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|title=Brahmacharya

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|description=The word 'Brahmacharya' literally means "conduct consistent with Brahman" or "on the path of Brahman"

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The Sanskrit word ‘Brahmacharya’ is made up of two components: 'Brahma’ means the absolute, eternal truth, ultimate reality, and supreme God and ‘Charya’ means to follow. So Brahmacharya is the virtuous way of lifestyle or behavior to achieve ultimate reality, eventually leading to healthy living. Brahmacharya is the ideal regulated activity (samyak yoga) of sense organs (jnanendriya), motor organs (karmendriya) and both (ubhayendriya) with respect to time ([[kala]]), objects (artha) and activities ([[karma]]) for the growth and protection of an individual. Brahmacharya is the moderation of senses, which makes it physical as well as mental identity. Brahmacharya is a prerequisite to a healthy life. The practice of brahmacharya will lead to attaining the highest level of knowledge and health during student life. Brahmacharya is one of the five codes of conduct (yama) presented in the classical ashtanga yoga by Patanjali, where it plays the same role as the roots of the tree. In [[Ayurveda]] samhitas, it is mentioned as one of the three subpillars (trayopstambha), which supports the three pillars (tridanda) for the protection of the life ([[ayu]]). Brahmacharya is said to be one way for the kundalini jagaran, to gain the ultimate knowledge. In contemporary science, brahmacharya is considered as “celibacy”, which merely means non-indulgence in sexual activity. Brahmacharya is not always abstinence from sexual activity (maithuna karma); but it means practicing sexual act in a disciplined manner, as mentioned in sciences (shastra).[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1] So, practicing brahmacharya means altogether avoiding sexual activity is a myth. It means one should have controlled the activities of indriya. Brahmacharya is restraint or control of the mind through ascetic means. This article describes various aspects of brahmacharya with its importance in the preservation of health.

The Sanskrit word ‘Brahmacharya’ is made up of two components: 'Brahma’ means the absolute, eternal truth, ultimate reality, and supreme God and ‘Charya’ means to follow. So Brahmacharya is the virtuous way of lifestyle or behavior to achieve ultimate reality, eventually leading to healthy living. Brahmacharya is the ideal regulated activity (samyak yoga) of sense organs (jnanendriya), motor organs (karmendriya) and both (ubhayendriya) with respect to time ([[kala]]), objects (artha) and activities ([[karma]]) for the growth and protection of an individual. Brahmacharya is the moderation of senses, which makes it physical as well as mental identity. Brahmacharya is a prerequisite to a healthy life. The practice of brahmacharya will lead to attaining the highest level of knowledge and health during student life. Brahmacharya is one of the five codes of conduct (yama) presented in the classical ashtanga yoga by Patanjali, where it plays the same role as the roots of the tree. In [[Ayurveda]] samhitas, it is mentioned as one of the three subpillars (trayopstambha), which supports the three pillars (tridanda) for the protection of the life ([[ayu]]). Brahmacharya is said to be one way for the kundalini jagaran, to gain the ultimate knowledge. In contemporary science, brahmacharya is considered as “celibacy”, which merely means non-indulgence in sexual activity. Brahmacharya is not always abstinence from sexual activity (maithuna karma); but it means practicing sexual act in a disciplined manner, as mentioned in sciences (shastra).[Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 2/1] So, practicing brahmacharya means altogether avoiding sexual activity is a myth. It means one should have controlled the activities of [[indriya]]. Brahmacharya is restraint or control of the mind through ascetic means. This article describes various aspects of brahmacharya with its importance in the preservation of health.

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

|label8 = Date of first publication:

|label8 = Date of first publication:

|data8 = September 10, 2022

|data8 = September 30, 2022

|label9 = DOI

|label9 = DOI

|data9= In progress

|data9= {{DoiWithLink}}

}}

}}

==Definition and interpretations==

==Definition and interpretations==

*Brahmacharya is regulated control over the sensory motor organs ([[indriya]]) and mind ([[manas]])for the growth or to attain the ultimate truth or knowledge (brahma jnana). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/35]

*Brahmacharya is regulated control over the sensory motor organs ([[indriya]]) and mind ([[manas]]) for the growth or to attain the ultimate truth or knowledge (brahma jnana). [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 11/35]

*The path followed to attain salvation (moksha) is brahmacharya. One such way is controlling the activities of motor organs (karmendriya) such as sexual organs (upastha) etc. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/6] [Smriti Grantha, Yoga 10]<ref name=Singhal>Singhal J.C., YOGA, perceived and practiced by SAGES OF INDIA,Ch.10, First edition2009, Abhishek Prakashan, Delhi (India),P-113</ref>  It is the best wholesome activity (pathya) to be followed to maintain the health. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/6]<ref name= Susruta> Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref>  

*The path followed to attain salvation (moksha) is brahmacharya. One such way is controlling the activities of motor organs (karmendriya) such as sexual organs (upastha) etc. [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/6] [Smriti Grantha, Yoga 10]<ref name=Singhal>Singhal J.C., YOGA, perceived and practiced by SAGES OF INDIA,Ch.10, First edition2009, Abhishek Prakashan, Delhi (India),P-113</ref>  It is the best wholesome activity (pathya) to be followed to maintain the health. [Su.Sa.Sutra Sthana 2/6]<ref name= Susruta> Sushruta. Sushruta Samhita. Edited by Jadavaji Trikamji Aacharya. 8th ed. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia;2005.</ref>  

===Naishthika brahmacharya===

===Naishthika brahmacharya===

Naishthika brahmacharya is defined as the regulated activity of body ([[sharira]]), mind ([[manas]]) and speech (vak) in all the time and situations throughout life. It is meant for preservation of health ([[swasthya]]) and to achieve the main aim of life. It is regulated control over all the 11 [[indriya]] (jnanendriya- 5, karmaendriya- 5 and ubhayendriya- 1) by maintaining equilibrium to time ([[kala]]), objects (artha) and activities ([[karma]]).<ref name=BhaskaraGG/>  

Naishthika brahmacharya is defined as the regulated activity of body ([[sharira]]), mind ([[manas]]) and speech (vak) in all the time and situations throughout life. It is meant for preservation of health ([[swasthya]]) and to achieve the main aim of life. It is regulated control over all the 11 [[indriya]] (jnanendriya- 5, karmaendriya- 5 and ubhayendriya- 1) by maintaining equilibrium to time ([[kala]]), objects (artha) and activities ([[karma]]).[Vaidyakiya Subhashit Sahityam 21/7]<ref name=BhaskaraGG/>

===Vaivahika brahmacharya===

===Vaivahika brahmacharya===

Vaivahika brahmacharya is followed during married life (gruhastha) with all the disciplines for paying moral debt of ancestors (pitrurunamukti). The male above age of 25 years and females above age of 16 years can follow this.<ref name=BhaskaraGG/>  

Vaivahika brahmacharya is followed during married life (gruhastha) with all the disciplines for paying moral debt of ancestors (pitrurunamukti). The male above age of 25 years and females above age of 16 years can follow this.[Vaidyakiya Subhashit Sahityam 21/7]<ref name=BhaskaraGG/>  

=== Ashtanga brahmacharya ===

=== Ashtanga brahmacharya ===

Ashtanga brahmacharya is defined as the regulated activity of sense organs and mind when they come in contact with their objects.<ref name=BhaskaraGG/> The person following brahmacharya will always aim or work towards the victory over sensory-motor organs (indriyajaya).<ref name=BhaskaraGG/>

Ashtanga brahmacharya is defined as the regulated activity of sense organs and mind when they come in contact with their objects.<ref name=BhaskaraGG/> The person following brahmacharya will always aim or work towards the victory over sensory-motor organs (indriyajaya).[Vaidyakiya Subhashit Sahityam 21/7]<ref name=BhaskaraGG/>

==Brahmacharya in different perspectives==  

==Brahmacharya in different perspectives==  

#No thought of sex (sankalp)

#No thought of sex (sankalp)

#No attempt at sex (adhyevasaye)

#No attempt at sex (adhyevasaye)

#Physical non-indulgence in sex (kriya-nivriti)<ref name=Singhal/>  

#Physical non-indulgence in sex (kriya-nivriti)[Yoga 10/28]<ref name=Singhal/>  

Brahmacharya is fundamental to yoga practice; otherwise, all these efforts will fail.  

Brahmacharya is fundamental to yoga practice; otherwise, all these efforts will fail.  

*Rasayana therapy

*Rasayana therapy: In Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it has been quoted that there is a relationship between reproductive elements ([[shukra]]) and mind ([[manas]]). Both are interdependent, and one should try to conserve [[shukra]] to regulate [[manas]].<ref>Vaidyakiyasubhashitasahityam or sahityakasubhsaitavaidyakam (an anthology of didactic sayings on health) compiled by Dr. Govind Ghanekar, 18;35,36, Pg 139, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan Varanasi, 2003 edition.</ref>  Brahmacharya helps in preservation of [[shukra dhatu]], [[oja]] and regulation of mind. Eventually, brahmacharya gives benefits of [[rasayana]] therapy. In achararasayana, brahmacharya is included as it can produce [[rasayana]] benefits. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/31]

 

In Hatha Yoga Pradipika, it has been quoted that there is a relationship between reproductive elements ([[shukra]]) and mind ([[manas]]). Both are interdependent, and one should try to conserve [[shukra]] to regulate [[manas]].<ref>Vaidyakiyasubhashitasahityam or sahityakasubhsaitavaidyakam (an anthology of didactic sayings on health) compiled by Dr. Govind Ghanekar, 18;35,36, Pg 139, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan Varanasi, 2003 edition.</ref>  Brahmacharya helps in preservation of [[shukra dhatu]], [[oja]] and regulation of mind. Eventually, brahmacharya gives benefits of [[rasayana]] therapy. In achararasayana, brahmacharya is included as it can produce [[rasayana]] benefits. [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1/31]

==Practical methods and limitations==

==Practical methods and limitations==

Brahma also means self, and charya means “occupation with, engaging, proceeding, behavior, conduct, to follow, moving in, and going after.” This can be translated as ideal activity, conduct, or behavior for individual growth and development.

Brahma also means self, and charya means “occupation with, engaging, proceeding, behavior, conduct, to follow, moving in, and going after.” This can be translated as ideal activity, conduct, or behavior for individual growth and development.

Acharya Charaka at various places throughout the text has  mentioned lifestyle guidelines or codes of conduct viz. [[Sadvritta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/17,33], Achararasayana [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1], [[Ritucharya]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 6], [[dinacharya]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5], mokshopaya [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1], dharaniya and adharaniyavega [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7], rules for the aspirants [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8] etc.

Acharya Charaka at various places throughout the text has  mentioned lifestyle guidelines or codes of conduct viz. [[Sadvritta]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 8/17,33], Achararasayana [Cha.Sa.[[Chikitsa Sthana]] 1], [[Ritucharya]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 6], [[Dinacharya]] [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 5], mokshopaya [Cha.Sa.[[Sharira Sthana]] 1], dharaniya and adharaniyavega [Cha.Sa.[[Sutra Sthana]] 7], rules for the aspirants [Cha.Sa.[[Vimana Sthana]] 8] etc.

'''Brahmacharya and kundalini jagrana (awakening of spiritual energy):'''

'''Brahmacharya and kundalini jagrana (awakening of spiritual energy):'''

Kundalini means spiritual energy that is coiled like a snake at the base of the spine, which is illustrated as three and half times coiled sleeping serpent. The traditional descriptions of Kundalini awakening state that kundalini resides in mooladhara in the form of a coiled snake. When this sleeping and coiled snake awakens, it shoots up through sushumna.

Kundalini means spiritual energy that is coiled like a snake at the base of the spine, which is illustrated as three and half times coiled sleeping serpent. The traditional descriptions of Kundalini awakening state that kundalini resides in mooladhara in the form of a coiled snake. When this sleeping and coiled snake awakens, it shoots up through sushumna.

According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one who follows brahmacharya and always takes moderate diet and practices arousal of kundalini, achieves perfection in forty days.<ref>Hathayogapradipika edited by Pramhansa Swami Anant Bharati, 2008 edition, Tritya Updesha, ver.121, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, p.105.</ref>

According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, one who follows brahmacharya and always takes moderate diet and practices arousal of kundalini, achieves perfection in forty days.<ref>Pramhansa Swami Anant Bharati, Hathayogapradipika, 2008 edition, Tritya Updesha, ver.121, Chaukhamba Orientalia, Varanasi, p.105.</ref>

According to Swami Vivekananda, power comes to him who observes unbroken brahmacharya for a period of twelve years. Complete continence gives great intellectual and spiritual strength. Controlled desire leads to the highest results and transforms sexual energy into spiritual energy. All learning can be mastered in very short interval of time by simply observing the strict brahmacharya. Further, he added, the Yogi alone has the Sushumna open. When this sushumna current opens and begins to rise, one gets beyond the sense, the minds become superconscious. One can get beyond even the intellect, where reasoning cannot reach. To open the sushumna is the prime object of the Yogi.

According to Swami Vivekananda, power comes to him who observes unbroken brahmacharya for a period of twelve years. Complete continence gives great intellectual and spiritual strength. Controlled desire leads to the highest results and transforms sexual energy into spiritual energy. All learning can be mastered in very short interval of time by simply observing the strict brahmacharya. Further, he added, the Yogi alone has the Sushumna open. When this sushumna current opens and begins to rise, one gets beyond the sense, the minds become superconscious. One can get beyond even the intellect, where reasoning cannot reach. To open the sushumna is the prime object of the Yogi.

   

   

Sama Veda says that brahmacharis become friends of God. Brahmacharis also called Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas. Brahmachari for 24 years are called Vasus, for 36 years Rudras, and for 48 years Adityas.<ref>Pt. Pamswaroop Sharma Gaud, Samavedsamhita,chapter 16, 2019 edition, Chaukhambha publishing house.</ref>

Sama Veda says that brahmacharis become friends of God. Brahmacharis also called Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas. Brahmachari for 24 years are called Vasus, for 36 years Rudras, and for 48 years Adityas.<ref>Pt. Pamswaroop Sharma Gaud, Samavedsamhita,chapter 16, 2019 edition, Chaukhambha publishing house.</ref>

==Brahamacharya and diet==

==Brahamacharya and diet==

==Recent researches==

==Recent researches==

Recent research suggests that brahmacharya is a prerequisite to a healthy life.<ref>Upadhyay Devanand ,BRAHMACHARYA: A PREREQUISITE TO HEALTHY LIFE International Ayurvedic Medical Journal,ISSN:2320 5091.</ref>, <ref>Dr. Khushboo Bishnoi,Dr. Anupam Pathak, Role of  Brahmacharya in healthy life: A review, World Journal of Pharmaceutical and medical research, ISSN 2455-3301 WJPMR.</ref> Brahmacharya  prolongs the life span by reducing the aging process.<ref>Skandhan KP, Antony Jose, Prasad BS.Brahmacharya(Celibacy) prolongs lifespan by reducing the ageing process, GJRA (Global Journal for research analysis)10 (07)July,2021.DOI10.36106/gjra.</ref>  

Recent research suggests that brahmacharya is a prerequisite to a healthy life.<ref>Upadhyay Devanand ,Brahmacharya: A prerequisite to healthy life. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, ISSN:2320 5091.</ref>, <ref>Dr. Khushboo Bishnoi,Dr. Anupam Pathak, Role of  Brahmacharya in healthy life: A review, World Journal of Pharmaceutical and medical research, ISSN 2455-3301 WJPMR.</ref> Brahmacharya  prolongs the life span by reducing the aging process.<ref>Skandhan KP, Antony Jose, Prasad BS.Brahmacharya(Celibacy) prolongs lifespan by reducing the ageing process, GJRA (Global Journal for research analysis)10 (07)July,2021.DOI10.36106/gjra.</ref>  

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