaktheirfastwithanysolidfood.Theyshouldtakesomekindof
fruitjuice,eithersweetorangejuiceorpomegranatejuice.Theyshouldsipthejuiceslowly.You
cantakeanenemadailyduringfasting.
Fastforadaytostartwith.Thenslowlyincreasethenumberofdaysaccordingtoyourstrengthand
capacity.Inthebeginningyoumayfeelaslightweakness.Thefirstdaymaybeverytiring.Youwill
feelrealAnanda,bliss,onthesecondorthethirdday.Thebodywillbevery,verylight.Youcan
turnoutmorementalworkduringfasting.Thosewhoareinthehabitoffastingwillrejoice.Onthe
firstday,themindwilltemptyouinavarietyofwaystoeatsomethingortheother.Standfirm.Be
bold.Curbthemindatoncewhenithissesorraisesitshood.DomoreJapaofGayatriorany
Mantraduringfasting.FastingismoreaspiritualKriyathanaphysicalKriyafromtheviewpointof
health.Youwillhavetoutilisethefastingdaysforhigherspiritualpurposesandinthe
contemplationofGod.AlwaysentertainthoughtsofGod.Divedeepintotheproblemsoflifesuch
asthewhyandthewhereforeoftheuniverse.Enquire:"WhoamI?WhatisthisAtmanor
Brahman?WhatarethewaysandmeanstoattainKnowledgeofGod?HowtoapproachHim?"
ThenrealizeyourNijanandastateandrestinpurityforeverandever.
Mydearbrothers!WillyoustartthefastingTapasyafromtheverysecondyoureadtheselines?
Peacebeuntoallbeings!

19.WETDREAMSANDSPERMATORRHOEA
Manyyoungmenaretroubledbywetdreamsornocturnalemissionsandspermatorrhoea.Thisdire
disease,spermatorrhoea,haseatenawaytheverycoreoftheheartofmanybrilliantyouth,who
wereonceverypromisingstudentsduringthebeginningstagesoftheireducationalcareer.This
terriblescourgehassappedthevitalityortheveryessenceofmanystudentsandevengrownup
peopleandhasmadethemphysical,moralandspiritualbankrupts.Thisdeadlycursehasstuntedthe
growthofmanyyoungpeopleandmadethembemoantheirpastignorant,vicioushabits.This
wretchedmaladyhasblightedthehopesofmanyayoungpersonandbroughtdespair,gloom,
shatteredhealthanddilapidatedconstitution.
Ireceivenumerouslettersofpathetictalesofdissipated,lostyouth.Therecenttrendintheincrease
ofvulgar,cheapandaphrodisiacliteratureandobscenefilms,bothIndianandWestern,hadadded
tothemiseriesofmisguidedyouth.Lossofthevitalenergycreatesgreatfearintheirmind.The
bodybecomesweak,memoryfails,thefacebecomesuglyandtheyoungmanisnotabletoremedy
hispitiableconditionduetoshame.Butthereisnocausefordespair.Evenifafewofthehintsin
thefollowingpagesareobserved,hewilldevelopthecorrectattitudetolifeandwillleada
disciplinedspirituallifeandultimatelyattainsupremebliss.
Differencebetweenphysiologicalpollutionandpathologicalpollution

Spermatorrhoeaisinvoluntaryseminaldischarge.Nocturnaldischarge,nightpollution,Svapna
Dosha,wetdreamareallsynonymousterms.AyurvedicdoctorscallthisdiseaseSukraMegha.This
isduetotheevilhabitsinyouth.Inseverecases,dischargesoccurindaytimealso.Thepatient
passessemenalongwithurineduringmicturition.Ifthereisoccasionaldischarge,youneednotbe
alarmedabit.Thismaybeduetoheatinthebody,orthepressureofloadedbowelsorbladderon
theseminalbags.Thisisnotapathologicalcondition.
Nightpollutionisoftwokinds,namely,physiologicalpollutionandpathologicalpollution.In
physiologicalpollution,youwillberefreshed.Youshouldnotbeafraidofthisact.Youshouldnot
mindifthedischargeofsemenisveryoccasional.Youneednotworryaboutit.Thisisalsoaslight
flushingoftheapparatusoraperiodicalcleansingthroughaslightoverflowfromthereservoirin
whichthesemenisstoredup.Thisactmaynotbeattendedwithevilthoughts.Thepersonmaynot
beawareoftheactduringthenight.Whereas,inpathologicalpollution,theactisaccompaniedby
sexualthoughts.Depressionfollows.Thereisirritability,languishment,laziness,inabilitytowork
andconcentrate.Occasionaldischargesareofnoconsequence,butfrequentnocturnalpollutions
causedepressionofspirits,debility,dyspepsia,lowspirits,lossofmemory,severepainintheback,
headache,burningoftheeyes,drowsinessandburningsensationaturinationorduringtheflowof
semen.Thesemenbecomesverythin.
Causesandconsequences
Wetdreamsandspermatorrhoeamaybeduetovariouscauseslikeconstipation,aloadedstomach,
irritationproducingorwindproducingfood,impurethoughtsandlongselfabusedonein
ignorance.
Seminalweakness,nocturnalemissions,lasciviousdreamsandallothereffectsofanimmorallife
willsurelyleadonetoamiserablestateoflivingifnotcheckedbypropermedicines.Butthese
medicinescannotproduceapermanentcure.Onecangettemporaryreliefduringthetimeonetakes
themedicine.EvendoctorsoftheWestadmitthatsuchmedicinescannoteffectapermanentcure.
Themomentthemedicineisdiscontinued,thepatientwillfindhisdiseasealltheworse.Insome
cases,thepatientbecomesimpotentbytheuseofdrugs.Theonlyeffectivepermanentcurecanbe
hadthroughthesystemofancientYoga.NastiYogatParamBalam.Thereisnostrengthhigherthan
thatofYoga.Thedifferentmethodsgiveninthisbookwillenableyoutogetsuccessifpracticed
regularly.
Donotbecarriedawaybythepompousadvertisementsmadebyquacksandcharlatans.Leada
simplenaturallife.Youwillbecomeallrightsoon.Donotspendanymoneyinbuyingthesocalled
patentmedicinesandspecifics.Theyareworthless.Quackstrytoexploitthecredulousandthe
ignorant.Donotgotothedoctors.Endeavourtoqualifyyourselfasyourowndoctor.Understand
thelawsofnature,theprinciplesofhygieneandhealth.Donottresspassagainstthelawsofhealth.
Awarningagainstevilsexhabitsandoutburstsofanger
Avoidallkindsofselfabuse.Theydrainawayyourvitalenergyandleaveyoulikeadeadmanor
likethesugarcanefromwhichthejuicehasbeenextracted.Veeryaisindeedapricelesspossession.
Donotwasteitforthesakeofamomentaryexcitementandsensation.
Giveuptheevilhabitatonce.Youwillbeentirelyruinedifyoucontinuethepractice.Openyour
eyes.Wakeupnow.Becomewise.Shunevilcompany.Donotcutjokeswithwomen.Practice
chastelook.Uptothistimeyouwereblindandignorant.Youwereinthedark.Youhadnoideaof
thedisastrouseffectsofthisevilpractice.Youwillloseyoureyesight.Youwillhavedimnessof
vision.Youwillhaveshatterednerves.

DonotlookatthereproductiveIndriya.Donotalsotouchthegenerativeorganwithyourhands
nowandthen.ThiswillaggravateyourKamaVasana.Whenitgetserection,doMulaBandhaand
UddiyanaBandha.RepeatOmmentallyseveraltimeswithmeaning.Thinkofpurity.Dotwenty
Pranayamas.Thecloudofimpuritywillpassoffsoon.
Sexualexcessesandoutburstsofangerandhatredshouldbegivenup.Ifthemindiskeptcooland
calmatalltimes,youwillhavewonderfulhealth,strengthandvirility.Energyisdepletedbyfitsof
anger.Thecellsandtissuesarefilledwithmorbidpoisonousmaterialswhenoneloseshistemper
andentertainsdeephatred.Varioussortsofphysicalailmentscropup.Thebloodbecomeshotand
thin,andconsequently,nightpollutionresults.Varioussortsofnervousdiseasesareattributableto
excessivelossoftheseminalenergyandfrequentfitsofexplosiveangerorwrath.
Importanceofproperfoodandevacuation
Mostofthediseasestaketheirorigininovereating.Observemoderationindiet.Avoidlatesuppers.
Theeveningmealshouldbelightandeatenbefore6or7p.m.Ifpossible,takemilkandfruitsonly
atnight.Nosolidorliquidshouldbetakenaftersunset.Whenyoutakemilk,mixgingeressencein
it.Orboilcrushedgingerwithmilkbeforetakingthemilk.GiveuphotChutnies,garlic,onionand
pungentfoodstuffs.Hotcurries,chilliesandChutniesmakethesemenwateryandleadtofrequent
wetdreams.Takebland,soothing,nonirritatingsimplefood.Giveupsmoking,liquor,tea,coffee,
meatandfish.
Whenthereisanyinclinationformicturitionatnight,immediatelygetuptoemptythebladder.A
loadedbladderisthecauseforwetdreams.Beforeretiringtobed,answerthecallsofnature.If
thereissevereconstipationandthebowelsareloaded,theywillpressthevesiculaeseminalis,and
consequently,therewillbedischargesatnight.
Torelieveconstipation,theuseoftheenemaismostessential.Theuseoflaxativesisnotofmuch
benefitasitcreatesheatinthebody.
Neverstoptheurgetoanswercallsofnature.Ifwormsarepresentinthebowels,removethembya
doseofwormpowderinthenightandtakeapurgativeofcastoroilthefollowingmorning.This
willkeepthebowelsregular.
Sometimes,thedischargestakeplaceonaccountofexcessofheatinthebody,excessofwalkingor
travel,eatingalargequantityofsweetmeatsorchilliesandsalt.Giveuptea,coffee,chillies,excess
ofsweetsandexcessofsugar.Avoiddaintydishes,sauces,savouriesandpastries.Haveoccasional
fasts,say,onceaweek.Donotdrinkevenwateronthosefastingdays.Donotridetoomuchonthe
bicycle.
ChewpiecesoftheyellowvarietyofHaradormyrobalanveryoften.Whenthereisfrequent
discharge,dissolvetwopinchesofcamphorinacupofmilkandtakeitoccasionallyatnight.Take
halfaseerofmilkintheearlymorningandhalfaseeratnight.
Getupbefore4a.m.
Nightpollutiongenerallyoccursinthefourthquarterofthenight.Thosewhoareinthehabitof
gettingupfrombedbetween3and4a.m.anddoingJapaandDhyanacanneverfallavictimto
nocturnalpollutions.Makeitapointtogetupatleastat4a.m.regularly.Sleeponacoarsebed.Use
roughmats.
Sleepontheleftside.AllowtheSolarNadi,Pingala,toworkthroughoutthenightthroughtheright
nostril.Inacutecases,sleeponthebackuntilrecovery.

Ifyouareamarriedman,sleepinaseparateroom.Youshouldneverallowyourwifetomassage
yourlegsatnight.Thisisadangerouspractice.
Forprotectingthesemen,itisessentialtowearalwaysastripofclothovertheprivatepartfor,
therewillbenonightemissionandgrowthoftesticle.Therefore,alwayswearaLangotiorKaupin
orloincloth.Youwillnotgetinflammationoranyotherdiseaseofthetesticles.Thiswillhelpyou
inkeepingupBrahmacharya.WearawetKaupinatnightwhenyougotobed,ifthediseaseisvery
troublesome.
Itisbefittingforacelibatetowearalwayswoodensandalsastherebythesemenwillbeconserved,
eyeswillbebenefited,lifeprolongedandholinessandlustreincreased.
TaketotheNameoftheLord
PracticeJapaandmeditationinthemorning,assoonasyougetup,foranhourortwo.Also,dothis
beforesleepingat10p.m.Thisisagreatpurifier.Thiswillstrengthenthemindandthenerves.This
isthebestremedy.RepeattheMantra:"PunarmamaituIndriyam.Letmyloststrengthberestored."
Praytothesunintheearlymorningbeforesunrise:"OLordSuryanarayana,theeyeoftheworld,
theeyeoftheViratPurusha!Givemehealth,strength,vigourandvitality."DoSuryanamaskarain
theearlymorning.RepeatthetwelveNamesofthesunatsunshine:"MitrayaNamah.Ravaye
Namah.SuryayaNamah.BhanaveNamah.KhagayaNamah.PushneNamah.Hiranyagarbhaya
Namah.MarichayeNamah.SavitreNamah.AdityayaNamah.BhaskarayaNamah.ArkayaNamah."
Baskinthesun.
Thebenefitsofahipbath
Takecoldhipbathsbysittinginatubofwaterandkeepingthelegsoutsidethetub.Thisisvery
invigoratingandenergising.Acoldhipbathtonesandsoothesthenervesofthegenitourinary
systemandstopsnocturnaldischargesinanefficaciousmanner.Thisisageneralnervinetonicas
well,asallthenervesarebracedup.
Thehipbathcanbeconvenientlymanagedathomeinabigzinctub.Agedpersonsand
convalescentscanuselukewarmwater.Wipethepartswithadrytowelandputonwarmclothing.
Orstanduptoyournavelinariver,lakeortankforhalfanhour.RepeatOmortheGayatriorany
otherMantra.RubthelowerpartoftheabdomenorbellywithacoarseTurkishtowelorapieceof
Khadiclothseveraltimes.Thiscanbepracticedtwicedaily,morningandevening,inthesummer
season.
Colddouches,spinaldouchesandcoldshowerbathareofimmenseuseinthepracticeof
Brahmacharya.Showerbathscanbeeasilyinstalledathomebyfixingthesprayapparatustothe
tap.
Sirshasana,Sarvangasana,Siddhasana,SukhaPurvakPranayamaandUddiyanaBandhaareallvery
effectiveineradicatingspermatorrhoea.Practicethemandrealizetheincalculablebenefits.Practice
deepbreathingandBhastrikaPranayama.Takelongwalks.Takepartinsports.
Somehelpfulsuggestions
Completecuremaytakeatleastonetosixmonths,accordingtotheintensityofthedisease.Ifthe
diseaseisoflongstanding,thecuremaytakealongtime,asNaturesprocessesareslow,though
sure.Wheneveryouarehauntedbysensualthoughts,youshouldtrytoreplacethembyholy
thoughtsaboutyourfavouritedeity.

Letanydiseasebethere.Ignoreit.Denyit.ThinkandmeditateonthepureSelf.Keepyourselffully
occupied.Donotgiveroomforthemindtothinkofthebodyorthedisease.Thisisthetreatment
foranykindofdisease.SingHarisNameinavarietyofways.Whenyouaretired,taketothestudy
ofreligiousbooks.Doselflessservice.Runintheopenair.Swimintheriver.Removethestones
andpebbleslyingontheroads.WritedownyourIshtaMantrainanotebookforonehour.
PurifythemindbycultivatingdevotiontoGod.DoJapaandmeditation.Studyspiritualbooks.Pray
toGod.ObserveBrahmacharya.Donotmixunnecessarilywithwomen.SeeonlytheDivine
Motherinthem.DevelopAtrnaBhavainall.
Avoidcinema,novels,newspapers,badcompany,eviltalks.Donotlookintothemirrorfrequently.
Donotusescentsorfancyclothings.Donotattenddanceormusicparties.Donotlookatmatingof
animalsandbirds.
Rootoutloveofleisureandease.Overcomelazinessandalwayskeepthebodyandmindengaged
insomeusefulwork.Keepingthemindconstantlyengagedisoneofthegreatsecretsof
Brahmacharya.Leadadisciplined,rigorouslife.Donotbroodoverthediseasetoomuch.Itwill
passoff.Whenbadthoughtsappearinthemind,repeattheNameofGodandpraytoHim.
Ultimately,theLordsdivinegraceandhelpinghandisthesureantidoteforalldiseases.Relyon
God.Bedevotedtopurityandpiety.Cherishsublimethoughts.Readsacredliterature.Naughtshall
assailyou.
Thisweaknesswillpassaway.Donotbeanxious,worriedanddepressedoverit.Depressing
thoughtsaredangerous.Worrywillonlyweakenyoumore.Learnlessonsfromthepastandbe
benefitedtherefrom.Donotbroodoverthepastandbeweakened.Changeyourangleofvision.
Practiceenquiry.Meditateontheadvantagesofcelibacy.ThinkofthelivesofAkhanda
BrahmacharinslikeHanuman,Bhishmaandothers.Thinkoftheevilsofasensuallifelossof
health,shame,diseaseanddeath.Cultivatediscrimination.YouarethechildoftheLordofthe
universe.Theblissiswithinyou.Thereisnotaniotaofpleasureinsenseobjects.Dissociate
yourselffromthebodyidentifyyourselfwiththeLord.Ifyourmindispureandhealthy,yourbody
toowillbepureandhealthy.Therefore,forgetthepastandtaketoanew,betterlifeofvirtueand
spirituality,loveofGodandaspirationforthehigherdivinelife.Learntofindtasteindivinelife.
DomoreSadhanawithgreaterintensity.Youwillbeacompletelychangedandblessedperson.

20.SOMEPOWERFULAIDSTOTHEPRACTICEOFCELIBACY
Youcannothaveperfectcelibacyunlessyoufollowtheauxiliaries.Youhavetotakeparticularcare
aboutyourdietandthecompanythatyoukeep.Anythingthatbringsimpurethoughtsinthemindis
badcompany.Ohaspirants!Flyawayfromthecompanyofworldlymindedpersons.Getaway
fromthebustleofcitiesandtumultuousnessoftheworld.Thosewhotalkofworldlyaffairswill
quicklypolluteyou.Youmindmaywaverandbegintowander.Youwillhaveadownfall.
Donotreadamorousnovelsorfiction.Donotvisitthecinemaandthetheatre.Anddonotmake
friendshipwithundesirableboys.Whatyouneedisacompletechangeofyourvision,yourattitude
towardstheothersex.BeholdtheDivineMotherineverywomanandconsidereverywomanas
yourownmother.
Controlofthepalate
First,dietarycontrol.Thereisanintimateconnectionbetweenselfcontrolandcontrolofthepalate
ortongue.Hewhohascontrolledthetonguehasalreadycontrolledalltheotherorgans.

DeliciousRajasicfoodexcitestheorganofgeneration.Giveupmeat,fish,liquor,smoking.Meat
canmakeascientist,butneveraphilosopher,asageoraSattvicPerson.Meatexcitesthepassions.
Graduallygiveupsaltandtamarind.Saltexcitespassionandemotion.Saltexcitesandstrengthens
theIndriyas.Renunciationofsaltbringsinacoolconditionofthemindandthenerves.Ithelps
meditation.Youwillsufferabitinthebeginning.Lateronyouwillenjoyasaltlessdiet.Practiceat
leastforsixmonths.Inthisway,youwillbeabletorealizeyourownSvarupaquickly.Allthatis
wantedofyouissincereandearnesteffort.MaySriKrishnagiveyoucourageandstrengthtotread
thepathofspiritualityandattainthegoaloflife!
Donotoverloadyourstomachatnight.Thenightmealsshouldbeverylight.Halfalitreofmilkor
somefruitswillconstituteagoodregimenormenuatnight.
BothforBrahmacharyaandtonguecontrol,takeafewTulasileavesearlyinthemorning.Inthe
eveningtakeNeemleaves.Startwithoneleaf,increaseittoten,oneperday.Taketenforacouple
ofmonthsthenyoucanincreaseittotwenty.Thisisverygood.
Avoidbadcompany
Obscenepictures,vulgarwords,andnovelswhichdealwithlovestoriesexcitepassionandproduce
ignoble,mean,undesirablesentimentsintheheart.Whereas,thesightofagoodpictureofLord
KrishnaorLordRamaorLordJesusandhearingofthesublimesongsofSurdas,Tulasidasand
Thyagarajainducenoblesentimentsandsinceredevotionintheheart,produceadivinethrilland
tearsofjoyandPrem,andelevatethemindtoBhavaSamadhiinstantaneously.Doyouseeclearly
thedifferencenow?
Whatisthestateofyourmindwhenyouattendaballornautchpartyorwhenyouread"The
MysteriesoftheCourtofLondon"?WhatisyourstateofmindwhenyouattendtheSatsangaparty
ofSwamiJayendrapurijiMaharajofBenaresorwhenyouareatRishikeshonthebanksofthe
GangainasecludedplaceorwhenyoustudythesoulelevatingclassicalUpanishads?Compareand
contrastyourmentalstates.Remember,friend,thatthereisnothingsoutterlyruinoustothesoulas
evilcompany.Aspirantsshouldshunruthlesslyallsortsofevilcompany.Theyshouldnotlistento
thestoriesconcerningwomen,theluxuriouswaysofrichpersons,pungentfood,vehicles,politics,
silkenclothing,flowers,scentsandsoon,becausethemindgetseasilyexcited.Itwillbeginto
imitatethewaysofluxuriouspersons.Desireswillcropup.Attachmentwillalsocomein.
Thecinemaproducesaneviltendencyinman.Hecannotremainevenforadaywithoutattendinga
show.Hiseyeswanttoseesomehalfnudepicturesandsomekindsofcoloursandhisearswanta
littlemusic.Younggirlsandboysbecomepassionatewhentheyseetheactorsinthefilmskissing
andhugging.Thosewhowanttodevelopthemselvesinthespirituallineshouldentirelyshunthe
cinema.Theyshouldnotattendeventhesocalledreligiousfilms.Theyarenotreallyreligious
films.Itisakindoftricktoattractpeopleandcollectmoney.Whatisthespiritualcalibreofthe
actorsthere?Spiritualpeopleonlycanbringoutimpressivestorieswithgoodmoralsthatcan
elevatethemindsofthespectators.
Putanendtogoingtoexcitingfilmsifyouhavegotthathabit.Donotwitnessvulgarsensuous
sceneswhereveritmaybe.Donotindulgeinseeingnakedpictures.Allthesetendtoincrease
passionanddepleteVeerya.Youshouldstrictlyavoidthese.
Novelreadingisanotherevilhabit.Thosewhoareinthehabitofreadingnovelsthatdealwith
passionandlovecannotremainevenforasinglesecondwithoutnovelreading.Theyalwayswant
theirnervestobetickledwithsomesensationalfeelings.Novelreadingfillsthemindwithbase,
lustfulthoughtsandexcitespassion.Itisagreatenemyofpeace.

Manypeoplehavestartedcirculatinglibrariesfordistributionofnovelsonasmallsubscription
basis.Theyhavenotatallrealizedhowmuchharmtheyaredoingtothecountry.Itisbetterthey
chalkoutanothervocationtoekeouttheirlivelihood.Theyspoilthemindsofyoungmenbythe
distributionoftheseworthlessnovels,whichhelptoexcitetheirpassion.Thewholeatmosphereis
polluted.SeverepunishmentisawaitingthemintheYamaLoka.
Donotreadnovels.Theytaintthemind.NovelsarethechainsofWesterncivilizationtocapturethe
victimunawareinitsglitteringfetters.Donotreadthosejournalswhichexciteyoulowerinstincts.
Immoralsongsproduceaverybad,deepimpressioninthemind.Aspirantsshouldrunawayfrom
placeswherevicioussongsaresung.
Striveyourbesttodivertyourmindandeyesfromexternalobjectsthatpromptsexualdesires.Give
upthesortofreading,conversation,imaginationandassociationsthatarelikelytostimulatethe
sexualdesire.Donotconversewiththosewhoareeagertoconveyirritatingnewsanddisturbyour
mentalpoise.Livewithspiritualadvancedmenandstopreadingallbooksexceptthosethatare
directlyspiritual.
Whenthoughtsoflustariseinthemind,donotwrestlewiththem.Thebestmethodistoignore
them.Ifyouarenotsuccessfulindoingso,beinthecompanyofsomeonewhoissuperiortoyou
spiritually,whoismoreadvancedthanyouspiritually.Ifyougointoseclusion,themindwillchase
youanddownyouinsensualthoughts.Youwillloseyourbalance.Becareful.Thesensualthoughts
willpassawaywithalittlevigilance.
Watchthethoughts
AnevilthoughtentersthemindandtherecomesanerectionoftheIndriya.Isthisnotamarvel?
Becausethisoccursveryoften,itdoesnotappeartoyouasamiracleoramarvel.Youhaveignored
thisvitalpointonaccountofyourignorance.
Mindisagreatelectricitybattery.Itisabigdynamoindeed.Itisapowerhouse.Thenervesare
insulatedwirestotransmittheelectriccurrents,nerveimpulses,tovariousorgans,tissuesandthe
extremities,hands,legsandfeet.
ThereisavibrationofthoughtinthemindowingtothevibrationofpsychicPrana.Thisforceof
thoughtistransmittedwithatremendouslightningspeedalongthenervestotheorgans.The
physicalbodyisfleshymouldpreparedbythemindinaccordancewiththeSamskarasandVasanas
foritsownexperienceandenjoyment.Themindswaystheorgansofanundisciplinedpassionate
manwhohasboisterousrevoltingIndriyas.Itbecomesanobedientfaithfulservantofatrained,
developedYogi.
AnevervigilantBrahmacharishouldalwayswatchhisthoughtsverycarefully.Heshouldnever
allowevenasinglebadthoughttoenterthegateofthementalfactory.Ifhismindiseverfixedon
hisDhyeyaorLakshyaorobjectofmeditation,thereisnoroomfortheentryofanevilthought.
Evenifanevilthoughthasenteredthetrapdoorofthemind,heshouldnotallowthemindto
assumeamentalstatewiththisidea.Ifhefallsavictim,thethoughtcurrentwillbetransmittedto
thephysicalbody.BurningoftheIndriyasandthephysicalnervoussystemwillfollow.Thisisa
seriouscondition.
Thebadthoughtshouldbenippedinthebudbysupplantingcounterdivinethoughts.Itshouldnot
beallowedtopenetratethephysicalbody.Ifyourwillisstrong,theevilthoughtcanbedrivenat
once.Pranayama,vigorousprayer,Vichara,Atmiccontemplation,SagunameditationandSatsanga
canniptheevilthoughtsinthebudatthethresholdofthementalfactory.Thecombatwillbekeen
inthebeginning.Whenyoubecomepurerandpurer,whenyourwillpowerdevelops,whenyou

developmoreSattvaorpurityandwhenyouhaveahabitualmeditativemood,youwillbe
establishedinphysicalandmentalBrahmacharya.Understandthepowerofthoughtandutiliseit
profitably.Understandthewaysofthemind.Learnhowtousethepurewill.Becomeavigilant,
dexterouswatchmanofyourthoughts.Curbthembeforetheyraisetheirheadsoutofthemind
throughskillandwisdom.
Itisthemindthatreallydoesallactions.Adesirearisesinyourmindandthenyouthink.Thenyou
proceedtoact.Thedeterminationofthemindisputintoaction.FirstthereisSankalpaorthought
andthencomesaction.Therefore,donotallowthesexualthoughts,toenterthemind.
Thatwhichisthoughtofisspokenbythetongue.Thatwhichthetonguespeaksof,theorgansof
actiondo.ThatisthereasonwhyitissaidintheVedas:"Letmymindthinkofauspiciousthings."
Entertainsublimedivinethoughts.Theoldevilsexualthoughtwillgraduallyvanish,justastheold
nailinaplankgoesawaybyinsertingoveritanewnail.
SeekSatsangaorgoodcompany
ThegloryofSatsangaorassociationwiththewisesaints,Yogins,SannyasinsandMahatmasis
indescribable.ThegloryandpowerofSatsangaisdescribedinvariouswaysintheBhagavata,the
Ramayanaandotherscriptures.Evenamomentscompanywithwisepeopleisquitesufficientto
overhaultheoldviciousSamskarasofworldlymindedpeople.Themagneticaura,thespiritual
vibrationsandthepowerfulthoughtcurrentsofdevelopedadeptsproduceatremendousinfluence
onthemindsofworldlings.ThepersonalcontactofMahatmasisablessinginrealityforworldly
persons.Serviceofsaintspurifiesthemindsofpassionatemenrapidly.Satsangaelevatesthemind
tomagnanimousheights.Justasasinglematchstickbumshugebundlesofcottoninafewseconds,
soalso,thecompanyofsaintsburnsallignorance,allthoughtsandSamskarasofpassionandevil
actionswithinashorttime.ThisisthereasonwhySankaraandothershavespokensohighlyof
Satsangainalltheirbooks.
IfyoucannotgetgoodSatsangainyourownplace,youcanvisitplacesofpilgrimagelike
Rishikesh,Benares,Nasik,Prayag,Haridwar.Studyofbookswrittenbyrealizedpersonswillalso
betantamounttoSatsanga.TheonlypotentspecificforinducingburningVairagyaanddesirefor
liberationisSatsanga.
CultivateVivekaandVairagya
OneshouldtrytogetVivekaordiscriminationbetweentherealSelfandtheunrealimpurebody.
Theaspirantshouldpointouttothemindthedefectsofasexuallife,namely,lossofenergy,
enervationofthesenses,disease,birthanddeath,attachmentandvarioussortsofmiseries.He
shouldremindhimselfagainandagainaboutthepartsofthebodyofwomanflesh,blood,bone,
excreta,urine,pusandphlegm.Theseideasshouldbehammeredintothemindrepeatedly.The
aspirantshouldalwaysthinkoftheeverpureimmortalAtmanandthegloryofthespirituallife,
namely,theattainmentofimmortality,eternalblissandsupremepeace.Graduallythemindwillbe
weanedfromlookingatawoman,howeverbeautifulshemightbe.Themindwillshuddertolookat
awomanwithanevilthought.Ladiesalsoshouldundergotheabovepracticestogetthemselves
establishedinpurity.
AVivekidoesnotnoteanydifferencebetweenamaleandafemale.ThesameTattvaspassion,
anger,greedandMohathatarepresentinamanarefoundinthefemalealso.Itisonlyalustful
manwhoisfilledwithburningpassionthatfindsimaginarydifferences.Thedifferencesareall
mentalcreationsorKalpitaBheda.
NothingcantemptyouinthisworldifyoudevelopVairagya,ifyousubdueyourIndriyas,andif
youshuntheunreal,impermanentsensualenjoymentsandpleasuresofthisfleetingworldasdung,

aspoison.Youwillhavenoattractionforwomenandotherearthlyobjects.Lustwillbeunableto
takeholdofyou.Youwillhaveeternalpeaceandinfinitebliss.
Constantlyremember:"ThroughthegraceofGod,Iambecomingpurerandpurer,everyday.
Pleasurescomebutnottostay.Mortalfleshisonlyclay.Everythingwillpassaway.Brahmacharya
istheonlyway."DevelopVivekaandVairagya.
AspirantsshouldstudyBhartriharis"VairagyaSatakam"andotherworksonVairagya.Thiswill
induceVairagyainthemind.RemembranceofdeathandthepainsofSamsaraalsowillhelpyouto
aconsiderableextent.Itwillnotbeoutofplaceheretodrawthereadersattentiontosome
Buddhistmonkswhoalwayskeepahumanskullwiththem.ThisistocauseVairagyainthemand
toremindthemoftheimpermanentandperishablenatureofhumanlife.
Aphilosopheroncekeptinhishandstheskullofaladyandbegantophilosophizethus:"Oskull!
Sometimebackyoutemptedmewithyourshinyskinandrosycheeks.Now,wherearethycharms?
Wherearethosehoneyedlipsandlotuslikeeyesnow?"ThushedevelopedintenseVairagya.Ifyou
analyzethedifferentpartsofthehumanbodyandkeepapictureoffleshandbonesbeforeyour
mindseye,youwillhavenoattachmentatallforyourbodyorthebodyofafemale.Whynottry
thismethod?
RemembranceoftheskeletonandthedeadbodyofawomanwillinduceVairagyainyourmind.
Thebodyhascomeoutofthefilthydischarge.Itisfullofimpurities.Intheend,itisreducedto
ashes.Ifyourememberthis,Vairagyawilldawninyourmind.Attractionforwomenwillgradually
vanish.Ifyouplacebeforeyourmindthesicklyfigureofawomanorthepictureofaveryold
woman,youwilldevelopVairagya.RememberthepainsofSamsara,theunrealityofobjects,and
thebondagethatcomesfromattachmenttowifeandchildren.Tryanymethodthatsuitsyoubest.
Sitdownandthink,calmlyandhonestly,whatbeautythereisinawomanwhosebodyiscomposed
offlesh,bones,nerves,fat,marrowandblood.Whereisthebeautyinthesamewomanwhenshe
becomesold?Lookattheconditionoftheeyesandthebodyofawomanafteranattackoffeverfor
sevendays!Whatisthestateofherbeauty?Whereisthebeautyifshedoesnottakebathfora
week?Thestinkisabominable.Lookatthesenilewomanagedeightyfivewhoissittingatthe
corner,withrotteneyes,shrunkencheeksandskin!Analyzethepartsofawoman,realizetheirtrue
nature.
Womanisthegreatestcauseofdelusion.Womenaretheflamesofvice.Theyareburningfire,
whichdestroysmanlikeadrystraw.Theyburnfromalongdistancesotheyaremoredangerous
thanfire.Thelovelydamselislikeapoisonousdrugthatdestroyslifebycausinglustful
intoxicationandcloudingthepowerofdiscrimination.Thismysteriousworldbeganwithwoman
andhaswomanforitssustenance.How,withoutrenunciationofwoman,isitpossibletoattainthe
eternalblissofBrahman?Thebodiesofthosehandsomedamselswhoaresomuchfondledby
foolishmenaretakentothecemeteryaftertheirPranasdepart.Beastsandwormsfeedupontheir
flesh.Jackalsandkitestearofftheirskin.Withoutrenunciationofwoman,itisimpossibletohave
Selfrealization.
Anoteofclarification
Ladiesshouldnotbeoffendedwhentheyreadtheselines.Ihaveonlyreproducedtheteachingsof
SankaracharyaandDattatreya.Ionlywanttoimpressuponboththesexestheforceandthegloryof
Brahmacharyaandtheevileffectoflust.Ihavegreatregardandadmirationforwomen.
Brahmacharyashouldbepracticedbybothmenandwomen.Womenalsocankeepamentalpicture
ofthecomponentpartsofthebodyofamaleinordertocreateinthemselvesdisgustforthe
physicalbodyofamaleandtodevelopVairagya.

Merecondemningoflustisnotsufficienttoweanthemindfromsexualcraving.Rememberthis
pointwell.Lustispotent.Lustisvirulent.Lustisformidable.Lustisuncontrollablebypersonsof
weakwill.OneshouldbeawarealsoofthewaysofMaya,whichentanglehiminhernetorsnare.
Awomanshouldbeawareofthecharmsofamanwhichenticeherandmakeherapreytomanand
manshouldbeawareofthecharmsofawomanwhichenticehimandmakehimapreytowoman.
Awomanisatemptressformanandamanisatempterforwoman.Manalsohasmuchcharmin
himtoentrapawoman.Manappearsmorebeautifulintheeyesofawomanthanawomaninthe
eyesofaman.Manalsotriestoentrapawomanbyhisdress,tiesandbows,byhissmile,outward
showofaffection,glances,gestures,flowerywords,variouswaysofdressinghishairandother
tricks.
Lustisapotentforce,verydifficulttobegotridof.ThatisthereasonwhytheSastrasandsaints
censureandcondemnwomeninordertocreatedispassionanddiscriminationinmenandwean
themfromlustfultendenciesandaggressiveattacks.SriSankara,SriDattatreya,SriRama,Sri
Tulasidashaveallcriticisedwomennotoutofhatred,prejudiceordislike,butoutofcompassionfor
elevatingpeoplefromthequagmireofSamsara.Theircriticismofwomenimpliesandincludes
criticismofmanalso.Theircriticismaimsatweaningthemindsofworldlypersonsfromsexualsin
andcreatingdisgustforsexualpleasure,anddispassionforworldlyobjects.Thisismisunderstood
bypeople.
Thesamescripturesandsaintswhocensurewomeninoneplacepraisetheminanother.Theysay,
"Womenshouldbehonoured.TheyareArdhanginis.TheyaremanifestationsofSaktiortheenergy
oftheLord.Onlythosewhohonourwomencanattainprosperity."Therefore,Owomen!Tryto
knowtheheartofthescripturesandthesaintsandbecomewise.
ThemindsofyoungpeoplearesaturatedwithimpureSamskarasandVasanasowingtovicious
companyandthefalsemoderncivilization.Eventhecompanyortalkofawomanisquitesufficient
todragthemindintoviciousthoughts.So,Ihavetoplacebeforethemindsofthevastmajority
suchamentalpicturethattheverycompanyofwomenwilldohavoc.WhenIsaythatawomanis
onlyaleatherbag,Idonothatewomeninanyway.Itisonlytoproducedisgustandinduce
Vairagya.Really,awomanshouldbeadoredasMotherSakti.Sheisthecreatrix,generatrixand
nourisheroftheuniverse.Shemustberevered.InIndia,religionispreservedandmaintainedonly
throughthedevotionalelementinwomen.DevotionisafundamentalcharacteristicofHinduladies.
Hatelust,butnotwomen.
Inthebeginning,tillyouacquireVairagyaandViveka,youmusttreatthecompanyofwomanas
poison.WhenyouobtainVivekaandVairagya,thenlustcannottakeholdofyou.Youwillseeand
realize,"SarvamKhalvidamBrahma.AllisBrahmanonly."YouwillhaveAtmaDrishti.Thesex
ideawillthenvanish.
Avowisagreathelp
Avowofcelibacywillgiveyousureprotectionagainsttemptation.Itisastrongweapontoattack
lust.Ifyoudonottakeavowofcelibacy,themindwilltemptyouatanymoment.Youwillhaveno
strengthtoresistthetemptationandyouwillbecomeasurevictim.Hewhoisweakandeffeminate
isafraidoftakingthevow.Hebringsinvariousexcusesandsays,"WhyshouldIbeboundbya
vow?Mywillisstrongandpowerful.Icanresistanysortoftemptation.IamdoingUpasana.Iam
practisingwillculture."Herepentsinthelongrun.Hehasnocontroloverthesenses.Thatman
only,inwhomthesubtledesirefortheobjecttoberenouncedlurksinthecornersofthemind,
bringsinsuchsortofexcuses.Youmusthaverightunderstanding,discriminationanddispassion.
Thenonlyyourrenunciationwillbelastingandpermanent.Ifyourrenunciationisnottheoutcome
ofdiscriminationanddispassion,themindwillbesimplywaitingforanopportunitytogetbackthe
objectthathasbeenrenounced.

Ifyouareweak,takeavowofcelibacyforamonthandthenextendittothreemonths.Youwill
gainsomestrengthnow.Youwillbeabletoprolongtheperiodtosixmonths.Graduallyyouwillbe
abletoextendthevowtooneortwoorthreeyears.SleepseparatelyanddovigorousJapa,Kirtan
andmeditationdaily.Youwillhatelustnow.Youwillexperiencefreedomandindescribablejoy.
YourpartnerinlifealsoshoulddoJapa,meditationandKirtandaily.
OMohan,youhavedoneanunpardonablecrimeinbreakingthevowofcelibacy.Howcantherebe
religionorspiritualitywherethereispassion?Youareanoldman.Whyshouldyourepeat
shamelesslythatoldignobleact,bringingthisexcuse:"OldVasanasarepowerfulcircumstances
arestrong."Nobodywillhearyouranswer.Youwillhavetocurbyourpassionwheneveritraisesits
hood.MayLordSivagiveyoustrengthtocontrolthisdireenemyandtocontinuethespiritual
Sadhana.
Willcultureandautosuggestion
Ifyoucanrenderyourwillpure,strongandirresistiblebyeliminatingdesires,byeradicatingRaga
Dvesha,byreducingyourwantsandbypractisingTitiksha,passionwilldie.Willisapowerful
enemyofpassion.
Lusttakesitsoriginfromimpureresolution.Indulgencestrengthensit.Whenyouresolutelyturn
awayfromit,itvanishesanddies.
Sitaloneinyourmeditationroom.Closeyoureyes.Slowlyrepeatagainandagainthefollowing
formulae.Lettheminddwellonthesignificanceoftheformulaealso.Saturatethemindand
intellectwiththeseideas.Yourwholesystemflesh,blood,bones,nervesandcellsshould
powerfullyvibratewiththefollowingideas:
Iamallpurity,Suddhoham
SexlessAtmanIam
ThereisneitherlustnorsexualVasanainAtman
LustismentalVikaraIamaSakshiofthisVikara
IamAsanga
Mywillispure,strongandirresistible
IamfullyestablishedinphysicalandmentalBrahmacharya
Iamfeelingthepuritynow

OmOmOm
OmOmOm
OmOmOm
OmOmOm
OmOmOm
OmOmOm
OmOmOm
OmOmOm

Youcanhaveasittingatnightalso.Sitfortenminutesinthebeginning.Graduallyincreasethe
periodtohalfanhour.KeepuptheBhavduringworkalso.
Writedownonapieceofpaper,inboldtypes,theword"OmPurity"sixtimes.Keepthepaperin
yourpocket.Readitseveraltimesduringthecourseoftheday.Fixitalsoinaprominentplacein
yourhouse.Havethewordimage"OmPurity"clearlybeforethemind.Rememberseveraltimes
dailytheBrahmacharisaintsandtheirpowerfulactions.Thinkoverthemultifariousadvantagesof
apurelifeofBrahmacharyaandthedisadvantagesandevilsofanimpurelife.Neverleavethe
practice.Beregularandsystematic.Graduallyyouwillbecomepurerandpurerandultimatelyyou
willbecomeanOordhvaretaYogi.Bepatient.
Dailyfeel:"ThroughthegraceofGod,Iambecomingbetterandbetter,everyday,ineveryway".
Thisisautosuggestion.Thisisanothereffectivemethod.
ChangetheDrishtiorangleofvision
YoushouldentertaintheMotherBhavorIsvariBhavorAtmaBhavtowardsfemales.Womenalso
shouldentertainPithaBhavorIsvarBhavorAtmaBhavtowardsmales.

SisterBhavwillnotsuffice.Youmayfail.KeepingofsisterBhavinmanandbrotherBhavin
womenwillnothelpmuchintheeradicationofsexattractionandimpurethoughts.ThesisterBhav
hasdeceivedanddeludedmany.Purelovewilldegenerateatanymomentintopassionwhenoneis
carelessandnonvigilant.CobraBhavonlywillhelptheSadhakastoaverygreatextent.After
cobraBhavcomesmotherBhavinmanandfatherBhavinwomen.ThenlastlycomesAtmaBhav
inboth.Realstrugglingaspirantsonlycanrealizethiswell,butnotdryphilosophers.
ThecultivationoftheBhavisverydifficult.YoumayfailtodeveloptheBhavthatallwomenare
yourmothersandsistersonehundredandonetimes.Itdoesnotmatter.Sticktoyourpractice
tenaciously.Youareboundtosucceedeventually.Youwillhavetodestroytheoldmindandbuilda
newmind.Neverthelessyouwillhavetodoitifyouwanttoattainimmortalityandeternalbliss.
Youwillsurelysucceedifyouarefieryinyourresolveandifyouhaveanirondetermination.The
Bhavwillgraduallymanifestbyconstantpractice.SoonyouwillbeestablishedinthatBhav.Now
youaresafe.
Amanorawomanshouldpracticeselfanalysisandselfexamination.Theyshouldhaveaproper
understandingofthewaysinwhichlustoperatesandplays,andthethingsandemotionswhich
excitepassionandthemannerinwhichonefallsavictimtotheother.Thenonlycontroloflustis
possible.
Themindwillagaintrytodosomemischiefinwardly.Itisverydiplomatic.Itisverydifficultto
findoutitswaysandsecretundergroundoperations.Itdemandsasubtleintellect,andcareful
repeatedintrospectionandvigilantwatch.Wheneverthementalimageofawomancropsupinyour
mindwithevilthoughts,repeatmentally,"OmDurgaDevyaiNamah"anddomentalprostrations.
Gradually,oldevilthoughtswilldie.Wheneveryouseeanywoman,entertainthisBhavandrepeat
mentallythisMantra.YourDrishtiorlookwillbecomechaste.Allwomenaremanifestationsofthe
WorldMother.Destroytheideathatawomanisanobjectofenjoymentandsubstitutetheideathat
sheisanobjectofworshipandamanifestationofMotherDurgaorKali.
ChangetheBhav,changethementalattitude.Youwillhaveheavenonearth.Youwillbe
establishedinBrahmacharya.ThisisanimportantmethodforbecomingatrueBrahmachari.See
Atmaninallwomen.Rejectallnamesandformsandtakeonlytheunderlyingessence,AstiBhati
PriyaorSatChitAnanda.Allnamesandformsareunreal.Theyareunreallikeshadows,waterin
thernirageandbluenessinthesky.
Forascientist,awomanisamassofelectronsonly.ForaVaiseshikaphilosopherofRishiKanadas
schoolofthought,sheisaconglomerationofatomsParamanu,Dvyanu,Tryanu.Foratiger,sheis
anobjectofprey.Forapassionatehusband,sheisanobjectofenjoyment.Foracryingchild,sheis
anaffectionatemotherwhogivesmilk,sweetsandotherindulgences.Forajealoussisterinlawor
motherinlaw,sheisanenemy.ForaVivekioraVairagi,sheisacombinationofflesh,bone,urine,
faecalmatter,pus,perspiration,bloodandphlegm.ForafullblownJnani,sheisSatChitAnanda
Atman.
Passionwillarisewhenyouthinkofthebodyofafemale.Whenyouareinthecompanyofladies,
thinkoftheoneimmortalpureSelfofAtmanthatishiddeninthebodiesoftheladies.Constantly
maketheendeavour.Thesexideawillgraduallyvanish,andwithit,theattractionandlustalso.
Thisisthemostpotentmethodtoeradicatepassionandthesexidea,Mentallyrepeattheformula,
"EkSatChitAnandaAtman."ThiswillleadtotheannihilationofpassionandtotheVedantic
realizationofunityoronenessalso.
ThereisneithersexnorsexualVasanainBrahman.BrahmanisNityaSuddha,eternallypure:By
constantthinkingonthatsexlessAtman,youwillbeestablishedinBrahmacharya.Thisisthemost
powerfulandeffectivemethod.ThisisthebestkindofSadhanaforthosewhoknowtheright
techniqueofVichara.But,onlyadvancedstudentsinthepathofJnanaYogacanrelyonthemethod
ofBrahmaVicharaaloneforthedestructionofpassion.Forthevastmajorityofpersons,a

combinedmethodisverycongenialandhealthy.Whentheenemiesareverypowerful,acombined
methodoflathis,pistols,shotguns,machineguns,submarines,torpedoes,bombsandpoisonous
gasesisusedforthedestructionoftheenemies.Soalso,inthedestructionofthispowerfulenemy,
passion,acombinedmethodisabsolutelynecessary.

21.HATHAYOGATOTHERESCUE
TheregularpracticeofselectYogasanasandPranayamaexerciseswillhelpconsiderablyinones
efforttocheckthesexualimpulse.SirshasanaandSarvangasanawillhelpyoualotinmakingyou
anOordhvaretas.TheyarealsotermedasVipareetaKaraniMudras.Theyarespeciallydesignedby
ourRishisofyoresuchasGheranda,MatsyendraandGorakshatomakeusOordhvaretas.Andby
Pranayama,themindgraduallyproceedsfromthegrosstothesubtle.Itthereforeexercisesa
wholesomecheckuponsexualirritation.Whensomeevilthoughtdisturbsyourmind,atoncetake
toPadmasanaorSiddhasanaandpracticePranayama.Thethoughtwillleaveyouimmediately.

Siddhasana
ThisAsanaishighlyeulogizedbyYoginsforthepracticeofBrahmacharya.Itwillhelponein
controllinghispassionandcheckingnocturnaldischargesandinmakinghimanOordhvaretaYogi.
ThisAsanaisusefulforsittingduringJapaandmeditation.
Placetheleftheelattheanus.Keeptherightheelattherootof,orjustabove,thegenerativeorgan.
Keepthetrunk,neckandheadstraight.Placethehandsontherightheel.
Sitforhalfanhourtostartwithandthenslowlyincreasetheperiodtothreehours.Sittingforthree
hoursinoneAsanaistermedAsanaJayaormasteryoverAsana.

Sirshasana
ThisisthekingofallAsanas.TheadvantagesthatarederivedfromthisAsanaareincalculableand
indescribable.Thisisspeciallydesignedforstoppingnocturnaldischargesandhelpingtheflowof
sementowardsthebrainintheformofOjasSaktiorspiritualenergy.
Spreadafoldedblanketontheground.Makeafingerlockandkeepitovertheblanket.Nowplace
thetopofyourheadbetweenthetwohands.Slowlyraisethelegsupwithoutanyjerktillthey
becomevertical.Getthehelpofawallinthebeginningofyourpracticeoraskoneofyourfriends
tocatchholdofyourlegs.Afterduepractice,youwillbeabletokeepupbalance.WhentheAsana
isover,bringdownthelegsvery,veryslowly.WhenyouremainintheAsana,breatheonlythrough
thenose.
IrregularKumbhaka,RechakaandPurakaretention,exhalationandinhalationwillmakeyour
Asanaunsteady.
DothisAsanawhenyourstomachisemptyorlight.Manychronic,incurablediseasesofthe
stomach,bowels,lungs,heart,kidneys,genitourinarysystem,earsandeyesarecuredbythe
regularpracticeofthisAsana.
Whenyoufindyourlegstossing,retainthebreathforashorttime.Thenthelegswillbecome
steady.

Sarvangasana
Thisisanimportantpose,whichcanhelpyouassuredlyinthepracticeofBrahmacharya.The
digestive,circulatoryandnervoussystemsareatoncetonedupinamysteriousmannerbythe
practiceofSirshasanaandSarvangasana.ThisisnoArthavadaorRochakSabdhaormereeulogy,
mydearfriends!Practiceandfeelthebeneficialinfluenceyourself.Thisisthebestremedyforwet
dreamsandvariousotherdiseases.Thereisahealthyglowintheeyesofthepractitioneranda
peculiarlustre,charm,beautyandmagneticaurainhisface.
Spreadablanketontheground.Lieonthebackquiteflat.Slowlyraisethelegs.Liftthetrunk,hips
andlegs.Supportthebackwiththehandsoneitherside.Thewholeweightofthebodywillnow
restontheshouldersandelbows.Keepthelegssteady.Pressthechinagainstthechestfirmly.
Breatheslowly,onlythroughthenostrils.BeginwithfiveminutesandtrytoremainintheAsanaas
longasyoucan.

Matsyasana
ThismustbepracticedsoonafterSarvangasana.Itwillrelievestiffnessoftheneckandallcrampy
conditionsofthecervicalregioncausedbylongpracticeofSarvangasana.Thisgivesanatural
massagetothecongestedpartsoftheneckandshoulders.Further,itensuresthatthestudentderives
themaximumbenefitsfromhispracticeofSarvangasana.
SitinPadmasanaovertheblanketbykeepingtherightfootovertheleftthighandtheleftfootover
therightthigh.Thenlieflatontheback.Stretchtheheadbacksothatthetopofyourheadrestson
thegroundfirmlyononesideandthebuttocksonlyontheother,thusmakingabridgeofthetrunk.
Placethehandsoverthethighsorcatchholdofthetoes.Youwillhavetogiveagoodtwisttothe
back.Matsyasanaisthedestroyerofmanydiseases.Thisisveryusefulforgeneralhealthalso.

Padangushthasana
Placetheleftheelrightinthecentreoftheperineumthespacebetweentheanusandtheexternal
organofgeneration.Putthewholeweightofthebodyonthetoes,particularlytheleftbigtoe.Place
therightfootovertheleftthigh,neartheknee.Sitcarefullynow,keepingthebalance.Ifyoufindit
difficulttopracticethisAsanaindependently,youcantakethehelpofabenchorsitbythesideofa
wall.Placethehandsonthesidesofthehips.Breatheslowly.
Theperinealspaceisfourinchesinbreadth.UnderneaththisspaceliestheVeeryaNadithatcarries
semenfromthetestes.BypressingthisNadiwiththeheel,theflowofsemenoutsideischecked.A
steadypracticeofthisAsanaremoveswetdreamsandspermatorrhoeaandmakesonean
OordhvaretaYogi.AcombinationofAsanassuchasSirshasana,SarvangasanaandSiddhasanais
veryconducivetokeepingupBrahmacharya.Eachhasitsownspecificaction.Siddhasanaactson
thetestesanditscellsandpreventstheformationofsemen.SirshasanaandSarvangasanahelpthe
flowofsementowardsthebrain.Padangushthasanaactsonthespermaticducteffectively.

InstructiononAsanapractice
PhysicalexercisesdrawthePranaout.AsanassendthePranain.Asanasarenotonlyphysical,but
alsospiritual.Theyhelpalongwayincontrollingthesenses,mindandbody.Thebody,nervesand
musclesarepurified.IfyoudoDhandandBhaitakfivehundredtimesadayforfiveyears,theywill
not,inanyway,produceanyspiritualexperience.Ordinaryphysicalexercisesdeveloponlythe
superficialmusclesofthebody.Onecanbecomeasandowwithabeautifulphysiquebypractising
physicalexercise.But,Asanasareintendedforphysicalaswellasspiritualdevelopment.
SpreadablanketonthefloorandpracticeAsanasoverit.Useathinpillowundertheheadwhen
youdoSirshasana.WearaLangotiorKaupinorloinclothwhenyoupracticeAsanas.Avoidusing
spectaclesandtoomanyclothes.
ThosewhopracticeSirshasanaforalongtimeshouldtakesomelighttiffinoracupofmilkafter
finishingtheAsana.Beregularandsystematicinyourpractices.Thosewhopracticebyfitsand
startswillnotderiveanybenefit.Regularityinthepracticeisverynecessaryifonewantstorealize
themaximumbenefitsofAsanas.Generally,peoplepracticefortwomonthsinthebeginningwith
greatinterestandenthusiasmandthenleaveoff.Thisisasadmistake.
Asanasshouldbedoneonanemptyorlightstomachoratleastthreehoursafterfood.Youcan
advantageouslycombineJapaandPranayamaduringthepracticeofAsanas.Thenitbecomesreal
Yoga.Asanascanbepracticedonthesandybedsofrivers,openairyplaces,andbytheseasidealso.
IfyoupracticeAsanasandPranayamainaroom,seethattheroomisnotcongested.Theroom
shouldbecleanandwellventilated.
Inthebeginningofthepractice,doeachAsanaforaminuteortwoonlyandthengraduallyand
slowlyincreasetheperiodasmuchasyoucan.
AvoidtoomuchexertionwhenyoudoalltheYogicexercises.Theremustbejoyandexhilaration
throughoutyourpractices.
HereIhavegivenyouinstructionsforafewselectAsanasthatareveryusefulformaintaining
Brahmacharya.FordetailedinstructionsonnearlyninetyAsanas,refertomybook"YogaAsanas".
MulaBandha
PresstheYoniorthespacebetweentheanusandthegenerativeorganwiththeleftheel.Contract
theanus.Placetherightheelattherootoftheorganofgeneration.ThisisMulaBandha.
TheApanaVayu,whichdoesthefunctionofejectionofexcreta,hasanaturaltendencytomove
downwards.ThroughthepracticeofMulaBandha,theApanaVayuismadetomoveupwardsby
contractingtheanusandforciblydrawingitupwards.MulaBandhaishighlyusefulformaintaining
Brahmacharya.ThisispracticedduringinhalationinPranayamaandduringJapaandmeditation
also.
MulaBandhaisaYogicKriya,whichhelpstheYogicstudenttotaketheApanaandthesexenergy
upwards.ThetendencyoftheApanaistoflowdownwards.ThisdownwardflowofApanaandthe
sexenergyischeckedbythepracticeofMulaBandha.TheYogicstudentsitsonSiddhasanaand
takestheApanaandthesexenergyupwardsbycontractingtheanusandpractisingKumbhakaor
retentionofbreath.Bylongpractice,thedownwardseminalflowischeckedandsemenis
sublimatedortransmutedintoOjasSaktiorspiritualenergy,whichhelpscontemplation.This
BandhacheckswetdreamsandhelpsinmaintainingBrahmacharya.

SuchabeneficialYogicpracticeprescribedbytheRishisandYogisofyoreismisusedbythe
peopleandmisprescribedbysomeinexperienced,ignorantYogicculturistsofthepresentday.They
teachthisKriyatothelaypublictoachievetheirselfishendsandtohaveacomfortableliving.They
pompouslyadvertisethatpeoplecanretainthevitalfluidforalongtimeandhaveintensesexual
enjoymentforaprotractedperiodthroughthisKriya.TheyteachthisBandhatotherich
householders.SomeofthedeludedhouseholdersarealluredbysuchstatementsoftheseYogic
charlatanswhosegoalismoneymakingforcomfortablelivingandtheytakerecoursetothis
Kriya.TheyindulgemoreonthestrengthofthisKriya,losetheirvitalityandcometogriefand
destructioninaveryshortperiod.ByinjudiciouspracticeofthisKriya,theApanaisdislocatedand
theygetvariousdiseaseslikecolic,constipationandpiles.
TheseYogicculturistshavedoneintenseharmtothepublic.InsteadofprescribingthisusefulKriya
oftheRishisandYogisofyorefortheattainmentofBrahmacharya,andforsuccessinPranayama
intheformofBrahmacharyathesedeludedsoulshaveexcitedthehouseholderstobecomemore
passionateandtohavemoreindulgence.TheyhavebroughtasluronthescienceofYogaand
Yogis.
Theyargue:"Wemustmoveaccordingtothemoderntimes.Peoplewantthis.Theylikesuch
Kriyas.Theyarebenefited.TheyaremorehappybypractisingthisKriya."Wonderfulphilosophy
indeed!ThisisthephilosophyoftheEpicureansandtheCharvakas.Thisisthephilosophyof
Virochana.Thisisthephilosophyofflesh.
Oignorantman!Openyoureyes.Wakeupfromthedeepslumberofignorance.Donotbecarried
awaybythesweetspeechesandindecentdemonstrationsoftheseYogiccharlatansorpseudo
Gurus.Youwillberuined.Giveupsuchpractices.Preservethevitalfluid.TurnitintoOjasthrough
Japa,Kirtan,Pranayama,Vichara.Leadapiouslife.Lifeismeantforahigherpurpose.Lifeis
meantforSelfrealization.
OYogicculturists!Donotmisleadpeople.Callyourselvesasthenoblefollowersordisciplesofthe
reveredRishisofoldentimes.DonotprescribetheseKriyasforbaseends.Benobleand
magnanimous.Aimhigh.BecometrueYogis.Sensibleandculturedpeoplewilllaughatyouifyou
disseminateYogicknowledgeinthismanner.Givethemknowledgeofthewaystomaintain
Brahmacharya.MakethemrealYogis.Peoplewillrevereyouandappreciateyourselflesswork.
JalandharaBandha
Contractthethroat.Pressthechinfirmlyagainstthechest.ThisispracticedattheendofPuraka
andatthebeginningofKumbhaka.NexttothiscomestheUddiyanaBandha.TheseBandhasare
somethinglikethreestagesofoneexercise.
UddiyanaBandha
Emptythelungsbyastrongandforcibleexpiration.Now,contractandforciblydrawupthe
intestinesandalsothenaveltowardsthebacksothattheabdomenrestsagainstthebackofthebody
highupinthethoraciccavity.
ThisBandhacanbepracticedinastandingposturealso.Inthiscase,bendalittleforward,resting
thehandsonthethighsandkeepingthelegsalittleapart.ThesethreeBandhasareagood
combination.ThedescriptionofNauliKriyacanbetakenasthenextstageofUddiyanaBandha.

NauliKriya
UddiyanaBandhacanbedoneinasittingposturealso,butNauligenerallyisdonewhilestanding.
Keeptherightlegafootapartfromtheleftandrestyourhandsonthethighs,thusmakingaslight
curveoftheback.ThendoUddiyanaBandha.
Nowallowthecentreoftheabdomenfree,bycontractingtheleftandtherightsideoftheabdomen.
Youwillhaveallthemusclesinthecentreinaverticalline.Keepitsoaslongasyoucandoit
comfortably.Dothismuchonlyforafewdays.
Aftersomepractice,youshouldcontracttherightsideoftheabdomenandallowtheleftsidefree.
Hereyouwillhaveallthemusclesontheleftsideonly.Again,contracttheleftsideandallowthe
rightsidefree.Byhavingsuchgradualpractices,youwillunderstandhowtocontractthemuscles
ofthecentral,leftandrightsidesoftheabdomen.
NowcomesthefinalstageofNauliKriya.Keepthemusclesinthecentre.Slowlybringthemtothe
rightsideandthentotheleftsideinacircularway.Dothisseveraltimesfromtherighttotheleft
andthendoitinthereverseorder,fromthelefttotheright.Youshouldalwaysturnthemuscles
withacircularmotion,slowly.YoucannotderivethefullbenefitsofthisKriyawhenyoudonotdo
itslowlyandgradually.Beginnerswillfeelaslightpainintheabdomeninthefirsttwoorthree
attempts.Theyneednotfear.Thepainwillvanishaftertwoorthreedaysofregularpractice.
MahaMudra
Sitontheground.Presstheanuswiththeleftheel.Stretchouttherightleg.Takeholdofthetoe
withthetwohands.Inhaleandretainthebreath.Pressthechinagainstthechestfirmly.Fixthegaze
attheTrikutiorthespacebetweentheeyebrows.Retainthepostureaslongasyoutan.Practiceon
theotherlegalso.

YogaMudra
SitonPadmasana.Placethepalmsontheheels.Exhaleslowlyandbendforwardandtouchthe
groundwithyourforehead.Ifyouretaintheposeforalongtime,youcanbreatheinandoutas
usual.Ifyoudoitforashorttimeonly,retainthebreathtillyouraisetheheadandcomebackto
youroriginalpositionandtheninhale.Insteadofkeepingthehandsontheheels,youcantakethem
tothebackandcatchholdoftheleftwristwithyourrighthand.ThisMudraisusefulinkeepingup
Brahmacharya.Itreducesexcessivefatinthebellyandremovesalldisordersofthestomachandthe
bowels.Constipationisremoved.Thegastricfireisincreased.Appetiteanddigestionimprove.If
youcannotretaintheposeforalongtimeatonestretch,repeattheprocessseveraltimes.Takerest
intheintervals.
EasyandcomfortablePranayama
SitonPadmasanaorSiddhasanawithanemptylightstomachinyourmeditationroom.Closeyour
eyes.Closetherightnostrilwiththerightthumbanddrawintheairthroughtheleftnostril.Close
theleftnostrilalsowiththerightlittleandringfingersandretaintheairaslongasyoucan.Then
removetherightthumbandexhalevery,veryslowly.Again,inthesamemanner,drawintheair
throughtherightnostril,retainitaslongasyoucanandthenexhalethroughtheleftnostril.The
wholeprocessconstitutesonePranayama.Dotwentyinthemorningandtwentyintheevening.
GraduallyandcautiouslyincreasetheperiodofretainingtheairandthenumberofPranayamas
also.Whenyouadvanceinthepractice,youcanhavethreeorfoursittingsandyoucandoeighty
Pranayamasineachsitting.
BhastrikaPranayama
SitonPadmasana.Keepthebodyerect.Closethemouth.Inhaleandexhalequicklytwentytimes
likethebellows.Constantlydilateandcontract.Thepractitionershouldstartwithexpulsionsof
breathfollowingoneanotherinrapidsuccession.Whentherequirednumberofexpulsions,say,
twentyforaround,isfinished,thefinalexpulsionisfollowedbythedeepestpossibleinhalation.
Retaintheairaslongasyoucankeepitcomfortablyandthenvery,veryslowly,exhale.Thisisone
roundofBhastrika.Takealittlerestandthendoanotherround.Dothreeroundsinthemorningand
threeintheevening.Thisisaverypowerfulexercise,beneficialforBrahmacharins.Youcandothis
evenwhenyouarestanding.
HintsonPranayamapractice
DonottakebathimmediatelyafterPranayamapractice.Restforhalfanhour.Haveonesittingonly
inthemorningduringsummer.Ifthereisheatinthebrainorhead,applycoolingoilorbutterbefore
youtakeabath.

Alwaysinhaleandexhaleveryslowly.Donotmakeanysoundduringinhalation.InBhastrika,do
notproduceanyviolentsound.Breatheonlythroughthenose.AneophyteshoulddoPurakaand
Rechakaonly,withoutanyKumbhaka,forsomedays.
YoumustsonicelyadjustthePuraka,KumbhakaandRechakathatyoudonotexperienceafeeling
ofsuffocationordiscomfortatanystageofPranayama.Youmustnotunnecessarilyprolongthe
periodofexhalation.IfyouprolongthetimeofRechaka,thefollowinginhalationwillbedoneina
hurriedmannerandtherhythmwillbebroken.
GraduallyincreasetheperiodofKumbhaka.DoKumbhakafor4secondsinthefirstweek,for8
secondsinthesecondweek,for12secondsinthethirdweekandsoontillyouareabletoretainthe
breathaslongasyoucan.
RepeatOm,GayatrioranyotherMantramentallyduringthepractice.HavetheBhav,feeling,that
theDaiviSampatsuchasmercy,forgiveness,loveandsoonenteryoursystemduringinhalation
andthatallAsuricSampatordevilishqualitiessuchaslust,anger,greedandjealousyarethrown
outduringexhalation.Whenyouinhale,feelthatyoudrawenergyfromthedivinesource,cosmic
Prana,andthatyourwholebodyfromtoptotoeissaturatedwithabundant,freshenergy.Stopthe
practicewhenyouareseriouslyailing.
VajroliMudra
ThisisanimportantYogicKriyainHathaYoga.Youwillhavetoworkhardtogetfullsuccessin
thisKriya.Thereareveryfewpeoplewhoareexpertsinthisact.Yogicstudentsdrawwaterfirst
throughasilvertube,aspeciallymadecatheter,passedintotheurethratwelveinchesinside.After
duepracticetheydrawmilk,thenoil,honeyandsoon.Theydrawmercuryintheend.Lateronthey
candrawtheseliquidsdirectlythroughtheurethrawithoutthehelpofthesilvertube.ThisKriyais
ofimmenseuseforkeepingupperfectBrahmacharya.Onthefirstdayyoushouldsendthecatheter
insidetheurethraforoneinchonly,theseconddayfortwoinches,thethirddayforthreeinches,
andsoon.Youmustpracticegraduallytillyouareabletosendtwelveinchesofthecatheterinside.
Thewaybecomesclearandblowing.RajaBhartriharicoulddothisKriyaverydexterously.
EvenadropofsemencannotcomeoutoftheYogiwhopracticesthisMudra.Evenifitis
discharged,hecandrawitbackthroughthisMudra.TheYogi,whodrawshissemenupand
preservesit,conquersdeath.Goodsmellemanatesfromhisbody.
ThelateTrailingaswamiofBenareswasanexpertinthisKriya.SriSwamiKuvalayanandajiof
LonavalausedtoteachthisMudra.
PracticeofMulaBandha,UddiyanaBandha,MahaMudra,AsanasandPranayamaswillnaturally
enableonetounderstandVajroliandtogetsuccessinitspractice.Thismustbedoneunderthe
directguidanceofaGuru.
TheobjectofpractisingVajroliMudraistobeperfectlyestablishedinBrahmacharya.When
aspirantspracticethisMudra,theyunconsciouslydiverttheirmindtosexualcentresandthereby
theyfailtogetanysuccess.WhenyouseethedescriptionofthisMudra,youwillclearlyunderstand
thatstrictBrahmacharyaisabsolutelynecessary.Forpractisingthis,thereisnonecessityatallfora
womanorforanysexualintercourse.SincetheGrihasthishavetheirwivesandsincetheythinkthat
VajroliMudraisadeviceforbirthcontrol,theyhaveakeendesiretopracticethisMudra.Itisall
merefoolishnessanddelusion.Theyhavenotunderstoodthetechniqueandobjectofthisimportant
Kriya.
YourmotiveinlearningtheVajroliMudramustbepure.YoumusthavetheoneideaofgettingSelf
realizationthroughabsoluteBrahmacharya.Havesexsublimation.Youmustnotmisusethepower

gainedthroughthisYogicKriya.Analyzeandscrutiniseyourmotivethoroughly.Therearevery
manytemptationsanddangersontheYogicroad.Beware,mychildPrem!Iagainandagainwarn
you.

22.SOMEILLUSTRATIVESTORIES
1.Thepoweroflust.TheexampleofJaimini
Onceuponatime,SriVedavyasawasholdinghisVedantaclassamongsthisstudents.Inthecourse
ofhislecture,hementionedthattheyoungBrahmacharisshouldbeverycarefulandshouldnotmix
withyoungladiesandthat,withalltheirvigilanceandcircumspection,theymightfallavictimas
lustwasverypowerful.Oneofhisstudents,Jaimini,theauthorofPurvaMimamsa,wasalittle
impertinent.Hesaid,"GurujiMaharaj!Yourstatementiswrong.Noladycanattractme.Iamwell
establishedinBrahmacharya."Vyasasaid,"Jaimini,youwillknowthatsoon.Iamgoingto
Benares.Iwillreturnwithinthreemonths.Becareful.Dontbepuffedupwithpride."
SriVyasa,throughhisYogicpowers,assumedtheformofabeautifulyounggirl,withpiercingeyes
andverycharmingface,welldressedinathinsilkengarment.Theladywasstandingunderneatha
treeatsunset.Cloudsgatheredtogether.Itbegantorain.Accidentally,Jaiminiwaspassingalong
thesideofthetree.Hesawthegirl,feltpityandaddressedher:"Ohlady,youcancomeandstayin
myAshram.Ishallgiveyoushelter."Theladyasked,"Areyoulivingalone?Isanywomanliving
there?"Jaiminireplied,"Iamalone.ButIamaperfectBrahmachari.Nolustcanaffectme.Iam
freefromanysortofVikara.Youcanstaythere."Theladyobjected:"Itisnotrightforayoung
virgingirltostaywithaBrahmacharialoneatnight."Jaiminisaid,"Ohdamsel,dontbeafraid.I
promiseyouof,myperfectBrahmacharya."ThensheagreedandstayedinhisAshramatnight.
Jaiminisleptoutsideandtheladywassleepinginsidetheroom.Atdeadofnight,Jaiminibeganto
feeltheinfluenceoflustinhismind.Alittlesexualcravingaroseinhismind.Inthebeginning,he
wasabsolutelypure.Heknockedatthedoorandsaid,"Ohlady,thewindisblowingoutside.I
cannotbearthecoldblasts.Iwanttosleepinside."Sheopenedthedoor.Jaiminiwassleeping
inside.Againthesexualcravingbecamealittlemoreintenseandkeen,ashewasveryclosetoa
ladyandasheheardthesoundofherbangles.Thenheroseupandbegantoembraceher.Atonce
SriVyasaassumedhisoriginalformwithhislongbeardandsaid,"Oh,mydearJaimini,whatabout
thestrengthofyourBrahmacharyanow?Areyouestablishedinyourperfectcelibacynow?What
didyousaywhenIwaslecturingonthissubject?"Jaiminidroppedhisheaddowninuttershame
andsaid,"Guruji!Iamwrong.Kindlypardonme."
ThisillustrationgoestoshowthatevengreatpersonsaredupedbythepowerofMayaandbythe
influenceofrevoltingIndriyas.Brahmacharinsshouldbeverycareful.
2.Passionsholdovermansmind.Socratesandhisdisciple
OneofthedisciplesofSocratesaskedhisteacher,"Myvenerablemaster,kindlyinstructmehow
manytimesahouseholdercanvisithislegalwife."Socratesreplied,"Onlyonceinhislifetime."
Thedisciplesaid,"OhmyLord!Thisisabsolutelyimpossibleforworldlymen.Passionisdreadful
andtroublesome.Thisworldisfulloftemptationsanddistractions.Householdershavenotastrong
willtoresisttemptations.TheirIndriyasareveryrevoltingandpowerful.Themindisfilledwith
passion.ThouartaphilosopherandYogi.Youcancontrol.Pray,kindlyprescribeaneasypathfor
themenoftheworld."ThenSocratessaid,"Ahouseholdercanhavecopulationonceinayear."

Thedisciplereplied,"Ovenerablesir,thisisalsoahardjobforthem.Youmustprescribeaneasier
course."Socratesthenreplied,"Well,mydeardisciple,onceinamonth.Thisissuitable.Thisis
quiteeasy.Ithinkyouaresatisfiednow."
Thedisciplesaid,"Thisalsoisimpossible,myreveredmaster.Householdersareveryfickle
minded.TheirmindsarefullofsexualSamskarasandVasanas.Theycannotremainevenfora
singledaywithoutsexualintercourse.Youhavenoideaoftheirmentality."
ThenSocratessaid,"Wellsaid,mydearchild.Doonethingnow.Godirectlytotheburialground
now.Digagraveandpurchaseacoffinandwindingsheetforthecorpsebeforehand.Nowyoucan
spoilyourselfanynumberoftimesyoulike.Thisismyfinaladvicetoyou."Thislastadvice
piercedtheheartofthedisciple.Hefeltitkeenly.Hethoughtoverthematterseriouslyand
understoodtheimportanceandgloryofBrahmacharya.HetooktospiritualSadhanainright
earnest.Hetookavowofstrictunbrokencelibacyforlife.HebecameanOordhvaretaYogiandhad
Selfrealization.HebecameoneofthefavouritedisciplesofSocrates.
3.Lustincreaseswithenjoyment.RajaYayati
ThereoncelivedasagelykingnamedYayatiwholivedforafullonethousandyearsenjoyingall
thepleasuresakingofhispositioncouldcommand.Whenoldageattackedhim,andhehadstilla
greatdesiretoenjoyallroyalpleasuresforsomemoreyears,heaskedeachofhissons,onebyone,
totakeuponhimselfthisoldageandgivehimhisyouthinreturn,assuringthatafteranotherone
thousandyearshewouldreturntheyouthandtakebackhisdecrepitude.Notoneofthemwas
willingtoaccepttheofferexcepthisyoungestsonnamedPuru.
Purusaidwithallhumilitythathewasquitewillingtodoashisfatherwishedhimandaccordingly
gavehisyouthtohisfatherandgotinreturnoldageanditsconsequentweakness.Yayati,being
exceedinglydelightedwithhisnewyouth,beganagaintoindulgeinsensualpleasures.Heenjoyed
himselftothefullextentofhisdesiresandtothefulllimitofhispowersandasmuchashedesired
withoutviolatingthepreceptsofreligion.Hewasveryhappy,butonlyonethoughttroubledhim.
Andthatwasthethoughtthattheonethousandyearswouldsooncometoanend.
Whenthefixedtimecametoanend,hecametohissonPuruandaddressedhimthus:"Oson,I
haveenjoyedwithyouryouthtothefullextentofmydesiresandtothefulllimitofmypowersand
allaccordingtotheirseasons.But,desiresneverdie.Theyareneversatiatedbyindulgence.By
indulgencetheyflameuplikethesacrificialfirewithgheepouredintoit.Ifonebecomesthesole
lordofalltheearthwithitspaddy,oats,gems,beastsandwomen,stillitwillnotbeconsideredby
himenough.Therefore,thethirstforenjoymentshouldbeabandoned.Thethirstforenjoyments
whichisdifficulttocastoffbythewicked,whichdoesnotfailevenwithfailinglife,istrulyafatal
diseaseinman.Togetridofthisthirstisrealhappiness.Mymindwasattachedtothepleasuresof
lifeforfullonethousandyears.Mythirstforthem,however,withoutbeingabated,isdailybeing
increased.Therefore,Ishallgetridofit.IshallfixmymindonBrahman,andbecomingpeaceful
andhavingnoattachment,Ishallpasstherestofmydaysintheforestwiththeinnocentdeer."So
sayingheinstalledPuruonthethroneaftergivinghimbackhisyouthandretiredintotheforestto
leadthelifeofanascetic.
4.DawnofVivekaandVairagya.YogiVemana
Vemanawasbornintheyear1820inasmallvillageinthedistrictofGodavariinAndhraDesa.He
hadabrotherbynameAnuVernaReddy.Hisparentspassedawaywhenhewasquiteayoungboy.
Hewasborninarichfamily.HewasaReddybycaste.
Vemanawassenttoaprimaryschool.Hewasnotabletoprosecutehisstudies.Hefellintoevil
companyandbecamearowdyboy.Buthewasveryhandsomeandactive.AnuVernaReddyand

hiswifeNarasammalikedVemanaverymuch.Attheageoffifteen,Vemanabecamedebaucherous.
Hespentmuchmoneyforthesakeofwomen.Yet,hisbrotherandsisterinlawlikedhimvery
much.
AnuVemaReddyandhiswifewantedtocorrectthewaysofVemana.Theystoppedgivinghimany
money.SoVemanastoleatnighttheornamentsofhissisterinlawandgavethemtoaprostitute.
Whenhissisterinlawcametoknowofthelossofthejewels,sheaskedVemana,"Wherearemy
jewels?"Vemanaanswered,"Asyoudidnotgivememoney,Itookthemandgaveawaytomy
beloved."Narasammadidnotspeakaword.Shedidnoteveninformherhusbandofthelossofthe
jewels.ShelikedVemanaverymuch.Shelockedupallherornamentsinthesafe.
TheprostituteurgedVemanatobringsomeMoremoneyorornaments.So,againatdeadofnight,
Vemanawokeupfromhisbedandtriedtoremovesomeoftheornamentsfromtheneckofhis
sisterinlaw.ShewaswearingonlythesacredMangalaSutrathatwastiedroundherneckatthe
timeofhermarriageshehadkeptallherotherjewelsinthesafe.Vemanawantedtoremoveatleast
thisornament.Whenhewasattemptingtoremoveit,Narasammawokeupandcaughtholdofhis
handandaskedhimwhyhecametoherbedroomatmidnight.Herepliedinadaringmanner:"My
belovedaskedmetobringsomeornaments.Icameheretotakethem."Narasammaaskedhimto
getoutoftheroomatonce.ThenVemanacriedandfellatherfeet.NarasammaprayedtoGodto
givegoodBuddhitoVemanaandmakehimapure,virtuoussoul.Thenshepromisedtogive
Vemanaanornament,providedhewouldstrictlyobeyherwords.Vemanafullyassuredher.
Narasammasaid:"Vemana!Askthegirltostandnakedinfrontofyou.Letherbackbeturned
towardsyou.Thenaskhertobenddownandtakethejewelfromyourhandsbypassingherhands
throughherthighs."VemanapromisedtodosoandtookanoathalsointhenameofGoddessKali.
Thenhissisterinlawgavehimavaluableornament.
Vemanaproceededdirectlytotheprostituteshouseandaskedhertodointhemannerhissisterin
lawhadinstructed.Whiletheprostitutewasbendingdown,hesawveryclearlytheprivatepartsof
thewoman.AtonceintenseVairagyadawnedinhismind.Heretracedhisstepstohishousewith
theornamentinhishands.Hegavebacktheornamenttohissisterinlawandrelatedtoherallthat
hadhappened.Hesaid,"Mydearsisterinlaw!Thankyousomuchforallyourkindacts.Iama
changedmannow.Thereisnorealhappinessinthisworld.ItisalljuggleryofMaya.Iamgoing
nowinquestofrealhappiness."HeleftthehouseatonceandwenttoaKalitemplenearhisvillage
andsatneartheimageofKali.
Nowitsohappenedthat,forsomeyears,amannamedAbhiramayyahadbeenprayingtoKalifor
HerDarshan.OnedaySheappearedinhisdreamandsaid,"Cometomorrowatmidnight.Iwill
giveyouDarshan."Buttheunfortunatedevoteecouldnotcomethenextday.WhenKalicame,
Vemanawasthereinstead.KaliaskedVemanatoseekaboonofher.Vemanasaid,"OMother!Give
meBrahmaJnana."MotherKalitheninitiatedhimintothemysteriesofJnana.Fromthatday
onwards,Vemanabecameavirtuousmanwithgreatdevotion,YogicpowersandJnana.
Incourseofhiswanderings,VemanawenttoCuddapah.HelivedinaforestnearCuddapah.He
plantedvariousfruitbearingtreeslikemelonsandcucumbers.Thecucumberswereallfilledwith
gold.Withthisgold,VemanabuiltatempleatSriSailam.Eventoday,thistempleatSriSailam
containsthefamousJyotirlingamofMallikarjuna.Itisafamousplaceofpilgrimage.Onedaysome
thievescametorobthecucumberscontaininggold.TheyallbecamesenselessduetotheYogic
powersofVemana.
OnceVemanaenteredthecottageofapoorBrahminatmidnightandwenttosleeponhisbed.
Duringthenight,heansweredthecallsofnatureonthebeditself.Thatportionofthebed,which
wassoiledbyhisexcreta,becametransmutedintogold.

Vemanacastoffhisphysicalsheathin1865inKatarupalliintheCuddapahdistrict.Hewrote
severalbooksinTeluguonYoga,chiefamongthembeing"VemanaTattvaJnanam"and"Vemana
Jivamritam".
5.Beautyliesinimagination.ThestoryofHemachuda
TherewasakingnamedMuktachudainoldentimes.HeruledthekingdomofDasarna.Hehadtwo
sons,HemachudaandManichuda.Theybothwereveryhandsomeandvirtuous.Theyhadgood
behaviourandconduct.Theywerealsoveryproficientinallthearts.Theybothwenttothe
mountainSahyawithattendantsandweaponsforhunting.Theyshotmanytigersandwildanimals.
Allofasuddentherewasaterriblesandstorm.Immensedarknessprevailed.Onecouldnotseethe
otherperson.
Hemachudasomehowmanagedtoreachthehermitageofasage,whichwasfulloffruittrees.He
sawintheAshramabeautifulmaiden.Hewasquiteastonishedtoseeafearlessgirlinthatsolitary
forest.Heaskedthemaiden,"Whoareyou?Whoisyourfather?Whyareyoualonehere?Howdid
youdevelopthiscourage?"Sherepliedpolitely,"Welcome,Oprince!Takeyourseat.Takealittle
rest.Youseemtobemuchtired.Kindlytakethesefruitsandnuts.Ishallrelatemystory."The
princeatethosefruitsandnutsandrestedforawhile.
Thegirlthenbegan:"Oprince!Harkentomystorywithraptattention.IamtheGodchildofsage
Vyaghrapadawhoisadoredbyall,whohasconqueredtheworldbyhissevereausterities,andwho
hasattainedliberation.MynameisHemalekha.Vidyutprabha,celestialnymphofmatchlessbeauty
andindescribablesplendour,onedaycametotheriverVeenaforbathing.Sushena,thekingofthe
Vengas,alsocamethere.SushenawascaptivatedbytheenchantingbeautyofVidyutprabha.The
celestialnymphwasalsoinfatuatedwiththehandsomefigureofKingSushena.Sushenapleadedhis
lovetoVidyutprabha.Sheresponded.Thekingspentsometimewithher.Afterwardshereturnedto
hiscapital.
"Vidyutprabhasoonbroughtforthachild."Sheleftthechildthereasshewasafraidofherhusband
andwenttoherplace.Iamthatchild.Vyaghrapadacametotheriverforhisdailyablutions.Hesaw
meandtookpityonme.Hebroughtmeuplikeamother.Iregardhimasmyfather.Iservehim
withreverence.ThroughhisgraceIhavebecomefearlesshere.Myfatherwillreturnpresently.
Pleasewaitalittle.Payyourrespectstohimandobtainhisblessings."Theintelligentgirl
understoodtheheartoftheprinceandsaid:"Oprince!Donotgetdisheartened.Youcangratify
yourdesire.Myfatherwillgrantyourdesire."
Immediately,thesageVyaghrapadaenteredwithflowersforworship.Theprincegotupand
prostratedbeforethesage.Thesageunderstoodthattheprincewasinlovewiththegirl.Hegave
Hemalekhainmarriagetotheprince.Theprincereturnedwithhertohiscity.Hisfatherwasvery
muchdelighted.Hecelebratedtheirmarriagewithpompandsplendour.
TheprincelovedHemalekhaimmensely.Hewasverymuchattachedtoher.Buthenoticedthatshe
wasratherindifferenttosensualpleasures.Heaskedheroneday:"OdearHemalekha,whatisthe
matterwithyou?Iamverymuchattachedtoyou.Whydoyounotreciprocatemylove?Nothing
seemstohaveanyeffectonyou.Youaredispassionate.HowcanIenjoywhenyouhavesuchan
attitudeofmind?Youalwayssitwithclosedeyeslikeastatue.Youdonotlaugh,playandjokewith
me.Kindlyspeakoutyourheart.Befrank."
Hemalekharepliedrespectfully:"Oprince!Hearme.Whatislove?Whatisdislike?Asthisisnot
cleartomymind,Iamalwaysreflectingoverit.Ihavecometonodefiniteconclusion.Please
enlightenmeonthispoint.Ientreatyou."

Hemachudarepliedwithasmile:"Itistruethatwomenpossessaninnocentmind.Evenanimals
understandwhatislikeanddislike.Weseethattheylikepleasingthingsanddislikeunpleasant
objects.Beautygivesuspleasureuglinessgivesuspain.Whydoyouwasteyourtimedailyon
this?"
Hemalekhareplied:"ItistrueIthatwomenhavenoindependentpowerofthinking.So,isitnot
yourdutytoclearmydoubts?Ifyouthrowlight,Iwillleaveoffthinkingandbeattachedtoyou
always.Oprince!Yousaidthatlikeanddislikeorloveandhatredariseoutofobjectswhichgiveus
pleasureandpain.Butthesameobjectgivesuspleasureandpainonaccountoftime,circumstances
andenvironments.Whatisyourdecisionthen?Kindlygivemeyourdefiniteanswer.Fireisvery
pleasantinwinter,butinsummeritisveryterrible.Youcannotgonearthefire.Thesamefiregives
pleasureincoldcountriesandpaininhotcountries.Thequantityoffiregivesusdifferentresults.
Similaristhecasewithwealth,wife,son,motherandsoon.Theseinducepositivesufferingsand
misery.WhyisitthatyourfatherMuktachuda,despitehispossessionofimmensewealth,sonsand
wifeisalwayssorrowful?Othersareveryhappyevenwithoutthese.Worldlyhappinessismixed
withmisery,pain,fearandanxiety.Soitcannotbecalledhappinessatall.Miseryispersonaland
impersonalorinternalandexternal.Theexternaloneiscausedbythefaultsoftheelementsonthe
body.Theinternaloneisbornoutofdesire.Ithasconnectionwiththemind.Ofthese,theinternal
oneismoreformidable.Itistheseedorcauseforallsuffering.Thewholeworldisdrownedinsuch
internalmisery.Thetreecalledmiseryhasdesireasthestrongandneverfailingseed.EvenIndra
andothergodsareimpelledbythisdesire.Theycarryoutitsinstructionsdayandnight.Ifthereis
nodesire,youcannotexperienceanypleasure.Suchamixtureofhappinessandmiseryisenjoyed
evenbytheinsects,wormsanddogs.Doyouthinkthatmanshappinessisgreaterthanthis?The
happinessoftheinsectsissuperiortothatofman.Becausedesireisnotmixedintheirpleasure,itis
unalloyed.Whereas,inman,alittlepleasureisfoundinthemidstofthousandsofungratified
desires.Thiscannotbecalledhappiness.Manfeelshappybyembracinghiswife,butbypressing
herlimbstoomuch,hemakesherfeeluneasy.Aftersporting,theyareexhausted.Whathappiness
haveyouinthesesensualperishableobjects?Kindlyexplain,Oprince!Thissortofhappinessis
enjoyedevenbydogs,donkeysandpigs.But,ifyousaythatyouarehappybylookingatmy
physicalbeauty,thishappinessisimaginaryandillusorylikeembracingaladyinadream.
"Acertainbeautifulprincehadaveryhandsomewife.Hewasverymuchattachedtoher.She,on
thecontrary,wasinlovewiththeprincesservant.Shewascheatingtheprincebyfoulmeans.The
servantwouldmixsomeintoxicatingdruginthewinegiventotheprince.Thenhewouldsendan
uglyservantmaidtotheprince.Hehimselfwouldsportwiththeprinceswife.Theprince,under
intoxication,wasthinking:Iamveryfortunate.Ihavegotthemostbeautifulladyintheworld.
Manydayspassedthus.Onedaytheservantforgottomixthenarcoticinthewine.Theprincealso
didnotdrinkmuchthatday.Hejoinedtheuglywomanwhenhefellavictimtopassion.Henow
foundoutthatshewastheservantmaid.Heaskedherwherehisdearwifewas.Shekeptsilentat
first.Thentheprincedrewtheswordandthreatenedtokillherifshedidnotrevealthewholetruth.
Shetoldhimeverythingandshowedtheplacewherehisbeautifulwifewaswiththeservant.The
princesaid:WhatafoolamI!Ihavedegradedmyselfbydrinking.Whoeverplacestoomuchlove
onawomanbecomesdespicable.Justasabirdisnotfixedtoanyparticulartree,soalso,womanis
notfixedtooneman.Shehasfickle,unsteadymind.Ihavebecomeabeast.Ihavelostmypowerof
discrimination.Iregardedmywifeasmorevaluablethanmyverylifeitself.Amanwhoisattached
toawomanandwhoyieldstoawomanisaveritabledonkeyindeed.Womanisevanescentlikethe
autumnalsky.Ididnotknowwomansnaturetillnow.Shegoestothedirtyservantandshehasleft
mewhoameverattachedtoherandwhoisfaithfultoher.Shepretendedtoshowlovetomelikea
dramaactress.Iamcheated.Theservantisuglyinallhislimbs.Whatbeautydoesshefindinhim?
Theprincebecamedisgustedwitheverything.Heleftthekingdomandwenttoaforest."
Hemalekhacontinued:"Therefore,Oprince!Beautyisamentalcreationonly.Beautyismindborn.
Beautyistheresultofmentalconception.Justasyoubeholdbeautyinme,othersfindevenbetter
charminuglywomen.Onseeingawoman,herreflectionisformedinthemirrorofamansmind.

Ifamanthinksofthisbeautyconstantly,desireisstimulatedinthatpartofthebody,whichis
subjecttoimpulse.Thatmaninwhomthedesireisthusstimulatedenjoyssensualpleasure,
whereas,hewhosedesireisnotstimulateddoesnotcaretoseeeventhemosthandsomegirl.The
causeforthisistheconstantmeditationonbeautyorwoman.Boysandasceticsdonotmeditateor
thinkonthis.Therefore,theydonotgetanydesireforsensualpleasures.Thosewhofindpleasure
inthecompanyofaparticularwomancreateintheirmindsthebeautyaccordingtotheirideas,
irrespectiveofwhetherthewomanisuglyormostbeautiful.Theyprojecttheirideasofbeautyin
thewoman.Ifyouaskhowbeautyisfoundinanuglywomanandhowtherecanbejoywithout
beauty,Icanonlysaythatapassionatemaninhisinfatuationisblind.Cupidispaintedblind.The
passionatemanfindsthebeautyofRambhainthemostuglywoman.Therecanbenobeauty
withoutdesire.Ifbeautybenaturallikesourness,sweetnessandbitternessinsubstances,thenwhy
isitnotfoundinchildrenandyounggirls?Therefore,beautyiscreatedbymindonly.
"Peoplethinkasbeautifulthisphysicalbodywhichiscomposedofflesh,filledwithblood,builtof
nerves,coveredwithskin,acageofbonesovergrownwithhair,fullofbileandphlegm,aboxof
excretaandurine,createdoutofbloodandsemen,bornthroughtheurinarypassage!Howcanthose
personswhofindpleasureinthisbesuperiortowormsborninfilth?Oprince,youfindmyphysical
bodytobebeautiful.Justanalyzethisbodypartbypartandthinkovereachpart.Thinkoverevery
partofsweetanddeliciousthings.Allthingsweeatarechangedintoabominabledirt.Whensuchis
thecase,whatislovableanddelighting?"
HemachudaheardthenectarlikeinstructionsofHemalekhawithgreatattentionandinterest.He
developedstrongVairagyaandViveka,meditatedontheallpervading,pure,immortalAtmanand
becameaJivanmukta.ManichudaalsolearntthetruthfromhisbrotherMuktachudafromhisson
andhiswifefromherdaughterinlaw.Theministerandcitizensofthattownbecamewise.Even
birdswereutteringandotherswordsofwisdominthattown.SagesVamadevaandothersnoticed
thatallinthattown,includingtheanimalsandbirds,werelearnedandwiseandcalledthecityas
VidyanagarortheTownofWisdom.
6.Physicalbeautyisnobeauty.Storyofaprince
Onceayoungprincesawabeautifulprincessonthebanksofariverwhenhewasonahunting
excursion.Theprincesshadaphilosophicalbentofmind.ShehadmasteredseveralVedanticbooks.
ShewaspractisingdeepmeditationonAtman.Theprinceapproachedherandwantedhertomarry
him.Sheflatlyrefused.Theprinceagainandagainentreatedherinvariousways.Shefinallytold
him,"Pleasecomeandseemeinmyresidenceaftertendays.Ishallmarryyou".Theprincealso
wasastudentofVedanta,buthehadnorealsustainedVairagya.Hespentsleeplessnights,andon
themorningofthetenthday,eagerlyproceededtothepalaceoftheprincess.
Theyoungprincesshadalreadydevisedameanstoescapefromtheclutchesofmarriage.Shetook
adrasticpurgativeofcrotonoilcontinuallyfortendaysandcollectedallthemotionsintenseparate
enamelcommodesandarrangedthemallnicelywithnumbers1to10inabigroom,coveringallthe
commodeswithbeautifulsilkclothes.Shenowlookedallskinandbones.Hereyesweresunken
andshelaydownonherbed.
Theprincecametomeetherwithgreatjoy.Themaidservantconductedhimtotheroomwherethe
princesslay.Theprincecouldnotrecogniseher.Heaskedthemaidservant,"Whereistheyoung,
beautifullady?SheisnottheladywhomImettheotherday!"Towhichtheprincessreplied,"O
dearprince,Iamtheverysamelady.Ihavecarefullystoredupmybeautyintheyonderroom.
Kindlygowithmeandseetheaccumulatedbeautythere.Comealongwithmenow.Ishallshowit
toyou".Sosaying,shetooktheprincetotheroom,removedthesilkpieces,andaskedhimtolook
atherbeauty.Sheadded,"Thisisthebeautyofmyskinandflesh".Theprincewassimplystunned.
Hedidnotspeakawordtothelady.Heprostratedatherfeetandtookherashismother.Hethrew
offhisprincelyrobesandretiredintotheforests.NowhisheartwasfilledwithintenseVairagya.He

soughttheprotectionofasage,gotinstructionsfromhim,practicedrigorousmeditationand
attainedKnowledgeoftheSelf.
7.Beingbusyisthebestwaytocontrollust.Storyofaghost
Themindisliketheghost,whichisalwaysrestless.OnceaBrahminPundit,throughMantra
Siddhi,hadcontroloveraghost.TheghostsaidtothePundit,"Icandoanyworkforyouina
minute.Ihavesupernaturalpowers.Youmustbegivingmevariouskindsofworks....always.If
youleavemeevenforasecondwithoutwork,Iwillatoncedevouryou".TheBrahminagreed.
TheghostdugatankfortheBrahmin,ploughedthefieldsanddidvariousworksinashorttime.
TheBrahminwasnotabletoengagetheghostinanyfurtherwork.Theghostthreatenedhim,"Now
thereisnoworkforme.Iwilldevouryou".TheBrahminwasmuchpuzzled.Hedidnotknowwhat
todo.HewenttohisGuruandexplainedhissituation.Histeachersaid,"Useyourcommonsense.
Installabig,stout,soft,woodenpostinfrontofyourhouse.Applycastoroil,waxandothergreasy
substancestothepost.Asktheghosttogetupthepostandgetdownthewholedayandnight".The
discipleactedaccordinglyandcontrolledtheghostwithoutanydifficulty.Theghostbecame
helpless.
Evenso,youmustgivetothemindsomekindofworkortheotheralways:Japa,meditation,
Svadhyaya,service,Kirtan,prayerandsoon.Youmustkeepitfullyoccupied.Thenonlythemind
canbeeasilycontrolled.Youwillhavenoevilthoughts.Youcanbewellestablishedbothin
physicalandmentalBrahmacharya.

SELECTSAYINGSONSEXANDCELIBACY
BrahmacharyaisabstainingfromallkindsofMaithunaorsexualenjoymentforever,inallplaces
andinallconditions,physically,mentallyandverbally.Yajnavalkya
Thinkingofawomanorherpicture,praisingawomanorherpicture,sportingwithawomanorher
picture,glancingatawomanorherpicture,secretlytalkingtoawoman,thinkingofasinfulaction
towardsawomanactuatedbysensuality,determininguponthesinfulaction,andbodilyaction
resultinginthedischargeofsemenaretheeightcharacteristicsofcopulationandBrahmacharyais
quitecontrarytoalltheseeightindications.DakshaSmriti
Knowthatinthisworldthereisnothingthatcannotbeattainedbyonewhoremainsfrombirthto
deathaperfectcelibate...Inoneperson,knowledgeofthefourVedas,andinanother,perfect
celibacyofthese,thelatterissuperiortotheformerwhoiswantingincelibacy.The
Mahabharata
Brahmacharyaorspotlesschastityisthebestofallpenancesacelibateofsuchspotlesschastityis
notahumanbeing,butagodindeed...Tothecelibatewhoconservesthesemenwithgreatefforts,
whatisthereunattainableinthisworld?Bythepowerofthecomposureofthesemen,onewill
becomejustlikemyself.LordSankara
AndthosestudentswhofindthatworldofGodthroughchastity,theirsisthatheavenlycountry
theirs,inwhateverworldtheyare,isfreedom.ChhandogyaUpanishad
Awisemanshouldavoidmarriedlifeasifitwereaburningpitoflivecoals.Fromthecontact
comessensation,fromsensationthirst,fromthirstclingingbyceasingfromthat,thesoulis
deliveredfromallsinfulexistence.LordBuddha

Thesesexualpropensities,thoughtheyareatfirstlikeripples,acquiretheproportionsofaseaon
accountofbadcompany.Narada
Sensualitydestroyslife,lustre,strength,vitality,memory,wealth,greatfame,holinessanddevotion
totheSupreme.LordKrishna
Deathishastenedbylettingoutsemenfromthebodylifeissavedandprolongedbypreservingit.
Thereisnodoubtthatpeopledieprematurelybylettingthesemenoutofthebodyknowingthis,
theYogishouldalwayspreservesemenandleadalifeofstrictcelibacy.SivaSamhita
Cautionindietisofthreefoldvalue,butabstinencefromsexualintercourseisoffourfoldvalue.The
Sannyasihad,andhasarulenevertolookatawoman.Atreya
LetnotaBrahminseeawomannaked.Manu

SECTIONIV.ASYMPOSIUM
COMMENTARYONSWAMISIVANANDAS8THSPIRITUAL
INSTRUCTION
BySwamiChidananda
8.Brahmacharya:Preservethevitalforce(Veerya)very,verycarefully.VeeryaisGodinmotion
ormanifestationVibhuti.Veeryaisallpower.Veeryaisallmoney.Veeryaistheessenceoflife,
thoughtandintelligence.
Brahmacharya,whichisthethirdofthefiveniyamasofMaharshiPatanjali,getsmentionedin
practicallyeveryoneofthescripturesofSanatanaVaidicDharma(EternalReligion)the
Bhagavata,theRamayanaandallthePuranas.ItisalsoinalltheYogasBhaktiYoga,JnanaYoga,
HathaYoga,RajaYoga.
IntheHindutraditionthreegreatprinciplesorqualitieshavebeenlaiddownasfundamental
practicesforspiritualdevelopment.Theyareahimsa,satyamandbrahmacharya(noninjury,
truthfulnessandchastity).
Yadimokshamicchasichetthaatha
Vishayanvishavatthyaja
Brahmacharyamahimsacha
Satyampeeyushavadbhaja
"Ifyoudesireyourhighestblessedness,giveuplikepoisondesireforsensualenjoymentand
pleasuresandlikenectarreceiveintoyourlifethetriplevirtuesofchastity,noninjuryand
truthfulness."
DowntheagesthishascometobethecardinaldoctrineoftheHigherLife.
WithinthecontextoftheChristianfaith,thepropheticreligionthatformeditselfaroundthe
teachingsofJesusofNazareth,faith,hopeandcharityarelaudedascardinalvirtues.Withinthe
contextofthisreligion,thereisalsoSannyas(orderofrenunciation)theChristianmonastic
tradition.Inthismonastictradition,threegreatvowsareindispensable,theyarepoverty,chastity
andobedience.Thatisthemonasticvow.Thatisthevowofthemonksandpriestsinseminariesas
alsothevowofthenunsinconvents.

ThisalsoexistedinpreChristianRomantimeswhenforthemysticalOracleofDelphi,itwasonly
virginswhowerequalifiedtoperformthehightaskofdiviningthewillofGodandguidingman.
Thistheyproclaimedinastateofspiritualtrance.TheseunmarriedmaidenswerededicatedtoGod
andthistask,anditwasbelievedthatitwasonlyinthepuremindsandheartsofthesevirginsthat
GodrevealedHissacredWill.TheywerecalledVestilVirginsofDelphi.So,thetraditionof
brahmacharyachastity,selfcontrol,sexpuritydidnotcommencefromChristianity,itmusthave
alreadybeentherewithinthetraditionofJudaismaswell.
Longbeforethat,duringthetimeofBuddhawhoprecededJesusbymorethan500yearsthe
doctrineofchastitywasanecessarypreparationandfoundationforthelifeofrenunciation,
asceticismandYogafortheseekeraftertheGreatRealityorforattainmentofEnlightenmentand
Wisdom.ThisfoundationwasrecognizedbyBuddha.TheYoungprincelivinginapalacewithhis
youngwifeandbabyRahul,lefteverythingandwentintotheforest.Thatgreatrenunciation,great
tyagawaswonderfullybroughtoutbySirEdwinArnoldinhisLightofAsia,apoeticalpresentation
ofBuddhasgreatlife,careerandattainment.
Thus,itissomethingthathasbeenhandeddowntohumanityfromtimeimmemorial.Itisapartof
theglobalheritagefromvariousdiversedirectionsandsources.Farback,evenbeforeZoroasteror
Buddha,theancientprophetsoftheUpanishadsproclaimedthesamething.Wehearmentionedin
theVedicageofIndraandVirochanaapproachingBrahmaforinstructions,andBrahmasending
thembacktoobservebrahmacharyaforsomanyyears"Thencomeandaskme,Ishallgiveyou
someknowledge,partofmyknowledge."Sotheygoandobservethevowofcelibacyforsomany
yearsandcomeback.ThenHegivesthemapartoftheTruth.AfterthatHesays"Nowgoback
andobservecelibacyforsomemoreyearsandcomeback."Because,itisnecessarytograspthe
conceptofThatwhichisbeyondthegraspofthemindandthesenses,beyondspeechandthought.
Theywereunabletograspit.Agrossmindwhichisidentifiedwiththebody,withthesensesand
withthesenseappetites,andwhichisenslavedbythepleasureprincipleonly,isunfittothinkof
abstractandabstruseideasandconcepts.Amindthathasbecomegrossduetotheprogressive
increaseofrajasandtamas,becomesunfitandnaturallyspirituallifeandpracticesareafarcryto
thatindividual.Mindmustbecomeattenuated,itmustbecomeveryfine.Thereshouldbeno
grossnessdesires,attachmentsandcravingsinit.Acertainpsychicfinenessoftheantahkarana
(innerbeing)issaidtobeessentialandindispensableforrisinghigherintosublimeideas,thoughts
andprocessesofviveka(discrimination),vichara(enquiry)andatmasadhana(enquiryintothe
Self).Therefore,thisprocessofpurification,therisingfromthegrosstothesubtle,istheessenceof
theconceptofbrahmacharya.
Thesage,RishyaSringa,wasestablishedinbrahmacharya.Whenawholekingdomwasthreatened
byfamine,duetoadrought,thekingwasdeeplyconcerned,peoplewereingreatfearandanxiety.
Thensomesagesadvisedthatifthisgreatman,whowasestablishedinthevowofabsolutecelibacy
andcontinence,couldbebroughttothekingdom,intotheroyalcity,thentheheavenswouldbless
themwithrain.Sotheyinducedhimtocome.Thusthefamineandpossibledeathduetostarvation
ofcountlesspeoplewasaverted.
Long,longago,ourPuranicscripture,SrimadBhagavataMahapuranahasgiventhehighestplace
foragreatladywhowasaparagonofvirtueandchastityandtotalfidelitytoherhusband.Never
didathoughtofanyothermancrosshermindevenindreamorimagination.Somuchsothatthe
threegreatcosmicdeities,theCreator,thePreserverandtheDissolverBrahma,Vishnuand
Mahesvarahadtoadmithergreatnessandconfessthattheyhadfailedintryingtoshakeherfrom
herfirmadherencetochastitywhentheytriedtotesthershewasgivenacrucialtest,maybeto
glorifythisgreatqualityofchastity.ShebecameimmortalSatiAnasuya,themotherofthe
TrimurtisincarnatedasoneavataraSriDattatreya,whoisregardedastheAdiGuru.
Evenso,thegreatworldmother,JaganMataSitaJanakithequeenandwifeofLordRama
becameimmortalasanexampleofthegreatvirtueofpativrata(faithfulwife).Andthereforethe

couple,MaryadaPurushottamBhagavanSriRamachandraandJaganMataSitaJanakiareregarded
astheidealforthesecondashramathegrihastashrama,foreverandforalltimestocome,forall
thosethatbelieveintheVedasandtheVedicwayoflife.
For14yearsLaxmanaobservedthevowofperfectcelibacyandthereforeitwashealonewhowas
abletoultimatelygivevictorytothesideofRamabydestroyingIndrajit(Meghanada)the
invincibleandinvulnerablesonofRavana.
IntheculturalhistoryofIndia,thenameofBhishmaevokesawe,wonderandadmirationinthe
heartsofeachandeveryindividualwhohasheardabouthimandthegreatvowhetookinorderto
fulfilthedesireofhisfather.IthasgonedowninhistoryasBhishmaPratigna.Hebecamealifelong
Brahmachari,andwasoneofthemostinvincibleofwarriorsinthewholenarrativeofthe
Mahabharata.Justasthedetermination,theresolution,andtheausterityperformedbyBhagirath,
anotherscionoftheroyalraceandroyalfamily,hasgonedowninhistoryassomething
unprecedented,unparalleled,unique.WespeakofBhagirathaprayatna!
Now,wecannotsimplybrushasideallthesefactsassomushfoolishnessorsomuchmeaningless.
Thesewerenotnormalpeople,theyweresupernormalextraordinarypersonalitieswhohadacquired
SupremeWisdom,greatintuitionandattainedtoweringheightsofSelfrealization.SageslikeVyasa
andValmiki,werenotinfantile,irrationalidealiststheywereTattvavettas,Brahmajnanisand
thereforewewouldonlybedemonstratingouremptiness,ourbankruptcyinvicharaandvivekaif
wequestiontherationalityoftheprinciplesandteachingsofthesegreatones.
SoitseemstobeimportantthatnotonlyinthecontextofSatyaSanatanaVaidicDharmabutinthe
contextofallthegreatlivingreligionsoftheworldtodaythereissomethingdeeplyscientificand
meaningfulandofgreatimportanceintheobservanceoftheseprinciples.Andyouwillfindthat
Zoroaster,Socrates,Jesus,Buddha,theymightnothavepropagatedanyYogapathorSadhana
system,buttheygaveforthgreatteachingsforattainingBlessednessbyfulfillingthehighest
purposeofhumanexistencenamelyloveofGod.
Alltheseareindicationsoftheconceptofconservingacertaindynamicforceinthehuman
biologicalbeingandconvertingandsublimatingthisforceuponwhichyourexistence,myexistence
theexistenceofallofusphysically,hasbeendependent.Iamhere,Chidananda,sittingand
talkingtoyouthroughtheGraceofGurudev.Thishasbeenpossiblebecausemyparentsproduced
formethisphysicalvehicleintowhichIcouldcomeatthetimeofprarabdha(prefixedbirth).Even
so,becausetheparentsofBuddha,RajaShuddhodanaandmotherYasodharahadpreparedthe
wondrousbodyfortheTathagata,wehavetheinspiringteachingsofthisgreatMasterwhobuiltup
alargefollowing,agreatreligion,philosophy,andmeditationalsystem.
Anditisthereforethisconceptofconservingadynamicbiologicalforcewithinthehumansystem
andconvertingitintoahighersubtlerforcethroughsublimation,conservation,preservationand
takingithigherintothepsycheintheformofavery,veryrefinedsubtleenergy,psychicalenergy
calledojasojasmeansthatwhichisradiant,thatwhichshines,thatwhichiseffulgent.Thiswise
technique,ascientificmethodofconvertingthegrossintothesubtlephysicalintothespiritual
psychicintothespiritualwasevolvedbythegreatsages.
PerpetuationoftheSpecies
BecauseprovisionwasmadebytheCosmicIntelligencePowerthatwecallparaBrahmanandthe
CosmicForcethatwecallParashakti,Adishakti,Mahashakti,ithasbeenpossiblethatdifferent
speciesoflivingcreatures,differentspeciesofplantlife,botanicallife,haslived,developedand
evolvedthroughtheages.Thisperpetuationofthespeciesisthelawoflifeintheentireuniverse,in
everyformoflife,notonlyhuman,animalorsubanimalinsect,reptile,fishbuteveninthe
botanicalworld.Howthereiscrosspollinationandhowthefloweristhemeansofcarryingoutthis

actofreproduction,itisanintricate,mysteriousmarvel!Thosewhostudyitwillbeamazedatthe
wonderfulsciencebehindit,willmarvelatthisunknownmysteriousCosmicIntelligencethathas
broughtthisprocessabout.Oneisstruckwithaweandadmirationwhenonebeginstogodeeper
intotheprocessofhowlifeisperpetuatedoneverylevel,everyplaneandeveryfieldoflife,even
fromthemostrudimentarylifeofasinglecell,howitsplits,dividesitselfandmultiplies.
Howwonderfulthataseedisabletogerminateduetothepresenceoftwofactors,sothatthepower
ofthesefactorsgivesitthatmightyforceofevenbreakingthroughrock,breakingthroughthe
pressureofheavysoiloveritatiny,tenderlittlethinglikeaseedthathasjustgerminated.Whata
miracle!Whatgreatforce!Itcleavestheearthtentimesharderthanitstendershoot,andsurfaces.If
bychanceaseedhasbeendepositedonthetopofaconcreteterrace,whenitgerminatesiteven
breaksthroughbricksandcementwallsanddisplacesthemandputsforthitsownlife.
Thisactofmultiplyingandreproducingispresenteverywhere.Itsaturatesandpermeatesthewhole
universebecausefromtheangleofcosmology,theentireuniverseistheoutcomeofsuchaprimal
firstwishformultiplication."IamOne,mayIbecomemany."ThustheVedassaythattherewas
oneimponderable,mysteriousBeing.WhatthatBeingwas,whoknows,becausethatBeingwas
onewithoutasecond.So,asecondnotbeingpresent,notexistinghowcantherearisethequestion
ofanyonecognizingthatBeing?WhowastheretocognizewhenthatEkamevadvitiyamBrahma
(God)aloneexisted.AndinthatmysteriousBeingtherearosethisgermofanidea.Hethought:
"MayIbecomemany.IamOne,mayIbecomemany."Thatishowtheytrytoexplainthegenesis
oftheadvitiyaandtheanekafromtheEkamevadvitiya.And,therefore,theconceptof
multiplicationisattheveryheartandessenceofexistencebecauseitarosefromBrahmaand
thereforeitispresenteverywhere.IntheBibleitisputinadifferentway.Godcreatedmanandtold
him:"Goforthandmultiply."And,ifyoudelveintothescripturesofallreligions,youwillfindthat
somewhereortheotherthisfactisthere.
Therefore,thegreatCosmicIntelligenceandPowercalledGodorParamatman,theSupremeSoul
ortheUniversalSpirit,permeatesandindwellseverythingthatexists.Andthuswhenthereisa
provisionmadeinacertainperiodoflifethenittakesonthenatureofavery,verysacredact.
Because,ultimatelytheatmanisnotcreated,whatiscreatedbytheparents,humanorsubhuman,is
onlyavehiclefortheentryintotheearthplaneofaspirit,anucleusofconsciousness.Andthe
creationofthisreceptacleisanactwhereinthepartnersinamaritalstatecooperatewithBrahma,
thecreatorSrishtikartaBrahma.SotheytakeonacertainpartofBrahmasfunction.Thereforeit
issacred.
PowerofBrahmacharya
Itisthisforceofbrahmacharyathatistheinvaluableforcethatgivessuccessinsravana(hearing),
manana(reflection)andnididhyasana(concentration).Itgivessuccessinthepracticeofthenine
modesofBhaktiSravana,kirtana,smarana,archana,vandana,padasevana,dasya,sakhya,and
atmanivedana.ItmakespossiblethesuccessfulpracticeofRajaYogayama,niyama,asana,
pranayama,pratyahara,dharana,dhyanaandsamadhi.Itmakesforafruitfulpracticeofasana,
pranayama,mudra,bandha,kriyaleadingintosamadhioftheHathaYogasystem.Itisthisforce
thatbroughtforthRavindranathTagore,BhagatSingh,MahatmaGandhi,Beethoven,Bach,Albert
Schweitzer,JoanofArcandMotherTheresa.Itisthismarvellousforcethatbroughtforthsage
Valmikiandalltheothergreattoweringfiguresinhistory.Theirmiraclewasbecauseofthissecret
ofconservation,preservation,sublimationandsublimeapplicationtowardsahigherpurpose.
Theprofligatewhowasteshisvitalpowerandbecomesanervouswreckfallspreytovarious
diseases.Heislikethefoolishmultimillionairessonwhothrowsawayhismoneyindrinking,
gamblingandotherextravagances,purchasingadozencadilacs,housesandlandinGermany,
Switzerland,Italy,IslesofCapriandMonteCarloandthenafterwardsbecomingbankruptand

reducedtoabeggar,why?Whateverwasgiventohimwassquandered.Itwaslost.Notknowingits
value,hebecamereducedtoabjectpoverty.Whatadeplorable,pitiablestate!
Energyandstrengtharenecessaryforallprocessesandallactivities.Thehighertheactivity,the
greatertheneedofenergy.Dieselcandrivecertainvehicles.Petrolcanonlydrivecertainvehicles.
Neitherdieselnorpetrolcanmakeanaeroplanefly,theyhavetohavehighoctanefuelformaking
aeroplanesfly.Therefore,crudeenergyisenoughforphysicalfunctions.Amoresubtletypeof
energyisnecessaryforintellectualfunctionsgoingtotheuniversityandstudyingforalaw,
scienceornuclearsciencedegree.Analtogetherdifferenttypeofhighlyrefined,extremelysubtle
forceisnecessaryfortheprocessthattakesyouacrossthebarrieroftherelativeandlaunchesyou
intotheAbsolute.Dhyanavasthaitisthatsubtlestofthesubtle,mostrefinedprocessthatbrings
youfacetofacewiththeSupremeRealityGodrealization.ItisthestageofYoganexttoSuper
consciousnessorsamadhi,wherePurusha(Spirit)attainsawarenessofHisowneverfree,
independent,allperfectnaturedistinctfromprakriti(matter).Andtherefore,itisonlyonestepnext
tothethresholdofSuperconsciousness,Selfrealization,AparokshaAnubhuti.Forthatprocess,
youcanjustimaginehowsubtleandhowrefinedthemindhastobe.Andsothegrosspotentialhas
tobefirstofallrefined.Itislikeminingorefromthebowelsoftheearth.Theorecontainsgold,but
itisnotgold.Ithastoberefinedandsifteduntilpuregoldisbroughtout.Sothebiologicalsex
forcehastobetransmutedintoasubtlepsychicspiritualforcecalledojas.
DutiesofHouseholders
AllthistalkaboutbrahmacharyamustnotgiveustheimpressionthatinHinduismandintheHindu
religion,sexhasnoplaceandcelibacyistheonlythingthatisinsisteduponandlaudedasthe
highestvirtue.Thatwouldbeamistake,amisconception.IntheVarnashramaDharma,patternof
lifeformulatedandgivenfortheindividualbornintotheHindufaith(VaidicaDharma),
brahmacharyaisinsisteduponastotalabstinencefromsexlife,fromanyformofphysicaland
mentalmanifestationofsexlife,forthreeofthefourashramas.ButintheGrihasthashrama
(householderslife)theexerciseofsexlifeisregardedassacred,andelaboraterulesandregulations
havebeendrawnupforit.Agreatdealofadvice,guidanceandinstructionshavebeengivenforthe
secondashrama,whereitbecomesnotonlyarightandpermittedbutiselevatedtothesacredduty
ofthehouseholder.Ithasbeengivenasthemostimportantdutytoperpetuatetheparticularfamily
lineage,anditisconsideredasacreddutytocontributeonesmitetowardsthegenerationof
tomorrow.So,ithasbeenrecognizedasanimportantfunctionofthehumanindividual,andthis
lifelongpartnershipisregardedasoneofthemostsacredaspectsofhumanlife.Hereithasbeen
carriedtotheleveloftheyajna(sacrifice).Inthesamskaras(fourstagesoflife)thisparticular
aspectofyajnaisthereinordertosupportlife.Justastheeatingfunctionoftheindividualhasbeen
takentothelevelofayajna,sayingitisahuti,notanofferingtoanouterfireinayajnakundbuta
dailysacredofferingtoagni(theinnergastricfire)tothatagnieachmorseloffoodisofferedas
ahutisothisisasacredyajnatheofferingoftheahutiofthelifeprincipleintothepartnerinorder
toperpetuatethefamilylineage.
Butthenitismadelegitimate,permissible,aduty.Ifyoudonotperformthatduty,dire
consequencesareforetoldbythescripturesthatifyoudonothaveaprogeny,andtherealsoifyou
donothaveamaleprogeny,theparentswillgotohell,aspecialhellreservedforthem.And,
therefore,SanatanaVaidicaDharmahasevenpermittedthatifaBrahminhasnotaputrasantana
(malechild)hemaytakeanotherwife.Hecaneventakefourwives.Wherethemaleoffspringis
veryimportanttoaroyalhousehold,akingcanmarryseveralwives.SoHinduismisnotantisexor
anegationofthehumannatureandhumanfunction.Onthecontrarywhereitisnecessaryitis
regardedasthehighestduty.
BrahmacharyainModernSociety

Brahmacharyaisthatwayoflivingyourlife,thatwayofconductandbehaviourthatwillultimately
andgraduallyleadyoutowardsBrahmajnanagrantyouBrahmajnana.Inaspecificway,ithas
cometomeanpurityinsexlife.But,thisisaninsufficientmeaning.MahatmaGandhisaidthatno
attempttokeeponeselfundercontrolandinmasteryonlyfromthepointofviewofonescarnal
passionsorphysicalappetiteswilleverbesuccessfulunlesssimultaneouslyonetriestokeepall
onessensesundercontrol.Absoluteestablishmentinbrahmacharya,absolutesexpurityispossible
onlyifoneisaselfcontrolledpersoninacompletelyintegralsenseoftheterm.Youmusthave
yourearsundercontrol.Youmusthaveyoureyesundercontrol.Youmusthaveyourhandsandfeet
undercontrol.Youmusthaveyourtonguealsoundercontrol.Thenthereissomepossibilityof
beingestablishedinsexpurity.AndGurudevsconceptofbrahmacharyaisnotonlylimitedtothe
physicalrestraintofthebodyanditspassionsbutincludesmentalbrahmacharyaaswell.Hesaid:
"Youmustbeestablishedinperfectbrahmacharya,physicallyaswellasmentallysothatevenin
dream,anygrossorcarnalthoughtshouldnotariseinyourmind."
Howisitthatsomuchimportanceisgiventothesexfunctioninmodernmaterialisticsocietytoday.
Peopleareobsessedanddominatedbyit.Thisishumanperversion.TheUpanishadsspeakabout
theninegatedcitywhichistheabodeofthemysteriousBrahmanitisthisbody.Anymedical
personwilltellyouthattheactivityofthebodyprocessesaremadeupofanabolismandcatabolism
combinedlyspokenofasmetabolism.Anabolismisthebuildingprocess,catabolismisthe
breakingdownprocess.Thebreakdownprocessnaturallyleadstotheaccumulationofdebris
(mala).Accumulateddebrisisunwantedmatterandnaturallyifitaccumulatesitthreatenslife.It
hastobeeliminated.Forintake,provisionhasbeenmadethroughthemouthyoueatanddrink
andifyouwanttocommunicateyouhavetospeak.Becauselifeneedsoxygenyoubreathethrough
thenose.Ifyouwanttogetknowledgeyouhavetoseeandyouhavetohearalso.Thentherearethe
twoexcretoryexitsthroughwhichweeliminatewastematter.Theactualmostimportantfunctionof
thesetwolowerextremitiesiseliminationwhichstartsatbirthandendsonlyatthepointofdeath.
Fromthefirstbreaththejivatmatakesasaphysicalentityuntilthelastbreathleavesthebody,the
eliminatingfunctiongoeson.Sotheseareactuallyeliminatingexits.Outofthisentirelifespanthe
reproductivefunctionisperformedforonlyasmallperiod.Ifwestrictlyadheretotheinjunctionsof
theVedasthatperiodisrestrictedtoonetenthofthelifespan.
Otherwise,fortherestofthetimemorning,noon,evening,nightandifitiswinterevenat
midnight,theseexitsareusedonlyfordrainage.Youcannotimagineanarchitectdesigningahouse
orabuildingwithoutdrainagethroughthebathroomandkitchensinks,otherwisefilthwill
accumulateandyouwillhavetoleavethehouse.So,youcanunderstandiftoxinsandwaste
materialarenoteliminatedfromthebody,toxicwastewillaccumulateandsoontherewillbe
generaltoxemiaandthepersonwilldie.
LongagowhenIwasastudentsomeonewithrightunderstandingtoldmethattheselower
extremitiesarejustfordrainage.But,ifinsteadofthat,youthroughyourpeculiartypeof
imaginationfocusuponitwithsomeotherconceptwhichisonlyaveryspecializedfunctionand
whichisexercisedforonlyabriefperiodinorderthatthehumanspeciesdoesnotbecomeextinct,
youbecomeobsessedandenslavedbyit.
Whyisthepleasureprinciplelinkedwiththeexerciseofanysenseorgan?Itisabsolutely
indispensable,forifitisnotcoupledwiththepleasureprinciple,theveryimpulsetoexerciseitwill
notbethereandthereforewillnotbeindulgedin.
Theonegreatproblemofmodernsocietyisthesexualbehaviourofpeople.Thisisgoingfrombad
toworseoverthepastseveraldecades.ThosewhohavesomecontactwithWesternsocietyknows
whataberrationsaregoingoninthisfieldespeciallyinthemaritalfield.Weknowofdivorces
withoutlimit,athingwhichsocietylookeduponwithgreatoutrageintheVictorianEra.People
werescandalizedifamanlefthiswifeandwentoffwithanotherwomanorifawomanlefther

husbandforanotherman.Itwasamajorscandal.Itwasashame!Now,itistheorderoftheday.
Specialcourtshaveevenbeenestablishedfordealingwithdivorcecasesonly.
Whyisthisso?Thesecretofthisishowoneviewstheothersex.Howdoesmanviewwoman?
Howdoeswomanviewman?SwamiVivekanandawasaskedwhatisthedistinctivequalityor
featureofIndiansocietyasdistinctfromWesternsocietyhewasonewhohadmadeavast
practicallifestudyofIndianpeopleandIndianSociety,havingcrisscrossedthewholecountryby
foot,goingintovillages,towns,citiesandfamilies,sothesethingswerefamiliartohim.Twothings
hesaid:OneistheconceptofGurushishyarelationship,thesecondwasthatinWesternsocietythe
womanisawife,sheisMrs.SoandSo...Sothewifehoodofawomanisthedominantfactorin
Westernsociety,whereasinIndiansocietysheisprimarilyamotheramotherfigure,andher
wifehoodisnobodysconcernexceptthemanwhomshehaslawfullyweddedashislifespartner.
AndthecommontermforaddressingawomaninthewholeofIndiafromCapeComorinto
Himalayas,fromNagalandtoPunjabismother,mataji,amma.Inpublicsheisalwaysaddressedas
amma.Ifahusbandreferstohiswifehenevercallsherbyname,healwaysreferstoherasthe
motherofmyson,themotherofmydaughter.Andwhenvisitorsaretherehereferstoherashis
childsmotherRamusmother.ThushebroughtoutthecentraluniquefeatureofIndiansocietyas
distinctfromWesternsociety.
Thisgivesusakeywhatthenormal,spontaneous,naturalideaofmantowomanshouldbe.A
man,ifheisnormalandhasacertainlevelofrefinementinhispsyche,whenheseesawomanthe
thoughtshouldcometohimofsomehumanrelationship.Thereisahumanrelationshipbetween
onehumanbeingandanotherhumanbeing,sotheonlythoughtshouldbeonthebasisofsometype
ofhumanrelationship.Therefore,amanistoawomaneitherabrother,acousin,anephew,an
uncle,afatherorahusbandandwomanistoamaneitherasister,acousin,anaunt,anieceora
mother.But,ifthefirstthingthatcomesintothemindis:"Iamamanandhereisawoman,"then
thereissomethingfundamentallyandbasicallywronginthemakeuporbringingupofthatperson.
Ifawomanlooksatamanandsays:"Hereisamale,hereisaman,"thenifthisistheonlyideathat
isevokedwithregardtotheothersex,itmeansthatthereissomethingmissing,thereissomething
fundamentallywrongwhichisnotcorrectandrightwithinthatconsciousness.
Andwhatistheanatomyofthiserrorinview,inattitude,inapproach,inthefeelingitself?The
anatomyofthiserrorisanobsessionwiththephysicallevelofthepersonality.
Apersonisaphysical,biologicalbeing,heisamental,intellectual,psychologicalbeing.Heisalso
avital,livingbeing,whichisneitherphysicalonlyorpsychicalonly.Hehasapraniclevelwherehe
hashunger,thirst,afeelingofheatandcold.Hehasapsychologicallevel,andinthispsychological
levelthereisaspontaneous,uncontrolledpartwhichkeepsconstantlyinastateofactivityinthe
formofthoughts,memory,imagination,sentiments,emotions,attitudes,moods,overwhichhehas
nocontrolatall,itisspontaneous.Andthereisanotherpartwhichisapurposefulexerciseofa
certainpartoftheantahkarana(innerbeing).Thatpurposefulexerciseisintheformofobservation,
perception,discriminationgraspingthedistinctionbetweenwhatyouperceive,andsomething
otherthanwhatyouperceive.So,itisaspecializedperformance,aspecializedfunctionthattakes
placeanditisusuallypurposefullyinitiatedandcarriedoutalso.Itiscalledtheintellectualprocess
ofreasoning,discriminating,inquiring,reflectingandperceivinginaspecialway.Thisisthehigher
prakriti(nature),thebuddhi(intellect).Bothofthemtogethergotomakeuptheinnerpsychological
levelofyourbeing.Andthenarefinedhigherlevelofthebuddhifunctionsasanawarenessofwhat
isallowedandwhatisnotallowedasahumanbeing.
"Ihaveagreatbackground.Ihaveinheritedaculture.Iamnotanisolatedphenomenon.Iam
connectedwiththepast.Andthereissomethinginmeofthetotalityofthepasttheirideals,their
views,theirattitudes,theirconceptsofrightandwrong.Soallthesethingsarefunctioningwithin
me."Andsoeachonecomesherewithacertaininbuiltawarenessofwhatisbeautiful,whatisugly,
whatisnoble,whatisignoble,whatisproper,whatisimproper,whatisright,whatiswrong,what

oughttobedone,whatoughtnottobedone.Andthissenseoftheidealandwhatiscorrectand
right,iscalledthemoralsenseorethicalsense.Thisisahigheroperationthaneventheintellectual
levelofourbeing.Thisisanethicalman,amoralman.
Andifinyourconsciousnesstherehascomeaboutacertainrefinement,andthatrefinementbrings
aboutyournormalconsciousnesstobeinastateofidentifyingyourselfwithyourethicallevel,
ethicalpersonality,thenyourwholelifetakesonadifferentplane.Whereas,ifthereisanessential
crudenessintheconsciousnesswithin,andittendstonormallyandhabituallyidentifyitselfwith
thegrossestaspectofyourhumanpersonalitythephysical,biological,bodyaspect,thentheentire
humanreactioncomesuponthephysical,biologicallevelonly.Spontaneously,firstandforemostit
isthebiologicallevelthatmakesitselffelt,demonstratesitselfandexpressesitselfandinthisway
lookingatanotheronlyasaphysicalbeingandqualifiedbyacertainsex.
Ifyouthink:"Iamthisbody,thisphysicalbody,physicalmechanisms,"andthereforebeingrooted
inthisawareness,mainlyrootedinthisconsciousnessofyourself,naturally,youthinkofallother
beingsuponthisconcept,uponthesamelevel.Ifsomeoneappearsbeforeyou,itisaphysicalbody
thatappearsbeforeyou,andyourreactiontoitisalsoabiologicalanimalreaction.Thennaturallyit
createsaproblemrightuponthephysicallevelitself.
Itneedsthereforearefinementofconsciousness.Graduallyyouhavetoeducateyourselftoshed
likeoneshakesoffaloseslipperandputsonanewoneonehastoshakeofftheoldremnant.
Therewasacertainhumanracethousandsofyearsagowhentherewasnointellectualdevelopment,
nomentaldevelopment,noevolution,leavealonespiritualdevelopment.Thesebeingstherefore
livedinastateofonehundredpercentbodyconsciousnessonly,justastheanimalslive.The
animallevelofconsciousnessistotallyidentifiedwiththebody.Andifmansconsciousnessis
predominantlyontheleveloftheanimalconsciousness,heisfarfromspiritualevolution,andall
talltalkaboutYoga,sadhana,samadhi,SuperconsciousnessorEcstasyisonlytalk.Itissomuchof
ideassomuchofwords.Ifyouhaveagoodcommandofwordsyoucantalkabouttheseideas,
youcangiveexpressiontothem.But,ifyouarealwaysrootedandcaughtinthenetandcoilsofa
grossphysicalawarenessonly,andyourwholereactiontotheouterworldofphysicalthingsisalso
uponthephysicalbiologicallevel,thenthereisagreatdealofspadeworktodo.
Themainfunctionofthelowerextremitiesisdrainage,cleansing,elimination.Thatistheir
function.Butifthisissetasideandnotgivenitsrightfulplaceandsomespecialfunctionaloneis
exaggeratedandblownupoutofallproportion,andthemindbecomeshookedonthiswrong
exaggeratedaspectoftheeliminatoryinstrument,thenthiscausesproblems.
TheCosmicIntelligencePoweranditsmanifestcounterpartprakriti(nature),hasbuiltina
mechanismwithinalllivingcreatures,thatthereisatimewhenthisprincipleofappropriationisnot
atallmanifest,notatallfunctioning.Inaninfantandinachilditisnotthereatall.Initsjoyof
livingitiscompletelyextroverted.Childrenhavelessbodyconsciousnessthanadults,soinone
waywearegrosserthanthem.Thereforethereisadistinctperiodwhenthisinnerelement,this
innerprincipleofsexisnotatallfelt,itisabsent.Butthen,atacertainage,graduallyitismadeto
startmanifestinginvariousways.Firstofallinphysicalways.Varioussymptomsappearlittle
moustachescome,littlehoarsenessofvoicemanifests,andavagueawarenessofcertainstrange
feelingswithinthebody.Theseareprepubertychanges.Itisaperiodwhenthebeinggradually
goesintopreadulthoodintheformofadolescence.Itisthemostsensitivepartofthehuman
beingslife,anditisthenthattheindividualrequireswiseguidance,agoodatmosphere,righttype
ofcompany,ideasandenvironment.Unfortunatelyinthismodernworld,everythingthatisinimical,
harmfulandundesirablealoneformstheouteratmosphereandenvironmentofthesocietyoftoday.
Ourancientswentoutofthewaytoseethatthecontrarywouldbethecase.Theywantedthe
growingindividualtobesurroundedbyhelpful,elevatingandidealsurroundings.Forthis,they
formulatedacertainmodeoflifeinthisperiodandgaveitthemostsignificantterm
BrahmacharyaAshrama.Inthisfirstquarterofhislifeheissentawayfromthefamily,fromthe

city,fromallsortsoftemptationsandattractivethings.Hegoesintoanennobling,elevatingnatural
atmospherewakingupinthemorningwiththebeautyofsunrise,softbreezesandbirdssinging,
breathingunpollutedair,drinkingpurewaterandsurroundedbynaturalflora.Heissenttoa
Gurukulawhereasageandhiswife,welllearnedinscripturesandleadinganideallifeof
moderation,selfcontrol,goodconduct,withnoblecharacterandpuritytakecareofthem.Theylive
inafamilywithanidealdailyroutine.Thatwastheproperfoundationlaiddownforthewholelife.
Insuchawonderfulatmospherethestudentsthrived.Theybecameidealindividuals.Theyshone
withacertainsplendourofpurity.Theyhadstrong,stalwartlimbsandwellformedbodies.They
wereearlyrisers,didtheirexercisesandbathedinforeststreams.Theydidalltypesofservice
cuttingandgatheringfirewoodfortheGuruandforhiswifeskitchen,cuttinggrassandgathering
leavesfortheGurusgoshala,tendingthecows,workinginthefields.Andatthesametimethey
studiedtwoorthreehoursofinstructioninthemorning,twoorthreehoursintheafternoon,and
thensatsangaatnight.Thustheygrewupcompletelyprotectedfromalldemeaninginfluences.
So,itistheonehundredpercentoppositepoletothemodernenvironmentinwhichastudenthasto
struggleeveninprimaryclass,withunfavourablecircumstances.Everythingaroundthemthe
people,thesights,thesounds,theenvironment,thepollutedatmosphereandwrongcompany
everythingnegative.Soitisanuphilltask!Therefore,allthemorenecessityforraisingonesvoice
andshoutingfromthehousetops,proclaimingthegreatmessageofbrahmacharya,selfcontrol,
moderation,purethoughts,purewords,purecompanypurityinthought,wordanddeedpure
literaturetoreadnottouchinganythingthatisdegrading,yellowliterature,bluefilmsand
advertisementboardswhichyoucanseefromhalfamileaway,eitherofsomevery,very
compromisingattitudeofpeopleorsomeonewithapistolshootingothers.Allthisislikelytobring
awrongtypeofinnerevolution.
Afterall,thehumanmindisamarvellouscamera,whateveritsees,ittakesin.Itislikeasuper
computer.Youdonothavetofeedindata,itfeedsofitself.Thewholeworldisitssourceandthis
humancomputerbecomesfilledwithashlila(dirt),itbecomesagarbagecanduetothevery
atmospheretheindividualhasbeenputin.So,howmuchmorenecessary,howgreatistheneedfor
givingtherighttypeofinstructionsopeningtheireyesandmakingthemawaretowhatthey
shouldbeclosedhavingears,whattheyshouldnothearhavingeyes,whattheyshouldnotsee.
Howtogoamidstthisatmosphereuntouched,thatisthegreatlessonthatisnecessary.
Therefore,thereisaneedforareorientationofyourownconsciousnessbecauseitisintermsof
thelevelofyourconsciousnessthatyouwillrelateyourselfandseeandbuildupyourattitude
towardsotherpersonsandthingsandbeingsoutsideyouintheenvironment,intheuniverse.You
areapersonlivinginthisuniverse.Youcannottrytoisolateyourself.Youcannottrytocutyourself
off.Therehastobeinterchanges,otherwiseyouwilldevelopaninnersickness.Youwillbecome
neuroticandselfcentered.Thatalsoisnotahealthything.Thathastobeavoided.Therehastobe
normalhumanintercourseandatthesametimeitshouldbeuponafirmhealthybasis.Suchafirm,
healthybasiscancomeonlyonthebasisofyourownlevelofconsciousness.
Ifyourlevelofconsciousnessisacompletelygross,ignorant,bodybasedconsciousness,physical
consciousness,naturallyyouaregoinginfortrouble,youareonlyinvitingsuchavibrationfrom
others.Youwillseeothers,understandothers,relateyourselftoothersonlyonthisselfsamegross
biologicalideaofyourself.Ifthishastobechanged,youhavetoraiseyourlevelofconsciousness
toahigherlevelofconsciousness."Iamaspiritualbeing,orIamatleastamentalintellectual
machineryhavingaphysicalbodybutnotaphysicalbodyhavingamindandintellect."
Thiscompletechangeofyourownawarenessofyourself,yourownideaofyourselfistobe
broughtaboutandestablished.Thatisthekeytosuccessinbrahmacharyawhichisthebasisofall
attainment.Ifyoufeelyourselfasagrossbiological,physicalbody,yourentireapproach,your
entirerelationshipwiththeouterphysicalworldwillbeuponthisplane,andyoucanwellimagine
whatwillbetheresultofituponyourself.Everyhumanbeingwillbetoyouagrossbiological

physicalbodyonly.Thisrelationshipwillplagueyoudayandnight.Youwillbeobsessedonlywith
thisphysicalconsciousness.Anduntilyou,withvariousdevices,faceyourselffromthislevel,no
amountofreading,noamountofsatsanga,noamountofimaginingyourselftobesomethingelse,is
goingtohelpyouinanyway.Youhavetoturnthekeyandsuddenlyraisethelevel.Oncethislevel
istranscended,thewholesubjectofbrahmacharyatakesonanewdirection.Thenthingshavetobe
tackleduponadifferentlevel.
Therootcauseofallsinisbodyconsciousness.Therefore,ifyouwanttobefreeofbody
consciousnessyoustartwithyourbodylevel.Berootedinbrahmacharya.Brahmacharyaisthe
senseoftotalmasteryofallyoursenses,selfcontrolandallthatisnecessarytobringaboutself
masterypurityoffood,purityofcompany,purityofreading,nobilityofthoughts,havingself
restraint(nirodh)inyourmind.Ifanynegativedownplayingthoughtcomes,instantaneouslyit
mustbethrownout.Itshouldnotbeallowedtoremainforasinglemoment,notevenasplitsecond.
Thattypeofselfrestraint,samskara(impression)hastobecultivated,createdwithinyour
antahkarana(innerbeing).
Ifanundesirablepersontriestoenteranexclusivecluborrestaurant,therearepeoplecalled
bouncersatthedoor,theywillcatchholdofhimandbodilylifthimupandthrowhimoutofthe
door.Hecannotgatecrashandgetin.Soyoumusthaveyourownpsychological,ethicalbouncers
withinyouforallgrossgatecrashersintheformofwrongthoughts.Inthesameway,thereare
machinesinthemintandalsoinsophisticatedfactorieswheretheyselectfruitsandnutsforexport
markettheygoupaconveyerbeltanddifferentsizesareseparated.Anythingthatisofbad
qualitygetseliminatedandonlythebestisretained.
Inthesamewaythereshouldbecreatedwithinyourmindadevicewhereanythingthatissub
standard,opposedtoyourspiritualorethicalideal,automaticallygetseliminated,thrownout.These
areallmethodstoelevateyourconsciousness.
Brahmacharyaistotalpurityacompleteview,differentviewoflookingatthingsandpeopleand
experiences,andmorethananythingelse,atotalanddifferentviewoflookingatyourself.
Ultimatelyothersarewhatyouaretoyourself.Thefirstchangehastocomewithinyou,thenthat
changecanalsobegintocomeinothers.
InaveryknowledgeablepartofGurudevsteachingsonbrahmacharya,Hehassaid:"Changethe
angleofvision.Itisapsychologicalthingchangeofangleofvision.Hehasgivenanumberof
beautifulinstanceshowachangeofangleofvisioncanbringaboutatotalrevolutioninyour
perceptionandnaturallyinyourreactions.Whentheperceptionitselfbecomeschanged,your
reactiontoperceptionwillalsobecomedifferent,notwhatitwasbefore.
WeshouldmakeapromisetotheLordandapromisetoourselvesthatwewillenterintoaglorious
newlifewithanabsolutelychangedvisionandcompletelytransformedawarenessofourselves,
liftingourconsciousnessfromobsessionwiththegrossbodyanditspartstoalevelof
consciousnesswherethereisaninnerawakening,wherethereisagreatlightwithinandweshine
witharenewedawarenessofourtruespiritualidentityIamaHindu,IamanIndian.Iaman
inheritorofagreatethicaltradition,ethicalheritage.Imustbealivingembodimentofthisheritage.
Imustmakemyselfapersonificationofdharma.Imustbecomeachannelofthisgreatethicalview
oflife,wayoflife.
Godblessyoutomakeuseofthewisdomyouhavereceivedasyourgreatheritageofthepast.My
prayerswitheachandeveryoneofyouinthissublimeandnobletaskofselfcultureuntoperfection.
AdvantagesofBrahmacharya

Brahmacharyaisamagicword,akeytosuccessinallwalksoflife.Itisaradiancethatshines
throughonesthoughts,speechandactivities.Itistejasandojas.ItisverilyParaShakti,Bhagavati,
theDivineMotherHerselfinmanifestation.Itisdynamicdivinity,itisGodinmotion.Itisavibhuti
ofGod.Godismanifestinthiscosmos,inthiscosmicphenomenalprocessasBrahma,Vishnuand
Maheshvara.HeispresentinhumansocietyintheformoftheirrespectiveshaktisParvati,
LakshmiandSaraswati,whomweadoreeveryyearduringtheninenightsofNavaratri.Andthe
sameCosmicBeingthatmanifestsasBrahma,VishnuandMaheshvara,thatvigorouslyactsinthis
phenomenaluniverseofmanasSarasvati,LakshmiandParvati,thatsameCosmicBeingisresiding
withinusasthegreatkundalinishaktiatthemuladharachakrathebasiccentreamongthesix
centerssituatedalongthespinalcolumn,culminatingintheseventhcentre,the1000petalledlotus
inthecrownofthehead(thisistheareawithinthepsychicbodycorrespondingtothephysical
crownofthehead).Andthemostsignificantofallaspectsofkundalinishaktiistheenergy,the
creativeforce,thecreativeenergy.Andtherefore,creativeenergyissaidtobeGodinmotion.Itis
divinevibhuti.ItisamanifestationofParaShakti.Thecontrolofonessensesandtheresolutionto
preserve,conserve,transform,convertandsublimatethisgrossphysicalforceintoasubtlemental,
intellectualforceandultimatelysublimateitintoapurespiritualforcethatshinesinoneasintense
aspiration,asthepowertoconcentrate,asgoodthoughtsandmeditationthatleadstoSuper
consciousness.Allthisandmorethepowerofcontinencecandoforthehumanbeing.Mostofthe
greatintellectualgiantsandgeniuseshavebeenpersonsofgreatcharacter,selfcontroland
concentrationVivekananda,DayanandaSaraswati,MahatmaGandhi.
"Samyam!"(control)saytheUpanishads.Theuncontrolledonecanhardlycomprehendthesubtler
thanthesubtlestorattainjnana.Itisnotforthevacillatingortheweak.Therefore,Swami
Vivekanandastressedagreatdealononesstrengthinnermentalstrength,strengthofcharacter,
strengthofselfcontrol,strengthofbodyandmind.
Thebasisofthispervasivepurityoflifeofthoughts,ofimagination,ofactions,ofBrahmacharya
ischaracter.Ifonehasaloftycharacter,thatstrengthofcharacterenableshimtoholdontoa
highlevelandstandardofliving.Thebasisofcharacterisselfcontrol.Thebasisofselfcontrolis
wiseliving,avoidingallthatisadversetoselfcontrolandwisely,withviveka(discrimination)and
vichara(enquiry),orderingoneslifeinsuchawaythatonealwaysisamidstauspicious
surroundingsandalwayswiselyavoidstemptations.Theysay:"Discretionisthebetterpartof
valour."Thereforeonemustknowhowtobeandwhentobevalorousandstrong,andwhenand
howtoavoidbeingfoolhardy,whentobediscrete.Thereisasaying:"Foolsrushinwhereangels
feartotread."Therefore,discretionisthebetterpartofvalour.Suchdiscretion,suchselfcontrol,
suchwiselivingcanariseonlyfromalertness,avigilantalertness,aninneralertness,toseewhere
oneisgoing,toknowwhatwillhappenifonegoesinthatdirection,andtobeabletopullbackifit
isthewrongdirectionandgointherightdirection.
Thebasisofsuchwiseselfcontrolareprinciplesforlivingadoptedaftermuchconsideration.The
basisofsuchprinciplesistohavealoftyideal."Imustbecomelikethis.ImustbecomelikeSoand
So."Thebasisofloftyidealismcanenableonetoachieveanyvictoryandshine.Thebasisofsuch
idealismiskeenaspiration.Firstofallyoumustdesireit.
Thebasisofasuccessfulacademiccareerintheuniversityishighdistinctionintheexamination.
Thebasisofhighdistinctionisstudy,study,studyburningthemidnightoil,avoidingallsortsof
wastefulactivities,avoidingthecompanyoffrivolous,hedonisticpeopleandcultivatingthe
companyofseriousmindedpeopleandkeenattentionintheclassroomwhentheprofessoris
explainingsomenewprinciplesornewlessonandlotsofhomework.Thismeansdetermination.
Andthebasisofsuchstudyandascholarlyattitudetowardsoneseducationisseriousness,adesire
tosucceed,andanaspiration:"Imusthavetopmarks,Imustbeamongthefirst."So,thisurge,this
keenaspirationbecomessomethinginstinctive.Itishealthy,itiscorrect.Zeal,fervour,aspiration
arehighlylaudable.Thisisapositive,creative,constructiveurge.Thereshouldbeaspiration.

Suchaspirationcomesfromanunderstandingthatiswhatisworthwhilehaving.Whatismerely
externalshow,ifIrunafterit,Iwillmakeafoolofmyself.Allglitter,externalglitter,afleeting
momentary,pleasurablesensation,atitillatingofsomenerves,leavingoneashamed.Anysense
indulgenceisjustaconfessionofonesbankruptcyofwisdom,ofsagacity,oflackofdeepthinking.
ThiskeenaspirationariseswhenweknowthattheSupremeBeingaloneisthefulfilmentofall
desiresandcravingsinourquestforhappiness.Thatisananda(bliss)sweeterthanthesweetest,
morenectarinethananythingelseinthisworldthebeautyofthebeauties,incomparable!You
developadeepfaithinthistruth,inthiscentralfactoflife,thatintheSupremealoneyoucanobtain
fulfilment,theattainmentofthehighesthappiness,notanywhereelse.Ifyouthusknowthatthese
contactbornsensationsandpleasuresareonlythewombsofpain,youwouldnotsuccumbtothem.
Suchknowledgecomesfromsatsanga(companyofthewise),GuruVakya(Guruswords),
svadhyaya(studyofscriptures).Successfulsvadhyayaistherewherethereisdeepfaith.
YoucanneverbewrongifyouhavedeepGurubhakti,ifyouhavedeepfaith,absolutetrustinthe
wordsoftheGurusteachings.Itistherightapproachtolife.ThereforeitissaidintheGita,a
personiswhathisfaithis."TellmewhathebelievesinIwilltellyouwhatheis.Tellmewhat
companyhekeepsIwilltellyouwhatthatpersonis."Inthisway,asisyourfaithandfirmbelief,
sowillbeyourchestaorendeavour.
Develop,therefore,firmfaithintheteachingoftheGuru,thescriptures,whatyouhearinsatsanga.
Andduetoconstanthearinginsatsanga,beconvincedoftheemptinessoffleetingnamesand
forms,fleetingthingswhichattractyou,thatseemtobereal,butarenotreal.Andbeingconvinced,
youwillbewise,youwillbealert,youwillbecomefiredwithidealism,agreataspiration,"Imust
knowtheSupremeBeing,thatshouldbemygoal,nothingless,Iwillnotoptforanythinglessthan
theSupremeExperience.IwantGodrealization.Iwantatmajnana,IwantSelfrealization."When
thisaspirationcomesandwiththisidealismbeforeyou,itmakesyounotliveahaphazard,aimless,
principleless,characterlesslife.Idealismmakesyoustrictlyadheretocertainnobleandsublime
principles.Andaprincipledlifeisthebasisofselfcontrol,selfmastery.Suchselfmasteryisthe
basisofcharacter.Itischaracterthatisthebasisofbrahmacharya.Brahmacharyaisthebasisof
Immortality,DivinePerfection.BrahmacharyaisthebasisofLiberation.Brahmacharyaisthebasis
ofaradiantDivinelifelivedwithgreatenthusiasm,greatfervour.SuchaDivinelifeistheheartof
GurudevsgospelHisteachings,Hismessagetomankind,Hiswisdomteachingsforalltimeto
come.
Godblessyouinponderingthesefundamentaltruthsaboutyourself,yourlife,yourcharacter,your
conduct,theidealsyouhaveinheritedfromthepastandthesublimewayyoumustmakeyour
futurebythewisepracticalwayyoudealwithyourpresentsupportedandennobledbythepast.If
thepresentiswiselyapplied,yourfuturecanbeathingofbeauty,ajoytoyou,ajoytoothersand
satisfactiontoyourownendeavour.Mayyoushineasanidealhumanbeingwhereeverythingisin
itsplace,initsrightproportion.Ourancientswereneverkilljoysorcynics.Theysaidenjoy,notfor
alittletimeandafterwardsbecomenervouswrecksandgointoanasylumorahospital
permanently.Buttheysaidenjoy,andlivetobea100years.Onecanenjoyandlivetobea100
yearsonlyifoneiswiseandmoderateinonesenvironment,notunwiseandimmoderateinones
life.
BooksonBrahmacharya
GurudevhaswrittenawholebookonBrahmacharyaonly.Anotherholymanwhopropagated
spirituallivingcharacter,conduct,ethics,andmorality,buildingupofthebody,healthculture,
physicalculture,andofthesamenameSwamiSivanandaofAmaravati,nearNagpurin
Maharashtra.HealsohaswrittenacompletebookonthesubjectofBrahmacharyatitled:
BrahmacharyaHechiJeevan(BrahmacharyaaloneisReallife).ItwaswritteninMarathiandhas
beentranslatedintomanylanguagesKanarese,Hindi,English.

SwamiJagadishanandaoftheSriRamakrishnaMissionhasalsowrittenawholebookon
Brahmacharyaunderthecaption:TheCreativePowerofContinence.Anotherteacherwhobecame
verywellknownlateronandwhousedtovisitthe,Scandinaviancountriesregularly,SriSwami
NarayananandaSaraswatiwhohadhisAshramontheDehradunRoadinRishikesh,hasalsowritten
oneortwoknowledgeablebooksontheselfsamesubject.

THEPARAMOUNTIMPORTANCEOFBRAHMACHARYA
BySwamiChidananda
TheFourGreatPurusharthas
Fourgreatvalueshavebeengivenbyourancientsastheobjectivestoattainwhicheveryhuman
individualmuststrive.ThesefourgreatvaluesarecalledthePurusharthaChathushtaya.
Purusharthameansrightexertionoreffort.Sotheyhavegiventhesamewordfortheobjectof
effortalso.Now,whatarethesefourgreatvalues?Theygavetheforemostimportance,theygave
theprimaryplace,tothevaluecalledethicsormorality.ItiscalledDharma.Whateveryouengage
indoingshouldbethatwhichoughttobedone,shouldbethatwhichispropertobedone,shouldbe
thatwhichisright,whichispure,whichismoralandethical.Youshouldnotdoanythingthat
contradictsthelawofethicsandmorality.Why?Because,inmoralityonlyliesyourhighestgood.
Inthatonlyliesyourhighestwelfare.Ifyourthoughts,wordsandactionsaremoralandrighteous,
therewillbehappiness.Theywillsecureforyouyourwelfareandgood.Otherwise,youwillreap
theharvestofbitternessbecauseofalawthatpervadesthisuniverse,alawthatiscalledtheLawof
CauseandEffect.Thislawstates:"Asamanthinkethsohebecometh".Thislawisalsostatedin
anotherway,namely:"Asyousow,soshallyoureap".ThisLawofCauseandEffectisalsocalled
theLawofKarmaorKarmaphala.Therefore,ifyouengageinrighteousaction,theresultofitis
auspiciousnessandblessednesstheresultofitisyourownhighestgoodandyourownwelfare,
yourownhappiness.Ifyouignoreorneglectthislaw,discardthislaw,andyouractionsarenot
proper,notright,whathappens?Youinviteuponyourselfareactionthatisbitter,areactionthatis
notconducivetoyourowngood,toyourownwelfare,becauseyouhavetosteadilyprogress
towardsdivineperfectionandhereyouputandcreateobstacles.Youslowdownyourprogress
towardsthatgreatgoal.Youcreateyourownmiseries.Therefore,havinginmindthehighest
welfareandgoodofthehumanindividual,ourancientsputethicsastheforemostvalue,because
morethananythingelse,theywantedtosecurethegreatestbenefitandgoodoftheindividualsoul
orJivatma.Andtheysaid:"Thisis.theway".
So,adheretothemoralandethicalvaluesinlife.Neverdeviatefromtheethicalstandard.Thenyou
willbehappy.Youmayhavetroubles.Peoplemaytroubleyouandyoumayhavesomedifficulties
yetyouwillhavehappiness.Insideyouwillhavehappinessandpeace.Isay,"Inside",because
physicaltroublesandmentaldifficultiesandtormentstherewillalwaysbe.Thoseyouhavetosuffer
accordingtoyourPrarabdha.But,ifatthepresentyouengageinrighteousactivity,itwillgiveyou
immensestrength.TaketheexampleofthePandavas.Whatalldifficulties,trials,tribulationsand
sufferingstheydidnotundergo!Yettheyhadthatinnersatisfactionandcontentmentthattheyhad
notdeviatedfromwhatwasrightandthereforeitgavetheminnerstrength.Theyneverbrokedown.
Theynevercollapsed.Nothingwasabletoshakethem.Theywerealwaysfirmintheirabidancein
virtue.ThereforethefivePandavaswhoabidedinandadheredtovirtuewereabletoovercomethe
hundredKauravaswholackedtheinnerstrength,becauseinthelattertherewasnotthestrengthof
virtue,therewasnotthestrengthofDharma.So,DharmaupholdsthosewhoupholdDharma.And
thosewhodonotupholdDharma,theyfall.Therefore,thefirstandforemostvalueinthe
PurusharthaChathushtayaistheethicalvalueorthemoralstandardinallouractivities.Thisis
calledDharma.

Nowwecometothesecondvalue.Youhavegotthebody,youhavegothungerandthirst,youfeel
heatandcold.Soyouwantfood,youwantshelter,youwantclothing.Andyouwantother
necessitiesoflife.So,forallthis,youwantmoneyandtherefore,youmusthaveajoborplya
tradeorprofession.Thisaspectoflifetheancientsdidnotignore.Theysaid,"Yes,thisisalsoan
inevitablevaluearisingoutofthefactthatyouarelivinginthisworld".Theycalledthisvalue
Artha.Arthaismoney,theeconomicvalue.Moneyisinevitableitisnecessary.Forthatalsoyou
muststrive.ButyoumuststriveforitonthebasisofDharma,onthebasisofrighteousness.Your
effortstoearnyourlivelihoodshouldnotbeimmoral,unethicalorunrighteous.Dharmashouldbe
thebasisevenofyourprofessionalactivitiesorbusinessactivities.Anythingyoudotomakea
livingshouldbebaseduponDharma.Dharmashouldbethebasis.
Andthen,thethirdvalue.Anyanimalbeitadog,donkey,coworbuffaloissatisfiedifithas
foodandaplacetorest.Butmanisnotlikethathehasgotmanylongings,manydesires,many
ambitions.Manisavitalbeingwithavitalpsychologicalpersonalitywithin.Hehasgotmany
longings,manydesires,manyambitionsandplansandschemes.So,thisvitalvaluealsowasgiven
aplaceamongthePurusharthasaplacewasprovidedalsoforthisvitalvaluearisingoutofthe
desirenatureofman.Theotheranimalshavenodesire.Theyhaveonlytheinstincttogoby.They
wantonlyfoodanddrinkandshelterandrest,andtherefore,theyarecontentiftheseareprovided
tothem.Butmanisnotcontent.Hehasthedesirenatureinhim.TheycallitKama.
TheTwofoldimportanceofDharma
Kamameansdesireofanykind.But,herealso,anydesirethatgoescontrarytomoralityandethics
shouldbeshunned.Itshouldnotbekept,itshouldnotbegivenanyplaceinyourlife,becauseit
willstopyourevolutionaryprocess,yourprogressupwardstowardsGodconsciousness.Such
desiresonlyaretobeharbouredinyourmind,suchdesiresonlyaretobefulfilled,asarein
accordancewiththelawofrighteousness,withthelawofDharma.So,Dharmaistheoveralland
continuousfoundationandbasisforallhumanstriving.Eveninyourprofessionalactivities,inyour
varioussocialandotheractivities,Dharmamustalwaysaccompanyyou.Dharmamustalwaysinfill
yourthoughts,wordsandactions.Thus,theeconomicvalueandthevitalvaluepertainingtoyour
PrapanchaoryourouterworldlylifealsoshouldbeanimatedbyDharma,pervadedbyDharma.
ThenitwillleadyoutoSukha(happiness).IfDharmaisabandoned,thenitwillleadyoutoDuhkha
(sorrow).Thisisthesimpletruth.
Andanotherimportantreasonwhyalltheseactivitiesandstrivingsupontheouterplaneshouldbe
continuouslycharacterizedandqualifiedbyDharmaisthatonlythenyourlifewillmoveinthe
directionofthehighestandsupremevalue.Whatisthathighestandsupremevalue?Itisthe
spiritualvaluewhichisGodrealization,AtmaJnana,liberation,divineperfection,highestspiritual
consciousnessandillumination.Thatisthesupremevalue.Forthatonlywehavetakenbirth.That
onlymakeslifeworthliving.Nomatterhowdesperatelifemaybe,ifyouhavethisonegoalthat
youmustattainDivineConsciousness,youwillgetthestrengthtoovercomeandbearallthe
vicissitudesoflife."Iamdivine.TemporarilyIhaveforgottenit.AnduntilandunlessIattain
DivineConsciousness,mylifewillnotbefullandIwillnotremaincontent."Ifthatonegoalis
therewithyou,nomatterwhathappenstoyou,allthatwilllooksecondaryandlessimportant.
Whereas,yoursupremegoalwilllookthemostimportantofallthingsitwilldominateyourlife
anditwillbeenoughtotakeyouaboveallthevicissitudesoflife.Itwillgiveyoustrengthand
definitedirectioninlife,aspecificaiminlife.Andfromthenon,yourlifewillmoveinaself
chosendirection.Thatlifecannotbeassailedbymisfortune.Itwillnotbeshaken.Havingacquired
greatstrengthandpower,itwillridetriumphantoveralltheupsanddownsoflifeandmove
towardstheselfchosengoalinaverydeterminedmanner.So,thehighestspiritualgoalitisthat
makesyourlifeworthliving,thatgivesdeepmeaningtolife.Otherwise,whatisthemeaningof
life?Whatisthemeaningofjusteating,drinking,sleepingandonedaydying?Doinglittlepetty
sillythingsandonedaydying?Deathputsanendtoall.Butwhatisthatwhichmakeslife
meaningful?Throughthislifeofbirth,change,growth,oldage,disease,decayanddeath,youareto

attainimmortalityanddeathlessnessbymakinguseofthislife.YouaretoattainDivine
Consciousness.Youmustresolve:"Ishallbecomedeathless.Ishallrealizemydeathlessnature.I
shallrealizethatIamImmortalSoul,SpiritDivine".Andyoumustexerttotheutmosttoattainthat
goal.Thatsupremevalueisthemostimportantvaluewhichgivesliferealdepth,truemeaningand
apurposefulness.Itmakeslifesignificant,important,sacred,purposeful.Thereforeitisthemost
importantvalueinlife.Ifthatvalueisthere,yougetthestrengthtoovercomealldifficulties,allthe
stressesandstrainsoflife,anditisinrelationtothatsupremevaluethatDharmaacquiresaneven
greaterimportance,anevendeepersignificance.
Dharmaisimportantfortworeasons.Firstly,ifitisthereinyoursecularlifeofArthaandKama,in
yoursecularlifeoftheeconomicandthevitalvalues,itleadstohappiness.Ifitisnotthere,thenit
leadstosorrowandmisery.ThereforeyoumusthaveDharma.Thisisthelessersignificanceand
useofDharma.ThehigherpurposeandsignificanceofDharmaisthatifitinfillsyourlife,thenit
leadsyourlifetoMokshaortheattainmentofthehighestspiritualvalueinlife.Itliberatesyouonce
andforallfromthewheeloflifeanddeath.Thenthereisnomorewant,nomoresorrow,nomore
weeping,nomorewailing,nomoredifficultiesandproblems.YoutranscendalltheTapatrayas.You
becomeestablishedinastateofabsolutepeace,absolutecontentment,absolutejoy.Youattain
supremesatisfaction,becomefearlessandfree.Thatsupremeexperiencewhichisthehighest
PurusharthaorParamaPurushartha,thatattainmentofMokshaandDivineConsciousness,ismade
possibleonlyifyourentirelifeisinfilledbyDharma.So,Dharmahasadirectconnectionwith
Moksha.Thereforetheyputitasthebasisofyourentirelife.AndintheframeworkofthisDharmic
life,uponthefoundationofDharmiclife,spiritualSadhanabecomesrapidlyfruitful.WhateverJapa
youdo,whateverprayeryousay,whateverspiritualstudyyoudo,whatevermeditationyoudo,all
becomelikestrikingadrymatchstickonadrymatchbox...immediatelythereisfire.Wherethereis
Dharmaanimatingandpervadingyourentirelife,therespiritualSadhanabecomesdynamic,rapidly
fruitfulandprogressive.ThisisthegreatidealofBharatavarsha.Itisinevitabletostriveforthe
economicvalueandthevitalvalue,becauseofyourearthlynature.Butitisonlythespiritualvalue
whichmakeslifesuccessful,whichliberatesyouforeverfromallthesorrowandbondage.Anditis
theethicalvaluewhichisthemostimportantofall,becausebothforPrapanchaaswellas
Paramartha,bothforthelifehereandthelifehereafter,itisthatwhichguaranteesthatyourlifewill
leadtohappinessandblessednessandnottosorrowandwretchedness.
ConservationofEnergyintheContextofaSpiritualLife
AndinthecontextofthePurusharthaChathushtayaorthefourfoldvaluetobeattained,werequire
strength.Werequireenergy.Anyeffort,anyexertion,requiresstrengthandenergy.Andenergycan
begatheredtogetheronlyifitisconserved,onlyifitispreserved.But,ifitisfritteredaway,youare
alwaysindebt.Justas,ifyouwanttobuildahouseorstartabusiness,slowlyyouputbymoney
andgoonsaving,saving,savingandthenputitinafixeddepositinsomebank,andthen,afterfive
yearsortenyears,youwouldhaveenoughtostartabusinessorbuildahouse.But,ifeverymonth
youspendmorethanyouget,ifeverymonthyourexpenditureismorethanyourincome,howcan
youeverdreamofhavingahouseorstartingabusiness?Alwaysyouwillbeindebt.Youwillbe
veryowing.Yourplightwillbemiserable.Similarly,energyistobeconserved.Conservationof
onesenergyinordertoputittohigheruseisthecentralprincipleofBrahmacharya.Whattheycall
Brahmacharyaisawisedirectionofourancientstomaketheindividualseffortssuccessful.
Towardsthisend,theysaid:"Youmustconserveyourenergy".Because,ifenergyissufficiently
conserved,youcanputittoanyusethatyouwant,youcanattainanythingthatyouwishtoattain.
Butifyouarebankruptinenergy,allattainmentbecomesdifficult.Itbecomesalongdrawn
struggle.So,preservationofenergyistheessenceofBrahmacharya.Energyisfritteredawayina
dozendifferentdirections.Toomuchtalking,toomuchworry,toomuchwanting,gettingfitsof
temper,anger,fightingandquarrelling,thearguinghabit,overeatingallthesethingsdrainaway
energy.Allexcesses,allimmoderatehabits,allwastageofnervousandemotionalenergythrough
negativethoughtsofhatred,envyandjealousyandallhealthkillinghabitslikesmokingand

drinkingtheyalsodrainawayenergy.Thus,Samyamaorsensecontrolbecomesaninevitablepart
ofBrahmacharya.
Thefunctioningofanysensewastesawaynervous,energy.Thatshouldbecontrolled,thatshould
bewiselychecked.Andoneofthemostrefinedofenergies,mostconcentratedofenergies,isthe
sexenergy.Thesexenergyiswhatwemaycallthequintessenceofenergies.Itistheenergy
potentialinits24caratform.Itisthequintessenceofallthatweeatandassimilateandpreservein
thesystem,inthesamewayashoneyistheveryquintessenceofflowers,andbutteristhevery
quintessenceofmilk.Thousandsofbeesgoandbringnectarfrommillionsofflowersandwork
uponitinahugebeehive,andoutofthatbysomemiracleofbiochemistry,comeshoney.Outof
litresofmilkorgallonsofmilkcomesbutter.Inthesameway,thesexenergyisthemostrarified
andperfectlypureformofhumanphysicalenergy.Ifthatsexenergyiswiselyconserved,it
becomesavailabletoyouforbeingconvertedintoanyotherformofenergy.Forexample,ifyou
wanttostudyhardandbecomeabrilliantscholarwithawonderfulmemory,sexenergycomesto
youraid.Ifyouwanttobecomeabrilliantsurgeon,sexenergycomestoyouraid.Ifyouwantto
becomeagreatmastermusician,thepreservedsexenergycomestoyouraid.Thisisbecause,sex
energy,whenpreserved,graduallybecomestransformedintosubtlerenergy.Ofcourse,thereare
YogicprocessesAsanas,Pranayama,SuryaNamaskar,highemotions,nobleemotions,spiritual
sentimentsandsuchotherthingswhichhelpthisworkoftransformation.So,theworkof
transformationgoeson,goeson,goeson,andtherarifiedenergybecomesavailableforhigher
intellectualpursuits,researchandinvention,meditationandsoon.And,therefore,thewise
conservationofthisvitalenergyhasalwaysbeengivenanimportantplaceinallreligionsinthe
contextofaspirituallife.
SexEnergyAManifestationofParaShakti
Whatisthissexenergy?Thisenergy,thissexenergy,isamanifestationofGod.ItisBrahmanin
dynamicexpression.ItisShakti,ParaShakti.Weallknowthatthisphenomenaluniverseisthe
activityofthecosmicpowercallthiswhichisillimitable,indescribableandinfinite.Wecallthis
cosmicpowerParaShakti,MahaShakti,MahaMayaorPrakriti.Countlessbillionsofuniverses
comeandgothroughtheactivityofthisgreatcosmicenergy.Itisthiscosmicenergy,thisPara
Shakti,thatmanifestsastheincredibleenergyofthesun,theenergyoftheplanetsand,the
incrediblespeedatwhichtheywhirlintheirownorbits.Itisthiscosmicenergywhichmanifestsas
thepowerofgravity,asthepowerofthesunsradiance,asthepowerofallthesegreatplanetsand
heavenlybodies,asthepowerofthewindandotherelements.Ifsometimesthewindisfurious,it
willevenblowuphouses.Itisthecosmicenergywhichmanifestsasthepoweroffire,asthepower
ofthevolcano,asthepoweroffloods,asthepowerofearthquakes,asthepoweroftheBhumi
(Earth)tobearmountains,riversandseas.So,earth,air,water,etherallarenothingbutthe
manifestationsofthisgreatpower.Itisthesamepowerinsidetheseedthatmakestheseedgrow
intoahugetree.Itisthepowerbehindlightningandthunder.Anypowerthatyouseeinthis
universeisthepowerofthisgreatcosmicforceanditisthissamepowerthatanimatesallliving
beings,trees,plants,insects,birds,bees,reptiles,fishandanimals.Itisthepowerofthelion,itis
thepoweroftheelephantanditisthepowerofthebrilliantintellectorgeniusofaFaraday,a
RamanoranEinstein.Thisselfsamepowerabidesinusandanimatesourentirebodymechanism.
Itisthepowerthatdigestsourfood,thatmakesourheartpumpblood,thatmakesourlungsbreathe,
thatmakesourmusclesandjointswork,thatmakesourtonguetalkandearhear.Itisthisvery
powerthatisalsopresentasthesexenergyinus.So,sexenergyispartoftheoneindivisiblegreat
cosmicpowerpresentinthehumanindividual.Initsgrossbiologicalaspect,itiscalledthesex
energy.Initssubtleraspect,itistheenergyofdiscrimination,thepoweroftheintellecttoanalyze
andenquireandratiocinate.Inastillsubtleraspect,initspsychicaspect,itisthepowerofthe
Kundalini.Andinitssupremeaspect,itisnothingbutAtmaShakti.BecauseBrahmanandShakti
arenottwo.Theyarethestaticandthedynamicaspectsofoneandthesameprinciple.Therefore,
thesexenergyisnothingbutthepresenceoftheDivineMotherinallhumanbeings.Itissomething
divine,itissomethingsacred,anditssupremefunctionintheschemeofthingsoftheCreatoristo

keepgoingtheuniversalprocess.Itisthefunctionofreproductionwhichispresentinallnature,in
alllife.Withoutthissubtlepowerofduplicationorreproduction,allspecieswillbecomeextinct.
So,theutilizationofthesexenergyforthepurposeofreproductionisactuallyasacredprocessfor
cooperatingwithBrahma,theCreator.Andanyotheraspectofthesexenergyisasecondary,lesser
aspect.Andifthisenergyorpoweriswiselyutilizedinamoderateandrestrainedway,evenafter
suchutilization,asufficientamountofitwillbeavailableforhigherspiritualdevelopment.Andif
thisgrossbiologicalenergyisconvertedthroughYogabhyasaintoasubtlerform,itbecomes
availablefordeepcontemplation,reflectionandmeditation.Manana,NididhyasanaandSamadhi
areenabledthroughthepowerofthisconservedandconvertedenergy.ThatisBrahmacharya.So,
allpracticestosuccessfullyconserveandconvertthesexenergyintoahigherformandutilizeitfor
ahigherspiritualpurposeareincludedinthebroadmeaningofthetermBrahmacharya.Therefore,
Brahmacharyaisnotonlyasingleactofrestraintitisawholewayoflife.Itisthatwayofliving
andmovingandactingwhichwilltakeustowardsBrahmaJnana.ThatisBrahmacharya.And
thereforeitinvolvesmoderationinallouractivitiesandawiserestraintofalloursenses.
InthecontextofIndianculture,ofBharatiyaSamskriti,totalrestraintofthesexenergywaslaid
downuponthreeAshramas,namely,theBrahmacharyaAshrama,theVanaprasthaAshramaandthe
SannyasaAshramathestudentstageofyouth,theretiredstageoftheelderlypersonandthe
monasticstageofthelastpartofyourlife.And,evenintheGrihasthashrama,legalorlegitimate
utilizationofthispowerforthepurposeofperpetuatingthespecieswaslaiddown.Theresultwas
thatintheGrihasthashrama,Brahmacharyameantmoderation,awiserational,restraineduseofthe
sexenergyforthepurposeofprocreation.Moderation,andchastityorfidelitytoonesmarried
partner,werelaiddown.Itwasenjoineduponthemarriedpersonnottocastanyimpurelookupon
anypersonotherthanoneslawfullyweddedwifeorlawfullyweddedhusband.So,outofthislofty
conceptofBrahmacharyatherearosetwogreatideals,thePativrataDharmaandtheEkaPatni
VrataoftheGrihastha.Forthemarriedmantherewasonlyonewomaninthewholeuniverse,his
lawfullyweddedwifetheotherwomenwerelikemotherstohim.Hecastnolustful,passionate,
carnaleyeuponanyotherwoman.Andforthechastewifetherewasonlyonemaninthewhole
universeandthatmanwasherLordandhusband,whomsheregardedwithreverenceand
worshipfulness.Allothermenwerelikechildrentoher.TowardsothersshehadtheBhavofmother,
ofcosmicmother.Itwasonlytowardsonepersonthatsheentertainedthefeeling:"Iamawoman.I
amwife"andthatpersonwasherlawfullyweddedhusband.Thisisthegreatidealthathasarisen
outofthesupremeprincipleofBrahmacharya,thesupremeconceptofBrahmacharya.Thus,inso
farasthepureclassicalattitudeofBharatiyaSamskrititowardsthesexenergywasconcerned,it
wasoneofreverence.TheancientMastersneverthoughtofthesexenergyaseitheruglyorbador
wickedorevilorimmoral.Suchwrongnotionsaboutthesexenergyarealltheresultofafailureto
understandthesublimityofthisparticularforce.Itisduetosuperstitionandlackofunderstanding
thatinnormalsociety,deprivedofrightinstructionandrightknowledge,peoplebegintolookupon
itassomethingugly,assomethingevil.Onereasonforthedevelopmentorevolutionofsuchan
attitudeisthatbecauseofalltoocommonhumanweaknessforsex,theyhadtoplacesomesortofa
moraltabooonsex.Otherwise,humanweaknessissuchthatitalwaystakesthelineofleast
resistanceand,therefore,theysaid,"No.No.Thisshouldnotbedone.Itshouldnotbedoneinsuch
andsuchastage,becauseShastrassayso".Theygaveitthissortofcolour.
TheHumanBodyComparedtoaMansion
Onelittlepointneedstobestressedhere.Thebodyislikeamansion.Nomatterhowwonderfula
mansionmaybe,evenifitbemadeofmarbleandsetwithjewels,noonewillbeabletoliveinthat
mansionunlessithasakitchenandabathroomandatoilet.Because,whatevermantakesin,partof
itsgoestoformhismind,partofitgoestoformhisbody,andtheremainingwastehastobe
eliminated.Andwasteisalwaysfoulsmelling.Theimpuritiesofthebodyarealwaysfoulsmelling.
Intheoutermansiontheyhavetohaveatoilet,theyhavetohaveakitchen.Iftherebenokitchen,
noonecanlivethere.Youmayconstructanytypeofpalace,butifthereisnofood,nolunch,no
breakfast,noafternoonteaevenforadaynoonewilllivethere.Butthen,whenakitchenis

there,youhavetoprovidedrainagealso.Kitchenmeansgarbage,leftoverfood,vegetablecuttings,
fruitpeelsandallthat.Ifallthisiskept,itwillbegintorotandsoyouhavetohaveagarbage
disposalarrangement.Youhavetohavedrainageandsewerage.Intheabsenceofallthese
arrangements,itwillnotbepossibletoliveinthatmansion.Likewise,inthehumanbody,inthis
mansionofninegates,inthisNavadvaraKuti,whereyouhaveanentrancewayandwindowsfor
lightandairandknowledge,forthesakeofdrainageandgarbagedisposal,Godhasprovidedtwo
holes.Theirrealimportanceisthatofdrainage.Theyareonlydrains.Thisistheonlyright
understandingofthematter.Nodoubt,theoccasionalfunctionofreproductionisthere,buttoover
exaggeratethataspectisfoolish.Itbetraysalackofknowledge.Because,frombirthuntildeath,
dayafterday,thirtydaysinamonth,andthreehundredandsixtyfivedaysintheyear,theconstant
functionthattheseexitgateshavetofulfilisdrainage.Andtheoccasionalfunctionthattheyhaveto
fulfilisincooperatingwithBrahma,butthatisonlysomerareoccasionalfunction,andthatalso,
onlyinaveryshortperiodofoneslife.InthefirstAshramaofBrahmacharya,ithasnoplacein
thethirdAshramaofVanaprastha,ithasnoplaceandinthefourthAshramaofSannyasa,ithasno
place.Outofthewholelife,itisonlyinoneAshramathatthatparticularfunctionofitisexercised.
Otherwise,themainfunctionoftheseoutletsisonlydrainageofimpurities.Ifyouchangeyour
Drishtikonaandunderstandthebodyintherightperspective,thenagreatdealofyourproblemwill
besolved.Itistakingawrongviewandgivingawrongemphasiswhichmakesonetogetintoall
sortsofdifficulties.Secondly,takealookatitfromtheVedanticpointofview.TheAdeshaor
SandeshaofVedanta,theprimarydeclarationofVedanta,isthatyouarenotthisbody,butthatyou
aretheAjaraAmaraAvinashiAtma.Then,ifyouarenottoidentifyyourselfwithyourentirebody,
howcanyouidentifyyourselfwithoneaspectofit?So,ifyourfaithinVedantaisPucca,isfirm
andgenuine,ifyouaretruetoyourVedanta,then,youhaveyoursolutioninyourownhand.
HowtoRiseAboveSex
ThereisanotherimportantangletothismatterofBrahmacharya.Andthatpertainstoyouraimand
ambitioninlife.Whatisitthatyouwantoutoflife?Whatgreatdesiredominatesyourlife?Isthere
somethingthatisaconsuminghungerinyou?Doyouwanttobecomethehighestmusicalgeniusin
thisworld?OrdoyouwanttobecomethefastestOlympicrunnerorweightlifterinthisworld?No
matterwhatyourambitionis,ifthereissomeoneoverwhelmingorallconsuminghungerinyou,
thenallotherproblemsrecedeintothebackground.Theydonotpresentagreatdifficulty.But,if
youdonothavesuchanoverwhelmingambitioninonedirection,theneverythingbecomesa
problemandsexalsobecomesaproblem.Therefore,therightwayofsolvingthisproblemofsexis
toriseaboveitsothatitbecomessomethingnotimportant.Youhavetoriseabovesexnotwrestle
withit,butriseaboveit.Because,ifyoudonothaveanoverallconcentratedurgeorambitionin
life,thentheclamouroftheselittlesensesbecomesagreatdininyourlife.Yourlifewillalwaysbe
underthatclamour.But,ifyouhavegotanoverwhelmingurgeforsomethingelse,thenthis
clamourdoesnotreachyouatall,becauseyouaretoobusyengagingyourentireattentioninsome
otherdirection.So,therightwayofsolvingthissituationofsexistoriseaboveit,bydeveloping
greatloveforGod,greatloveforanideal,developingpassionforapurelife,amorallife,anethical
life,anideallifeandnurturingTivraMumukshutvaforattainingliberation.IfintenseMumukshutva
isthere,thenallotherthingsrecedeintothebackground.Theybecomelessimportant.So,ifyou
wanttoattainvictoryovertheclamourofthesenses,youmustarousewithinyourselfagreatfireof
higheraspiration.Then,whathappens?Inordertoattainthatuponwhichyourheartisset,yougive
yourselfsototallytoitthatyouhavenotimeforotherthings.Evengreatscientistsdonothavethis
problem,becausetheyareallthetimecompletelyabsorbedintheirscientificresearch.Theydonot
paymuchimportancetofoodorclothingorbathingoranything.Why?Becausetheyareall
absorbedin,andinterestedin,somethingelse.Thatisthewayofbecomingestablishedin
Brahmacharya,insuccessfulBrahmacharya,ineffectiveBrahmacharya.
VoluntarySelfrestraintIsNoSuppression

ThereisaWesternideathatsexisanaturalurgeandsofreeexpressionshouldbegiventoit.Andif
freeexpressionisnotgiventoit,thesexurgewillbecomesuppressed,willbecomerepressed.And
ifitisthussuppressedandrepressed,itwillcreateallsortsofabnormalitieswithinyouandyouwill
developneurosisandvarioustypesofcomplexandyouwillbecomeanabnormalperson.Thereis
partialtruthinit.Thereistruthinittotheextentthatifthissuppressionandrepressionisforced
uponyoubycircumstancesbeyondyourcontrol,bysocialenvironment,byothertaboosanddeep
seatedinhibitionswithinyou,duetoyourfathersadviceormothersdominanceorfamilyandall,
thenitcangiverisetosomeundesirableinnerabnormality.Butthissituationneverappliesif
realizingthegreatnessofahighergoalandrealizingthenecessityofthisimportantSadhanaofself
controlinordertoattainthatgoal,youmakeupyourmindfully,willinglyandvoluntarily.Then
thereisnoquestionofsuppression.Ifwithafullwillingheartyouenterintothiscourseofself
disciplineandselfrestraint,thenthereisnoquestionofsuppression.Nooneisaskingyoutodoit.
Youwanttodoit.Youareyourselfdesirousofit.So,donewithfullwillingness,donewithgreat
enthusiasm,itbecomesavoluntarything.Then,psychologicalsituationswillnotarise.Onthe
contrary,everytimeyousucceedincontrollingthesenseurge,yougetasenseofelation,yougeta
senseofachievementyougetasenseofinnersatisfactionthatyouhavesucceeded.So,itis
somethingthatgoesongivingyouendlesssatisfactionandasenseoftriumph,asenseof
overcoming.Thereforeitisentirelyapositiveprocess,averycreativeandpositiveprocess,nota
negativeandsuppressiveprocess.So,regardingBrahmacharya,ifyoutaketherightapproachand
attitudetowardsit,thenitissimple.Itisaquestionofconservingenergy,ofpreservingenergy,so
thatitmaybeutilizedforhigherthingswhichyouwishtoattain.
Theenergyinyouisapartofthegreatcosmicenergy.Cosmicenergy,whenindividualizedinthe
humanbeing,manifestsinmanyaspects.Andoneveryimportantaspectisthephysicalbiological
aspect.Thatisthesexenergy.Ahigheraspectisthementalandoccultaspect.Thementaland
occultenergyiscalledMedhas.Thenthereisintheindividualthepsychicaspectofthecosmic
energy.ThisistheKundaliniShakti.Andaboveeverythingelse,initshighestaspect,thecosmic
energyshinesinthehumanbeingsasAtmaBal,asAtmaShakti,astheradianceoftheAtman.So,
thinkoverallthis.Allthisisfoodforthought.Theseareseedsofcertainconceptsforyourfurther
reflection.

BRAHMACHARYAANOUTLOOKOFCONSCIOUSNESS
BySwamiKrishnananda
ThelastoneamongvariousitemsofselfrestraintconstitutingtheYamas,isBrahmacharya,which
actuallymeanstheconductoftheAbsolute.
BrahmanistheSupremeBeingCharyaisconduct,orbehaviour.HowGodbehavesthatis
calledBrahmacharya,finally.Itisaverydifficultthingforustounderstand,becausewedonot
knowhowGodbehaves,howtheAbsoluteconductsItself.TheattitudeoftheSupremeBeing
towardstheuniverseandallbeingsisBrahmacharya,andtotheextentthatweareableto
participateinthisattitude,itmaybesaidthatwearealsofollowingthatcanon.Ourparticipationin
theattitudeoftheSupremeBeingmaybeinfinitesimal,butthereshouldbeatleastthistendency
towardsholdingthesameattitude,thesameoutlookasthatoftheLord.So,Brahmacharyaisan
integratedoutlookofconsciousness,anattitudeofthepersonality,andaninterpretationofthings.
ThesearetheessentialbasicprinciplesofBrahmacharya.Andminustheseprinciples,theterm
Brahmacharyawillyieldonlyachaoticmeaningwhichwillnothelpusmuch.IntheAnuGitaof
theMahabharata,asimilarbroadandmajesticinterpretationofBrahmacharyaisgiven,ascoming
outfromthemouthofSriKrishnaHimself,duringhisinstructionstoArjuna.Theideabehindthis
significanttermBrahmacharya,translatedastheconductoftheAbsolute,isthatitisagradual
adjustmentofthepowersofonespersonalitytowardslargerandlargerdimensionsof
impersonality,because,theAbsoluteorBrahmanistheSupremeImpersonalityconceivableand

existent.ThereisnoexternalitytotheAbsoluteand,therefore,itcannotbepulledinanyoutward
direction.Ithasnoconsciousrelationshipwithanything,thoughitisrelatedtoeverythinginthe
world.ItcannotbesaidthatGodisnotrelatedtotheworld,Heisrelatedeventotheminutestof
thingseventoagrainofsand,Godisrelated.Yet,inaway,Heisnotrelatedtoanything.Theidea
isthattheattitudeoftheSupremeSpiritisofageneralizedoruniversalizedrelationshipwithall
things,.freefromparticularizedorspecializedinterpretationsorevaluationsinregardtoanything
oranyobject.
HowOurEnergyGetsDivertedandDissipated
Wheneverthereisaspecializedoutlookinanyparticulardirection,alongthechannelofanobjector
agroupofobjects,livingornonliving,consciousnessmovesinthatdirection.Nomatterwhatour
interestisinthatdirection,ourmindmoves.Whenthemindmoves,thePranaalsomoves.When
thePranamoves,theenergyalsomoves.So,onefollowstheother.Ourmentalinterestinany
particulardirectiondrawsthepowerofthePranainthatverydirection,andlikeachargeof
electricity,ourenergiesarediverted.Wheneverwethinkofanobject,especiallywhenwedoso
withaparticularinterest,whichprocessiscalledtheKlishtaVrittiinthelanguageofPatanjali,we
aredrawntowardsthatobject,apartofusgoestoit.Anyinterestpsychologicallymanifestinthe
directionofanyparticularobjectisadiversionofenergyalongthatchannel,andpsychologicalor
emotionalinterestisnothingbutawayoftransferringoneself,atleastinpart,ifnotinwhole,to
thatparticularcentrewhereinonesinterestlies.So,insomemeasure,weceasetobeourselvesfor
thetimebeingwhenweadmiresomething,lovesomething,orareattractedtowardssomething.
Sometimes,wecanbewhollylosttoourselveswhentheattractionisfullandhundredpercent,as
mayhappenwhenwearelookingatapainting,orenjoyingabeautifullandscape,6rreadingapiece
ofloftyliterature.Theobjectmaybeconceptual,visibleoraudible,itmakesnodifferenceweget
transferred.Whenwelistentoanenrapturingmelody,ourbeingistransferredtothemodulationof
thevoicewhichisthemusicorthemelody.Whenwelookatabeautifulform,alandscape,a
paintingoranyotherobject,wearedrawninourconsciousness,andwearedrawneveninreading
arrestingliterature.Inalltheseprocessesofsensoryorintellectualabsorption,outsideoneself,there
isachannelizingofforceofwhichweareconstitutedandwhichformsourstrength.Aslongaswe
donotsellourselvestoanyoutsideobject,donotparticipateinanythingexternal,westandby
ourselves.Otherwise,insomepercentage,weceasetobeourselvesandbecomeanother.Ifone
becomesanotheranddoesnotcontinuetobewhatoneselfis,AbecomesBforthetimebeing,and
thereisacessationofthecharacteristicofA.Thesubjectbecomestheobjectinitsevaluationofthe
objectassomethinginwhichithastotakeinterestforsomepurposewhichisinitsmind.This
shouldnothappen,holdsPatanjali,inessence.Because,ifthishappens,theenergythatissupposed
tobeconservedforthepurposeofmeditationontheuniversalityofthePurushawillbespentoutin
otherdirections,andtothatextent,wewillbelosersofourstrength.Theficklenessofthemindor
theabsenceofmemoryaboutwhichweoftencomplain,thedistractiontowhichthemindisheirto,
thejumpingofthefeelingsfromonecentretoanotheralltheseareattributabletothefluctuation
ofenergyinoursystem.ItislikethetorrentialGangamovinginforcewithherwavesdashingup
anddownandnotrestingstableasalimpidlakewithoutmovement.Whenourenergiesarein
tumult,theimpactofitisfeltbythemind.Weareshakenupinourwholesystem,becauseofthe
desireofthepersonalitytomoveoutsideitself.Asmilkgraduallybecomescurdbyaninternal
shakingofitself,thesubjectcanturnintotheobject.Andloveofanykindisnothingbutthe
transferenceofthesubjectintotheobjectinsomemeasure,bethatobjectperceptibleormerely
conceptual.Theverythoughtoftheobjectdisturbsthemind.Thisismentionedinafamouspassage
byBhishmaintheShantiParvaoftheMahabharata.
Aswehavenotedearlier,thethoughtofanobjectisoftwokinds,calledtheAklishtaVrittiandthe
KlishtaVrittibyPatanjali.WecanthinkofanobjectthroughanAklishtaVrittiorwecanthinkofit
throughaKlishtaVritti.Whenweopenoureyesandlookatalargetreestandinginfrontofusin
theforest,alAklishtaVrittiisformedinthemind.Itisamodificationofthemind,becausethe
mindhastransformeditselfintotheformofthetreewhichwearebeholding.But,ithasnotupset

ouremotion.Ithasnotdrawnourattentionlargely.Wejustlookatitandareawarethatthereisa
tree.Totheextentthatweareawarethatthereissomeobjectoutsideus,themindhastransformed
itselfithasceasedtobeitselfforthetimebeing,thoughithasnotcausedusanysorrow.Thetree
hasnotattractedusorrepelledus.Butifweseeacobrawithitshoodraised,themodificationofthe
mindatthattimeisnotmerelyAklishta,itisnotmerelyagazingatanobjectwithoutinternal
associationofemotion.Because,theemotionactsatthesightofasnake,whileitwillnotactinthat
mannerwhenwelookatatreeoramountain.Evenasthereisaparticulartypeofemotional
reactionatthetimeoftheperceptionofanobjectlikeacobra,thereisanothertypeofreactionofa
similarintensitywhenwelookatthingswhicharehighlyvaluablefromourpointofview.Itmaybe
alargetreasurechestorsomethingelsewhichwethinkisworthwhile.So,anythingwelikeor
dislikeevokesaKlishtaVrittiinthemind.Athinginwhichwearenotparticularlyinterestedeither
wayevokesanAklishtaVrittiinthemind.ForthepurposeofYoga,boththeseVrittishavetobe
subdued.NeithertheKlishtanortheAklishtaisadesirablethingfromthepointofviewofMano
nirodha(controlofthemind)orChittavrittinirodha(controlofthoughts),whichisYoga.
Theobjectsoftheworldspeakinalanguagewhichweunderstandinourownway.Theyget
transformedintoameaningwhentheyenterintothemindofindividualsandeachindividualhas
hisownorherownreadingofanyparticularobject.Everyobjectsingsasongandwelistentothis
music,butitsmeaningisdifferentfordifferentpersons.Forinstance,thesamewordmayconvey
differentmeaningstodifferentpersonsbecauseoftheassociationofthosepersonsindifferentways
withtheparticularcontextinwhichthewordisuttered.Allobjectsintheworldspeaktousina
psychologicallanguageorwithaphilosophicalsignificance.But,theassociationofeachoneofus
withthemissuchthatitreadsaspecializedmeaninginthisgeneralizedevokingofreactionfromus
bythoseobjects.Thisparticularizedinterpretationbyeachindividualinanswertothegeneralcall
ofobjectsishisloveorhatred.Objectsoftheworldarenotintendedforbeinglovedorforbeing
hated.Theyexistaswealsoexist.Justaswedonotevinceanyparticularemotionalloveorhatred
towardsourselves,andourlovesandhatredsareonlyinregardtothingsoutsideourselves,wecan
extendthislogictootherobjectsalso.Nooneassesseshimselfintermsofloveandhatred.His
assessmentisinregardtootherthings,otherpersons.So,studyingthingsinanimpartialmanner,
wefindthatlovesandhatredsareoutsidetheschemeofthings.Theyarenotintheorderofnature.
Theydonotexistinnatureatall.Butforus,theyonlyexistandnothingelse!Weareimmersedin
thistumultuouschaos,ortheclamoursofthesensesandthemind,whichgobythenameoflikes
anddislikes.
ConservationofEnergyforBrahmaSakshatkara
HereisthebasicfoundationofthegreatadmonitionbytheYogateacherthatwehavetoconserve
energy.WegenerallyunderstandBrahmacharyatobecelibacy,averypoortranslationoftheword,
andamisdirectedmeaningalso.Bycelibacywemeanabstinencefrommarriage,andweassociate
oridentifycelibacywithBrahmacharyaorcontinenceinthelightoftherequirementofYoga,
especiallyasmentionedbyPatanjali.But,nothingofthekindisBrahmacharya.Itisnotnon
marriage,anditisnotcelibacyinitspopularmeaning.Apersonwhohasnotmarriedneednot
necessarilybeaBrahmacharin.Andapersonwhohasmarriedneednotceasetobethat.Because,
whatwehavetobecarefulinnotinginthiscontextistheintentionbehindthisinstruction,andnot
merelythefollowingofitinsocialparlance.Theintentionistheconservationofenergy,andthe
directingofthewholeofonespersonalitytowardsthegreatobjectiveofuniversalconsciousness.
Andtheenergyofthesystemisrequiredforanykindofconcentration,notmerelyforGod
realizationorBrahmaSakshatkara.Werequireenergyeventosolveamathematicalproblem.Even
tobuildabridgeacrossalargeriver,eventostudytheminuteparticlesofnatureinaphysical
researchlaboratory,onerequiresatremendousconcentrationofmind.Eventowalkonawireina
circusrequiresconcentration.So,whereverthereisanecessitytoholdonesbreathandconcentrate
onesattention,asinwalkingonaverynarrowpassage,tremendousenergyisrequired,
concentrationisnecessary.Atwofeetwidebridgewithoutanyprotectiononeithersideand
spanningastreamflowinginadeepgorgebelowweknowhowwewillwalkonthatbridge,

holdingourbreathandthinkingonlyofthatnarrowpassageandnothingelse.Certainlywewillnot
bethinkinganyotherdistractingthoughtinourmind.Likethat,thefixingofthemindonthegreat
idealofYogarequiresacompletesurrenderofoneself,ineverypartofonesbeing,intheformof
concentration.Thiscannotbedone,saysYoga,ifwehavegototherinterests.
So,alackofBrahmacharyameansnothingbutthepresenceofinterestsotherthantheinterestin
Yoga.Thedistractingobjectmaybeanything.Ifwehavegotastronginterestinsomethingwhich
distractsourattention,theenergygoes.Anykindofleakageofenergyinanydirection,causedby
anyobjectoranyeventorcontext,isabreakinBrahmacharya.Aburstofangerisabreakin
Brahmacharya,thoughonedoesnotnormallythinkso.Noonecondemnsamanbecauseheis
angry.Wemayeventhinkhimtobeawonderfulpersoninspiteofhisburstofanger,butthetruthis
thathehasfailedutterlyinhisBrahmacharya.Heisbrokendowntotally.Becausemostpeopleare
traditionbound,theygobythebeatentrackofsocialtraditionandcustom,andthinkthatreligionis
nothingbutwhatsocietysanctions.But,itisnotlikethat.Religionisnotmerelytherequirement
demandedbyaHindusocietyoraChristianorganization.Ithasnothingtodowiththesethings.
Whattheuniverseexpectsustomanifestfromourside,inrespectofit,isthegreatreligionof
mankind,thereligionofGodorthereligionoftheuniverse.Nobodyisgoingtosaveus,merely
becausewearereligiousintheeyesofthepeople.Inthatcase,wemaywellgotodogswithallour
religion.Whatwillhelpus,whatwillguideus,whatwilltakeusbythehandandleadusalongis
thegreatlawwhichweobey,inthemannerinwhichwearerequiredtoobeyit,underthe
circumstancesofourrelationshipwithallthingsintheuniverse.So,ineveryway,wehaveto
conserveourenergywithoutanykindofdistraction.
TheIndividualAPressureCentre
Thephilosophers,themystics,thesaintsandthesageshavemadeathoroughanalysisofthe
energiesofthehumanmind,thepsychophysicalorganisminallitscompleteness.Itwouldappear
thatwearecentresofpressureorstress.Everyindividualissuchacentre,whichseekstobreak
downthispressure,overcomethisstress,byadoptingsomemeanswhichitthinksistheproperone
underthecircumstances.But,theunderstandingofthewayinwhichthisstressistoberemoved
dependsupononesownstageofevolution.Everyoneknowsthatstressandstrainarenotgood,but
everyonedoesnotknowhowtobefreefromthem,becausethecausativefactorsofstressesand
strainsarenotproperlyunderstoodoranalyzed.Wemayknowthatwearesick,butwemaynot
fullyknowwhywearesick.Andunlessweknowthecausebehindourillnessintheformof
psychologicalstressandstrain,distractionofattention,likeanddislike,wewillnotbeableto
handlethissubjectproperly.Thesocalleddesiresofmanaretheouterexpressionsofhis
personalitytorelieveitselffromthestressesandstrainsinwhichitfindsitselfshackled.Weare
perpetuallyinastateofmentalstressandnervouspressurefromchildhoodtodoom,andthewhole
ofourlifeisspentonlyintryingtofindoutwaysandmeansofrelievingourselvesofthesestresses
andstrains,andwehaveourownwayofdoingit.Thewayinwhichwetrytorelieveourselvesof
thesestressesandstrainsthiswayiscalledtheexpressionofdesires.Whatiscalleddesireisthe
methodweadopttorelieveourselvesofourtensions,nervousandpsychological.So,eachperson
trieshisownmethodtorelievehimselfofhistension,accordingtothemannerofhisunderstanding.
But,mostofthesewaysaremisdirectedways.Theyincreasethetensiononaccountofignorance
aboutthereasonbehindthearisingofthestressorthestrain.
StressesandStrainsTheirCauseandCure
ThestressorthestrainhasarisenonaccountofaseparationoftheindividualfromNature.The
worldhascastusoutasexiles.WehavebeenthrownoutsidetherealmofNatureasunwanted
children.Ourinternaldesire,finally,istouniteourselveswithNaturewhichisourmotherorour
parent.Thereliefthatweareseekingfromourstressesandstrainsisultimatelyadesireoralonging
tobecomeonewithourparent,fromwhomwehavebeencutofforisolated.Ourdesireisto

possesseverything.Andthedesiretopossessiscalledlove.Whatgoesbythenameofloveofany
kindinthisworldisadesiretopossessthings,whichareconsideredasinstrumentscapableof
relievingusofourstressesandstrains.Whetherwearerightinthisinterpretationofthesituationor
notisadifferentmatter.But,justasalittlebitofscratchingofaneczemapatchwillgivethe
suffereralittlerelief,aforgetfulnessofthetensionorthestressforthetimebeingisimaginedtobe
awayofrelieffromthestressitself.Whenalargerstressswoopsdownuponus,thelesserstressis
forgotten.Wearedirectedawayfromthelesserstressandthepain,weevenforgetitforthetime
being,whenalargerstressorstraincomesandsitsonourhead.Letussupposethatwehavesome
worryandwearethinkingaboutit.Alargerworrycomesandthenweforgetthelesserworry.
Because,thehigherthinghascome.Allourpains,sorrowsandcomplaintsvanishinaminute,ina
trite,whenweareabouttobedrownedinariver,forinstance.Wedonotcomplainaboutanything
atthattime.Everythingwouldseemtobeallrightifonlywecouldbesavedfrompossible
drowning.Because,thatisaproblemlargerthanalltheotherlittleproblemsaboutwhichweare
constantlycomplaininginlife.Soisthecasewithouraskingforthefulfilmentofourdesiresby
contactwiththings.
TheHavocWroughtbytheExternalizingSenses
InoneoftheSutras,Patanjalitellsusthatsensorycontactwiththingsisnotthewayofrelieving
tensioncausedbydesires,becausedesirescannotberemovedbyanykindofsensorycontact.Our
desireisnotforthecontact.Thatisthewholepoint,thoughitappearsthatthesensestellustocome
incontactwithvariousthingsintheworldforthereliefofourtension.Wearenotaskingforthings.
Nobodywantsanythinginthisworldfinally.But,itappearsasifwearewantingthem,duetoa
mischievousinterpretationgiventothesecircumstancesbyoursenses,byexternalizingourinternal
anguishforacommunionwithallthings.Allloves,alldesires,areurgesforcommunionwith
things.Whileoururgewithinisaholyandpiousimpulsetocomeinunionwithallthings,with
Natureasawhole,thisimpulseisthrowninthedirectionofspaceandtimeandisexternalizedby
thepowersofthesenses.Whatistheresult?Thelongingofours,whichhasitsmeaninginone
direction,takesanothershapebecauseofitsreflectionthroughthesenses.Whileourfaceis
attachedtoourbody,itlooksasifitisoutsideuswhenweseeitinthemirror.Wearenotoutside
ourselves,weareinourselves.But,itappearsasifwehavegoneoutofourselves,becauseofthe
presentationofthemirrorinfrontofourselves.Themischiefisdonebythemirror.Somesuch
catastrophicactivitytakesplacewhenourloves,likes,emotionsanddesiresarecastintothemould
ofthesenses.Thesenseshaveonlyoneworktodo,toexternalizeeverything.So,evenourdesires
areexternalized,whilereallyourdesireisforsomethingelse.Thatisthereasonwhywearenot
satisfied,nomatterwhatobjectsaregiventous,wearealwaysdisillusionedintheend.Whatever
beourpossession,itisnotgoingtosatisfyusfinally.Becauseweareaskingforsomeparticular
thing,andwearegivenanotherthingbythedacoitsofthesenses,theyarereallythieves.
Verystrangeisthisphenomenonthatthemindspatializesitselfandtemporalizesitselfinits
activity,whenitaffiliatesitselftotheactivitiesofthesenses,anditsowndesiresforsomething
whichithaslostappearasdesiresforthosethingswhichareoutsideit.Thisisahighlysignificant
situationinwhicheveryoneisfindinghimselforherself,somethingwhichescapesonesnotice
always,averydangerouscircumstanceaboutwhichweneednottalkmuch,becauseitissoclear.
Andoneneednotbetoldagainandagainastowhythewaysinwhichwetrytofulfilourdesires
arenottheproperways.Firstly,thereisabasicblunderintheveryattitudeofthemindinimagining
thatwhatitseeksthroughthefulfilmentofdesiresliesoutsideit.Theotherblunderis,thatinits
movementtowardsthesocalledexternalthings,ithaslostitsenergies.Ithasweakeneditself.The
Self,whenitbecomesthenonself,becomesacorpse,becomesdead.So,apersonwhohasdesires
isaweakling.Hehasnostrengthatall.Hehasneitherphysicalstrengthnormentalstrength.The
moretheunfulfilleddesires,thegreateristheweaknessofthebodyandthemind.Onecannotwalk
even.Onecannotdigestfood.Onecannotthink,cannotrememberanything.Thishappenswhen
therearetoomanydesiresunfulfilled.But,whattodounderthecircumstances?

DesireAMetaphysicalEvil
AsstudentsofYogainterestedinthetruewelfareofoursouls,wemustbeabletoknowwhathas
reallyhappenedtous.Weshouldnotbewoolgathering,weshouldnotbeinafoolsparadiseeven
inthenameofreligionorspirituality.Anykindofoutwardritualisticmovementofour
personalities,eveninthenameofreligion,isnotgoingtosaveus,intheend,becausethisevil
calleddesireisametaphysicalevil.Itisnotasocialevil,itisnotaphysicalevil.Itisa
metaphysicalevil,asthephilosopherscallit.Itisacosmiccatastrophe,andtherefore,itrequiresall
theanalyticalcapacitythatwearecapableoftoknowwhathashappenedtous,andknowhowwe
cangraduallyweanourselvesawayfromthisimpulsethatisdraggingusoutfromourselvesinthe
directionoftheobjectsofsense.Thisweaningoneselfawayfromobjectsisdoneverygradually.
ThefulfilmentofdesiresisnotcondemnedinthereligionofIndiaespecially,thoughitiswell
knownthatdesireshavetobecompletelyextirpatedonedayortheotherbecause,theyare
bondageswhichtetherthesoultothebodyanditsphysicalassociations.Thegreatsystemofsocial
livingandpersonallivinginculcatedinIndia,andacceptedbyothergreatphilosophersinother
countriesalso,isknownastheVarnashramasystem,ahighlyscientificanalysisofthehuman
situationandthedesiresofmanandtheneedsofmanatdifferenttimes.Wehavevariouskindsof
needs,thoughallneedsmaybecalleddesires,andalldesiresmaybecalledundesirablethingsin
theend.Yet,whentheyarethereasrealitiestothesensesandthemind,andnotlesserrealitiesthan
ourownbodiesandourpersonalities,wehavetotacklethemwithgreatcaution.Wehaveto
interpretthemasrealisticallyasweinterpretourownselves.Theobjectsareasrealasourselves
andasunrealasourselves.Totheextentthatwearereal,thethingsconnectedwithusarealsoreal.
Andtotheextentthatweareunreal,tothesameextent,theyarealsounreal.Thesubjectandthe
objectevolvesimultaneously.Theevolutionisnotjustindividualisticandsubjective.So,this
systemofVarnashramaisasystematicproceduretoadjustourselvesandadaptourselvestothe
circumstancesoflife,horizontallyinsociety,andverticallyinourownpersonality.Thehorizontal
adjustmentistheVarnaandtheverticaladjustmentistheAshrama.Wehavetobecompletein
society,inourrelationshipswithpeople,andwehavetobecompleteinourownselvesbyasuitable
harmoniousalignmentofthevariouslayersofourpersonality.Suchanadjustmentisvery
effectivelybroughtaboutbyfollowingthegreatcanonsoftheVarnaandtheAshrama.
VarnashramaAnAidtoFreeOurselvesfromtheGripofNature
PeoplegenerallythinkthatVarnameanscaste,butitisnotthat.Itmeansaclass.Theprincipleof
theclassificationofsocietyiscalledtheVarnaDharma.Itisaclassification,notacastification.To
saythatVarnameanscasteistogiveitawrongnameandanerroneousinterpretation.Nomanis
completeinhimself,andtherefore,nomancanbesatisfiedmerelyinhisownselfwithoutthe
cooperationofotherpersons.Manis,amongotherthings,intellect,will,emotionandenergy.There
arecertainpeoplewithatremendousphysicalcapacity,butintellectuallytheyarepoor.Thereare
otherswhoarerationallyandintellectuallybrilliant,butphysicallyweak.Theothertwoaspects,
namely,emotionandwill,arealsodistributeddisproportionatelyamongpeople.Everyoneisnot
possessedofthesecharacteristicsinthesamemeasure.Inasmuchaseveryonesintentionisthe
welfareofallhumanbeings,thesolidarityofmankindingeneral,itisnecessarythatweshare
amongourselvesthecommoditiesthatwehave.Thecommoditiesarenotnecessarilyphysicalones
theycanbepsychologicalonesalso.Ifonehasgreatintellectualcapacityandspiritualacumen,
whicharenecessaryforthewelfareofsociety,butnototherfacilities,hewillsharetheknowledge
andwisdomandthedirectingintelligencethathehaswithothers,forthefacilitieswhichhedoes
nothave.Themutualcooperativeactivityofsocietyspiritually,administratively,economically
andmanuallyformstheessenceoftheVarnasystem.TheclassificationintoBrahmanas,
Kshatriyas,VaisyasandSudrasisnotacategorizationofpeopleintosuperiorandinferiortypes,
intobossesandsubordinates,butitisaclassificationofthefunctionsofindividualsaccordingto
theirknowledgeandcapacities,forthepurposeofacompletecooperativeorganizationof
humankind,withanobleintentionandpurpose.Thisisonewayinwhichwecanbehappyinthis

world.Otherwise,wewillbeinmiseryeveryday,everymoment.Thedesiresofoursareclassified
inthismanner,andtheyaregivenanopportunityofpermissiblesatisfaction,byamutual
cooperationhorizontallyinthismanner.
Thereistheotherside,namely,theverticalside,whichisthesubjectoftheAshramaDharma,or
dutiespertainingtothedifferentAshramas,orstagesoflife.Justaswehavetotallymisunderstood
themeaningoftheVarnasystem,wehavealsomisunderstoodthemeaningoftheAshramasystem.
JustaswecondemntheclassificationofVarnaascastedistinction,weconverttheclassificationof
thestagesofoneslifebywayofAshrama,intoakindofdeadroutineofreligion.NeitherVarna
norAshramaisaroutine.Varnashramaisavitalparticipationintheprocessesoflife,externallyas
wellasinternally.ExternallyitgoesbythenameofVarna,andinternallyitgoesbythenameof
Ashrama.Theideabehindthisisthefulfilmentoftherequirementsofthehumanpersonality,inthe
wayitwouldberequired,forthepurposeofatranscendenceofalllimitations,withthegreatgoalof
Moksha,orliberationofthespirit,inmind.Whatagloriouspsychologicalorganizationthis
Varnashramais!Noiteminthisclassificationisunimportant,becausenaturecatchesusbythe
throat,withsuchafirmgrip,thatwecannotfreeourselvesfromitscompulsivepressurewithoutthe
aidoftheVarnashramaDharma.WearecaughtfirmlybyNaturesocially,physically,vitally
psychologically,rationallyandevenspiritually.So,wehavetofreeourselvesfromtheseclutchesor
pressuresbyagradualdissociationofourselvesfromnature,asweuntieitsknotsonebyone.
Ifwetieathreadintoadozenknots,andthenwanttountiethemandstraightenoutthethread,we
donotgotothebottomknotfirst,butrathertothetopmostone.Thetopmostknotisuntiedfirst,
thenthepreviousoneortheeleventhknot,thenthetenth,thentheninthandsoon,tillatlastwe
cometotheveryfirstknot.Wecannottouchthefirstknotintheverybeginning.Similarly,in
spirituallife,thefirstproblemistreatedlast,andthelastproblemistakenupfirst.Because,thefirst
ismoresubtleandmoreproximatetotherealitiesofthingsthanthelateroneswhicharethe
evolutesofthecauses.Theeffectshavetobetakencareoffirst,andthecauseslateron.So,
outwardlyaswellasinwardly,thesesystemsoforganizationknownasVarnaandAshrama,are
proceduresenjoineduponeveryperson,foruntyingthevariousknotsofentanglementinlife,
engenderedbyonesneedswhicharesocial,physical,vital,emotional,intellectualandsoon.
SuchavastinvolvementisassociatedwiththislittlethingcalledBrahmacharya,bythepracticeof
whichwedonotmerelyputonaconductpersonallyandsociallybutestablishourselvesinastatus
ofstrength,wherewearesotunedtothingsthatourenergiesdonotmoveatallinanydirection,but
areheldupinsuchawaythatthereisnourgewithinourselvestotransferourenergiestooutside
thingsforthefulfilmentofourdesires.Desireshavetobefulfilled,andalso,theyarenottobe
fulfilled.Boththesestatementsarecorrectstatements.But,thestatementsmustbeunderstoodin
theirpropermeaning.Forinstance,hungerhastobeappeased,thoughhungerisadiseaseofthe
body,thoughitisacankerthateatsintoeverymansvitalsandcompelshimtorememberalways
thatheisabody.Cananythingbeworsethanthisthatoneshouldbemadetofeelalwaysthatoneis
aprisoner?Onemaybeacaptiveinitprison,butwhyshouldonebemadetothinkeverydaythat
oneisaprisoner?But,thatispreciselywhathungerdoes.Allthetimeitmakesyouremainbody
conscious.Suchanevilthingitis,buthowcanonegetoutofit.Bymeetingthedemandsofthe
body,whileexercisingverygreatcautionsimultaneously.Thatiswhyweputonclotheswhenwe
feelchillnesswegotosleepwhenwearetiredweeatamealwhenwearehungry.Wegofora
walkandwedomanythings.Now,alltheseactivitiesaresofarremovedfromthegoalofourlife,
asthenorthpolefromthesouth,andyettheyaretakenasnecessities.Wemaycallthemnecessary
evils,ifwelike.Theyareevils,nodoubt,buttheyarenecessaryevils.So,theyhavetohe
befriendedfirst,inorderthatweseverourselvesfromthemultimately.Theintentionbehindthe
practiceofthecanonsofVarnaandAshramainagraduatedmannerisnottheindulgenceofdesires,
buttheirgraduated,scientific,systematizedandcautiousfulfilmentinameasurethatispermissible
andrequiredunderthecircumstancesforthepurposeoffreeingoneselffromthemfinally.So,we
donoteatbecausewewanttoeat,butbecauseitisnecessarytoreachastagewhereweneednoteat

atall.Thereis,therefore,adeepbackgroundbehindthepsychologyofthecanonsknownasthe
Yamasandaclearunderstandingofthisbackgroundwillhelpustopracticethesecanonsbetter.

MARRIAGE:WHATDOESITMEAN?
BySwamiKrishnananda
Scientistsareaccustomedtothewellknownphenomenonknownasthe"BigBang,"anoccurrence
whichisregardedastheoriginofcreationoftheuniverse.Themeaningattributedtothis
phenomenonisthattheuniversewasoriginallyasingleCosmicAtom,asitwere,knowninSanskrit
terminologyasBrahmanda,whichsplitintotwopartsbyabang,aninstantaneousseparationof
itselfintotwoparts,representingwhatmaybecalledtheCosmicSubjectandtheCosmicObject.
TheBrihadaranyakaUpanishadhasalreadyproclaimedthattherewasoneUniversalSelfwhich
projectedItselfasasubjectivesideandanobjectivesideofItself,theCosmicPositiveandthe
CosmicNegative.TheintriguingsecretbehindtherelationshipofthetwoCosmicpartsseemstobe
thatthereisontheonehandthedualityofthepositiveandthenegativeandthereisontheother
handthecorrelativityofthepositiveandthenegative,sincethetwophasesareactuallythetwo
typesofthephenomenaloccurrenceintheotherwiseunitaryindivisibleoriginalexistence.
SageYajnavalkyasaysthateachunitoflifeisactuallylikeasplit"pea,"inwhichonecannoteasily
saywhetherthepeaisoneortwothingsjoinedtogether.Also,theveryideaofabipolarexistence
impliestheinterferenceofspaceandtime,andevenifitisacceptedthattheapparenttwofoldlife
isanappearanceoftheoriginalonelife,theideaof"another"cannotariseunlessthereissome
mediumthroughwhichitlooksasifitisthere,justasonepersoncanlookliketwopersonswhen
onebeholdsoneselfthroughthemediumofamirror.Suchapossibilityinvolvestheexistenceof
spaceandtimewhicharethemostelusivethingseverywhereincreation.Noonecanunderstand
whattheseactuallymeansincetheseareinvolvedintheprocessofthinkingitself,andnoonecan
alsodenythattheydoexist.
TheBrihadaranyakaUpanishadgoesontosaythatthetwoCosmicpartsarecomparabletohusband
andwife,inwhichcontext,theonepartrushestowardstheotherparttocomeincontactwithit
whiletheotherpartwishestoavoidthecontactsincesuchacontactisnotpossibleasthesocalled
"other"reallycannotstandapartfromthatwhichseeksthecontact.Humorously,throughan
analogy,theUpanishadsaysthatthewifeaspectranawaytoescapethehusbandaspectcomingin
contactwithitsinceanattemptatsuchacontactlookedmeaninglessandalsoabortive.The
Upanishadgoesfurtherandsaysthatthebipolarwholenessreducesitselftolesserandlesser
"wholes,"fromgodsinheavendownthroughhumans,animals,plantsandtreesandeventhelowest
ofcreatureslikeinsects,thusmakingoutthatthisdualpullispresenteverywhereincreationfrom
thehighesttothelowestofcreatedelements.
Atthehumanlevelthisprincipleofbipolarexistencetakesaninterestingturn,sinceinthehuman
beingthereisanelementoftheinstinctsofthelowerspeciesandatthesametimeareasonwhich
reflectsthecharacteristicsoftranscendentalexistence.Whileintheearlierstagesofevolution
mentioned,theprocessofbipolarexistenceappearsmoreorlessasaspontaneousfeature,atthe
humanlevelitbecomesslightlycomplicatedduetothereasonandtheinstinctclashingwitheach
otheralmosteverydayofoneslife,causingalotofmisery.Asthehumanbeingisaunitinhuman
society,thelawsframedbysocietyconditiontheactivitiesofaperson,whiletheinstinctive
impulsescomefromtheotherlevelsoflifeinsistthattheyshouldhaveanupperhandoverall
things,andwhentheinstinctsarestrongenoughtheycanrebelagainstsocialnorms,muchtothe
chagrinoftheindividual,asiswellknowninhumanhistory.Inordertoobviatethisproblemof
conflictbetweenindividualandsociety,peopleinacommonagreementamongthemselveshave
institutedasystemcalledmarriage.

Now,whatexactlyismarriage?Itisquiteclearthatitisaformoflegalizationoftheinherent
instinctofthebipolarexistenceassertingitselfandthenacheckuponanyuncontrolledravaging
activityoftheinstinct.Thepointisthatapersoncannotlivetotallyisolatedfromsocietysince
existenceitselfwouldbedifficultwithoutcooperationfromothers.Inasmuchasthisinstinctis
presentineverypersonandeveryonewouldliketomanifestitasmuchaspossible,therewouldbe
difficultyinsuchabehavioursinceeveryoneelsealsowouldliketodothesamething.Thisgoesto
saythattheinstitutionofmarriageisaprocessofgrantinglimitedfreedomtotheoperationofthe
instinctpermittingittooperatewithinthecircleofsocialnorms,withduerespectforthewelfareof
everyoneequally.
However,withallthisthathasbeensaidabove,aquestionwillariseastowhyistheresuchan
attractionbetweenthemaleandthefemale.Philosophically,toanswerthisquestioninthelightof
whathasbeendetailedabove,theexplanationwouldbethestruggleofthetwopartsoftheone
wholetounitethemselvesintoasingleunitofexistence.Butastwothingscannotbecomeone,the
sexualdemandfailstofulfilitspurposeendinginexasperation,disillusionmentandadistrustinthe
meaningoflifeitself.Theotheraspectisthemuchneglectedsideofthephenomenon,namely,
Naturesintentiontomultiplythespecies.EveryoneknowsthepowerofNatureandnoonecan
resistit.Thewouldbeentrantspushtowardsthisworld,whichwecallthecomingofachildinto
existence,istheprocessofanintegralimpulsesincethechildisawholebeing,aswholeaseither
thefatherorthemother.Thepressureofthewouldbeindividual,beingverystrong,compelsthe
maleandthefemaletoseekeachotherwithgreatvehemence,tosuchanextentthatthemaleand
thefemaleelementswouldevenwishtodieifthisimpulseisnotgoingtobegratified,forgetting
therebythattheyareonlyservingtheinjunctionsofNature,thoughNaturehascleverlyputthem
underanillusionthatwhattheydoisfortheirownpersonalbenefit.Sinceeverythingisdestroyed
byTime,thereisafearthatonesexistencewouldbeterminatedoneday,andtoescapefromthe
griefofthispossibility,thebiologicalimpulsewishestoreproduceitselfasachild,asonora
daughter,whichbecomeareplicaoftheparents,whomtheyhugasthemselves,asifthechildis
inseparablefromtheparents.Consideringthefactthatnoonecangoagainsttheinjunctionsof
Nature,sexuallifepermittedbymarriageshouldberegardedasreasonableandunavoidable,but
consideringthewelfareoftheindividualhimselforherself,itbringsnosuchbenefit,endingin
depletionofenergy,slowlytendingtowardsoldageandphysicalextinction.Itlooksthatthewhole
dramaofcreationisa"hideandseek"affairofthetruthsofexistencewhereeveryonedoes
somethinghelplesslyundertheimpressionthatitisdonevoluntarilyforonesownassumed
immortalsatisfaction,whilethefactisthattheentireexerciseisahypnotizedpersonssupposed
voluntaryenterprise,thoughcommandedbythehypnotistswill.

BIRTHCONTROL
BySwamiSivananda
InstructionsforHouseholders
Strictregulationofsexuallifeandarigidpracticeofnonviolencearenecessaryifyouwanttohave
progressonthespiritualpath.
Ifyouusecontraceptivesyouwillneverlearntoexerciseselfrestraint
Hewhousescontraceptivesisanimmoralman.
Learnthevirtueofselfrestraint.Theuseoftheseartificialmethodswilleventuallysapyourenergy.
Itwillbreakdownallrestraint.

Thereisanintimateconnectionbetweensexandcontrolofthepalate.Hewhohascontrolledthe
palatehasalreadycontrolledalltheotherorgans.
SattvicfoodwillmakethepracticeofBrahmacharyaeasy.
Continenceisnotharmful.Ontheotherhanditconservesnervousenergy.Itgivesgreatmental
strengthandpeaceofmind.Sexualindulgenceleadstomoralandspiritualbankruptcy,premature
death,nervousweaknessandlossofonesfaculties,talentsandcapacities.
Manusays:"ThefirstbornchildisbornofDharrnaandtherestofKamaorlust.Thesexualactfor
merepleasureisnotjustifiable".
Passionforthefleshorbodyisnotpureorreallove.Itisonlyinfatuationbornofignorance.Youdo
wickeddeedsandkillyoursoulonaccountofthispassion.
PopulationShouldBeChecked
Howistheworldtofeedallthemillions?Inspiteofadvancedagriculturalmethodsandreclamation
ofwasteland,ithasbeenfoundimpossibletobalancefoodproductionwiththeincreaseof
population.Hence,thegrowthofpopulationhastoberestrainedifthereistobenoloweringofthe
standardofliving.Ifthisisnotdonetherewillbemassstarvation,famineandconsequent
degradationofmorality.SpecialagenciesoftheUnitedNationsarebusyinfindingoutalongterm
solution.TheUnitedNationsPopulationCommissionisnowatwork,assistedbytheEconomic
CouncilforAsiaandtheFarEast.
Nodoubtinprincipleitisrightthatpopulationhastoberestricted.Buthow?Naturally,throughthe
advancedmeansofplannedparenthood.Whatdowemeanbythis?
RajkumariAmritKaur,HealthMnisterofIndiaanswers:"Ineedhardlysaythatoureducatedclass
thinksofplannedparenthoodmainlyintermsofcitydwellersandeducatedmenandwomen.There
arealsomanyamongstthepoorerclasseswhomoursocialworkerscanreachinthecities,where
theirorganizationsareworking.Buttheyalsoinvariablythinkofbirthcontrolbytheartificial
methodsofcontraceptives,whichhavetakenafirmholdofpeopleincountriesoftheWest.Iam
totallyunabletoreconcilemyselftothisview".
Indeed,theunanimousanswerastohowtoplanparenthoodhasbeentheusageofcontraceptives.It
isapitythatmostofourlearnedleaders,withveryfewexceptionslikeAmritKaur,shouldstoopso
lowinapingtheWest,withcompletedisregardandignoranceoftheirownheritage.
TheVedicpreceptorsstrictlyenjoinedontheirstudentsthepracticeofunbrokencelibacyandwhen
theyhadcompletedtheirstudiesandwereadvisedtogetmarried,itwasnotforthesakeofphysical
pleasurebutforthesakeofprogeny.Selfrestraintgavethemmoralstrengthandspiritualvision.
Throughselfrestrainttheyachievedethicalperfectionandimprovedtheirintellect.
Thereisnosaferandbettersolutionfortherestrictionofourpopulationthanpracticeofself
restraint.Nonumberofbirthcontrolclinicsandnoamountofpropagandaadvocatingartificial
methodscantakerootinthesemasses,whosetraditionalbackgroundhasbeenalwayssoakedin
spirituality.Nomethodotherthanselfrestraintcanbemorallyandspirituallysuccessfuleitherin
Indiaoranywhereelseintheworld.
InIndiaitwasMahatmaGandhiwho,forthefirsttime,organizedstubbornoppositionagainstthe
useofcontraceptivesforfamilyplanning,asartificialmethodsgavefreelatitudetothemarriedand
evenencouragedtheunmarriedtoembracethepathofselfindulgencewithvulgarimpunity.

Gandhijisaid,"Iftheruralpopulationpracticedmoralrestrainttheycouldlimitthesizeoftheir
familiesbetterthanthroughtheuseofcontraceptives.Artificialmethodsarelikeputtingapremium
onvice.Theremedywillbeworsethanthedisease."WhenGandhijisaidthis,manyeminent
leaders,doctors,lawyersandeducationists(evensomeofhisforemostdisciples),rosetocontradict
him,saying,"Therestraintofthenaturalimpulseinmenandwomenwouldleadtoserious
consequences.Therewillbemassneurosis.Theirzestforlivingandtheirmentalfacultieswould
ebbaway,theirliveswouldbecomedrabanddull,"andsoonandsoforth.
Allthesechargeswerebaselessandwerebutaconfessionoflasciviousnessonthepartofthe
crusadersagainstselfrestraint.Thishasbeenadequatelyprovedbydistinguishedscientistsand
doctorsandbynumerousscripturesbelongingtoallfaiths.Toquoteafewsuchnoteworthy
remarks,letuschoosethemfromWesternspokesmeninwhomoureducatedintelligentsiaareprone
tobelievemuchmorethanintheirownscriptures.
SirLionelBeale,ProfessoroftheRoyalCollegeinLondon,says:"Sexualabstinencehasneveryet
hurtanyman.Virginityisnottoodifficulttoobserve,providedthatitisthephysicalexpressionofa
certainstateofmind".
ProfessorCesterbuconcurswithBealebysaying,"Thesexualinstinctisnotsoblindlyallpowerful
thatitcannotbecontrolledandevensubjugatedentirelybymoralstrength.Wemustknowthat
robusthealthandeverrenewedvigourwillbetherewardofthisvoluntaryservice".
SirAndrewClarkalsoagreesthat"continencedoesnotharmitdoesnothinderdevelopmentit
increasesperceptionandenergy".
Thatthepracticeofcontinenceisafittingremedyforbirthcontrolhasbeenemphasizedbythe
notedAmerican,JosephH.J.Spenglar.Hesays,"Moralrestraintoffersasalutarysolutiontothe
problemofoverpopulation".
Gandhijiansweredhiscriticsbytheexampleofhispersonallife.Inhisautobiographyhewrites:"I
tookthevowofBrahmacharyain1906.IlaunchedforthwithfaithinthesustainingpowerofGod.
Themoreorlesspracticeofselfcontrolhasbeengoingonsince".
Gandhijiwasamanofexperienceandwhateverhespokewasfromhispersonalexperienceonly.
Hiswasnotanarmchairphilosophy.Heemphasizedthatcontinencewastheprimequalification
forsuccessinallachievementsandineverywalkoflife.
"Iholdthatalifeofperfectcontinenceinthought,speechandactionisnecessaryforreaching
spiritualperfection.Brahmacharyameansperfectcontrolofallthesenseorgans.Foratrue
Brahmachari,nothingisimpossible."
Itisobviousthatstrictcelibacy,aspracticedbyBhishma,LakshmanaandHanuman,isnotpossible
forthemassesbutitisessentialfortheirphysical,moralandspiritualgrowth.Theyshouldhavea
wellrestrainedandsacredmaritalrelationship.
BernardShaw,ahighlyintellectualandprofoundspiritualpersonality,butanatheistandanon
believerinorganizedreligionsasacceptedbythemasses,voicedtheuniversallyacceptedtruththat
"unlesswerestraindesirewedestroyourselves."
DangerofArtificialMeans
"Inmyopinionwecangiveanimpetustobirthcontrolinourcountrybywaysandmeanswhich
oughttocomeinstinctivelytousifwearetruetothebesttraditionsofourcivilization.Perhapsin
noothercountryintheworldhasthepracticeofcontinencebeenadvocatedwithsuchemphasisas
inIndiabyalloursaintsandsages.Selfrestraintonthepartofbothmenandwomen,and

particularlyonthepartofmen,mustthereforebethefirstweaponinourarmouryifwearetobattle
successfullyagainstoverpopulationinourcountry.Artificialmethodsseemtotheaveragemanto
beeasyofattainment.Hence,theyareadvocatedbyallandsundry.Ilookupatthisasadanger
signalbecauseitisalwaysthestraightandnarrowwaythatleadsustosalvation".
ThusdidRajkumariAmritKaurrepresenttherealsentimentofthemajorityofthemassesofour
countryintheHarijan.
ThewomenofIndiahaveagreatroletoplayinthwartingtheonslaughtofmaterialism.Through
theages,itistheywhohavepreservedthespiritualcharacterofoursociety,theirnaturalinstincts
beingreligious.Itisignoblethattheyshouldsubscribetothephilosophyofthemodernapostates.
Gandhijiwroteoveradecadeago:"Inmyopinionitisaninsulttothefairsextoputuphercasein
supportofbirthcontrolbyartificialmethods.Ihavelittledoubtthatthevastmajorityofwomen
willrejectthemasinconsistentwiththeirdignity".
Itishightimenowthattheleadersofourcountrybecameawareoftheignominousconsequencesof
birthcontrolthroughartificialmeans.Theyshouldlaunchacountrywidecampaign,particularlyin
thevillages,propagatingthegospelofselfrestraint,abolitionofearlymarriage,andpracticeof
cleanandhealthyliving.
ThenationisfortunateinhavingAmritKaurasitsHealthMinister.Thoughmiserablyoutnumbered
bythevotariesofcontraceptives,sheemphasizesoncemore:"Artificialmethodsarewholly
impracticalinourcountrybecauseoftheignoranceofourpeople,thelackofscientificmedicalaid
availabletothem,andalsobecauseoftheirhighcost.Ichallengethestatementmyselfthatthe
practiceofbirthcontrolbytheuseofcontraceptiveshasprovedasuccesseitherphysically,
mentallyormorallyforthepeopleoftheWestwhohavepracticeditoveranumberofyears.
"Ontheotherhandithascontributedinnosmallmeasuretoaloweringofthestandardofmorality
andtoadisregardbybothmenandwomenofthefundamentalresponsibilitygiventohumankind
forprocreation.WhilebirthcontrolisessentialforIndiatorestrictitsgrowingpopulation,themore
Iliveandservethecauseofhealth,andtheclosercontactsIhavewithsickandsufferinghumanity,
bothinthecityandinthevillage,themoreconvincedIbecomethatitwillbeafatalstepforour
countrytoresorttoartificialmeans".
GandhijiwritesintheHarijan:"Thereisnothinginoursocietyatthepresenttimewhichis
conducivetothepracticeofselfcontrol.Ourveryupbringingisagainstit.Theprimaryconcernof
parentsistogettheirchildrenmarriedanyhowsothattheymaybreedlikerabbits.Iftheyaregirls,
theyaremarriedattheearliestageconvenient,irrespectiveoftheirmoralwelfare.Themarriage
ceremonyisonelong,drawnoutagonyoffrivolityandfeasting.Thehouseholderslifeisin
keepingwiththepastlife.Itisaprolongationofselfindulgence.Holidaysandsocialenjoyments
aresoarrangedastoallowonethegreatestlatitudeforsensuousliving.Theliteraturethatisalmost
thrustonourgenerationpanderstoanimalpassion.Modernliteraturealmostteachesthat
indulgenceinitisadutyandtotalabstinenceasin.
"Isitanywonderifcontrolofthesexualappetitehasbecomeverydifficult,ifnotimpossible?Ifthe
practiceofbirthcontrolthroughselfrestraintisthenthemostdesirable,sensibleandtotally
harmlessmethod,wemustforthwithchangetheenvironmentandsocialideal.Theonlywayto
bringaboutthedesiredresultsisforindividualswhobelieveinthemethodofselfcontroltomake
thebeginningthemselvesand,withunquenchablefaith,toaffecttheirsurroundings.Forthemthe
conceptionofmarriageIdiscussedearlierseemstometobeofthegreatestsignificance.
"Apropergraspofitmeansacompletementalrevolution.Itisnotmeantmerelyforafewselect
individuals.Itispresentedasthelawofhumanspecies.Itsbreachreducesthestatusofhuman

beingsandbringsswiftpunishmentintheshapeofmultiplicityofunwantedchildren,atrainof
diseases,anddisruptionofmanasamoralbeingresponsibletohisMaker.
"Birthcontrolbytheuseofcontraceptivesnodoubtregulatesthenumberofnewcomerstosome
extentandenablesapersonofmoderatemeanstokeepthewolffromthedoor.Butthemoralharm
itdoestotheindividualandtosocietyisincalculable.Foronething,theoutlookuponlifeforthose
whosatisfythesexualappetiteforthesakeofitiswhollychanged.Marriageceasestobea
sacramentforthem.Itmeansarevaluationofthesocialidealshithertoprizedasaprecioustreasure.
Nodoubtthisargumentwillmakelittleappealtothosewhoregardtheoldidealsaboutmarriageas
meresuperstition.Myargumentisonlyaddressedtothosewhostillregardmarriageasasacrament
andwomannotasaninstrumentofanimalpleasurebutasthemotherofmanandtrusteeofthe
virtueofherprogeny.
"Myexperienceofselfcontrolbyfellowworkersandmyselfconfirmsformetheviewpresented
here.Itassumesoverwhelmingforcefrommydiscoveryinavividlightoftheancientconceptof
marriage.Tome,thepracticeofBrahmacharyainmarriedlifenowassumesitsnaturaland
inevitablepositionandbecomesassimpleasthefactofmarriageitself.Anyothermethodofbirth
controlseemsunthinkableanduseless.Iftheideathatthegrandandonlyfunctionofthesexual
organisgeneration,possessesmenandwomen,thenunionforanyotherpurposewillbeheldasa
criminalwasteofthevitalfluid,andtheconsequentexcitementcausedtowomanandmanasan
equallycriminalwasteofpreciousenergy.
"Itisnoweasytounderstandwhythescientistsofoldplacedsuchgreatvalueuponthevitalfluid
andwhytheyinsisteduponitsstrongtransmutationintothehighestformofenergyforthebenefit
ofsocietyasawhole.Theyboldlystatedthatonewhoattainedperfectcontroloverthesexual
energystrengthenedthewholebeingphysical,mentalandspiritualandattainedpowers
unattainablebyanyothermeans.
"Letnotthereaderbedisturbedbytheabsenceofmanyorevenanylivingspecimenofsuchgiant
Brahmacharisaswerefoundindaysofyore.TheBrahmacharisthatwehavetodayareincomplete
specimens.Atbesttheyareaspirantswhohaveacquiredcontrolofthebodybutnotofthemind.
Theyhavenotbecomeproofagainsttemptation.ThisisnotbecauseBrahmacharyaissodifficultof
attainment.Itisbecausethesocialenvironmentisagainstthem,andthemajorityofthosewhoare
makinganhonesteffortunknowinglyisolatethecontrolofanimalpassionfromallotherpassions,
whereas,tobesuccessfultheeffortmustincludecontrolofallpassionstowhichmanisaprey.
WhilstcompleteBrahmacharyaisnotimpossibleofattainmentbytheaveragemanandwoman,it
mustnotbefeltthatitrequireslesseffortthanthatrequiredbyastudentwhowishestomasterone
ofthesciences".