Celibacy in Spirituality — The REAL reason it is practised
Celibacy — The Yogic View of Brahmacharya (and why it’s not celibacy)
In this article, we speak about celibacy, Brahmacharya — and what it really means in the Yogic context.
This practice has the power to bestow supernatural abilities in humans.
The incredible benefits seem to have been lost because these days, when people hear about celibacy — they equate it to a religious practice, to “good & bad”.
E.g. sex is bad. This couldn’t be further from the truth, because without sex, none of us would be here. It is a divine act, it creates life.
Brahmacharya or celibacy is the fourth Yama (rules for peaceful living) from the eight limbs of Yoga — Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
The Yogic View
In the science of Yoga, unlike religion there is no “good or bad”.
The whole science has one goal, to end suffering by ceasing the needless chatter of the mind, and helping humans to realise their true nature as pure love.
Anything that promotes this, is practiced.
Brahmacharya is one of these practices, but it is not confined to celibacy.
What is Brahmacharya
Brahm = Divinity. (Ultimate reality)
Charya = The path/to walk the path
Brahmacharya means walking the path to divinity.
Anybody who practices walking this path — practices Brahmacharya.
So what does this have to do with celibacy, you may ask?
Simple.
The practice of celibacy is a powerful way to reach the goal of Yoga.
Why?
Because remember, the goal of yoga is to cease the needless chatter of the mind. To end suffering.
This “chatter” or “monkey mind” = A mind that is not in our control.
We are under the control of the mind.
And this needs to be reversed. WE must become the one controlling our mind.
(If you’re familiar with the Bhagavad Gita — you know that Arjuna sits on a chariot of horses).
Arjuna is the mind, and the horses are the senses.
The horses have to be reigned in.
And for this, we need energy, strength, willpower, force, stamina — ENERGY.
And what gives energy?
SEMINAL FLUID
According to the Science of Ayurveda, there are 7 tissues that make up our body.
And these are produced from the food we eat.
So the process is — we eat food which is converted (in the below order) to these 7
Food becomes
- Plasma
- Blood
- Muscle
- Fat
- Bone
- Bone Marrow
- Semen
40 drops of blood = 1 drop of semen
This (Semen) consists of 2 parts.
One part for sex and reproduction.
The other is for ENERGY for our body and mind.
This energy is very potent, very powerful.
(I mean come on, it can create LIFE)
So we have a choice. We can waste & dissipate it, through masturbation and sex.
Or, we can conserve it. When this energy is conserved, it can be used for other purposes.
(In Yoga, it is used to gain strength over the mind, to transcend the mind.) To pierce the veil of ignorance and realise our true nature as beings of pure love. To end suffering.
Through meditation, this energy (Ojas) can be converted into spiritual energy.
It has also been the secret weapon of people who have achieved great things in this world.
In my next video and article — I will be covering the benefits & supernatural powers of Brahmacharya — so make sure you follow my youtube channel @meditatewihrishi and sign up to the blog at meditatewithrishi.com
HOW TO PRACTICE
So bear in mind that Brahmacharya does not only mean celibacy. It means walking the divine path. It means living in control. Control of thoughts, words & actions.
Living in a way that brings peace to the mind, body, soul.
Living in a way that brings peace to others.
Now specifically — How to practice celibacy.
It has been prescribed by the ancient sages not to “force” celibacy.
Anything that we control by force, we become obsessed with.
In my personal experience, it is best to start slow. It’s okay if you have a different opinion.
But the way to start slow is…
If you have multiple sexual partners, reduce them.
If you have a few sexual partners, make it one.
If you have one sexual partner, be content. Commit to your relationship.
Look for a life partner instead of a casual sex.
When you find this person, commit to them.
Yes, you can be married and still practice Brahmacharya.
Just being faithful is a great start. (Be faithful in all ways — cheating is not only physical!)
Continue to practice the other limbs of Yoga.
When you practice meditation, with time — your urges for “pleasure” will naturally reduce.
We only seek pleasure in sex, drugs, alcohol, junk food etc when we are not blissful. When we are disconnected from our true nature (love)
The closer you get to your true nature (through meditation & spiritual practice)… the less you will need of the temporary pleasures.
Trust me when I say this, meditation helped me overcome an addiction to drugs & alcohol… and do what I’m doing today. Without any force.
That is all.
Keep practising.
Peace & Love
Rishi
YouTube — @meditatewithrishi
Website — www.meditatewithrishi.com
