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by Mulavana Bhattathiri
Lord Ayyappa says "Brahmacharya or spotless chastity is the best of all
penances; a
celibate
of such spotless chastity is not a human being, but a god indeed... To
the
celibate who conserves the semen with great efforts, what is there
unattainable in this world ? By the power of the composure of the
semen, one
will become just like Myself." - Sri Sankaracharya
The importance of Brahmacharya is clearly explained in the Yajurveda. In
this
modern life very few only understand this and practice it. All the Vedas
and
other scriptures of Hinduism lay great emphasis on Brahmacharya.
In the Vedic period a student was also known as Brahmachari. By preserving the
energy, strength and vitality of mind and various organs one can lead a happy, energetic and healthy life. The mind will be clear and brain
will be superb for a Brahmachari. Since it is the mine of all virtues, it enhances the strength, life span and health.
Brahmacharya is the dam of all
pleasures of life and only learned people keep it. By the practice of
Brahmacharya, their power and
life increase and all sickness is destroyed. It is easy to preach about
Brahmacharya, but to
practice it is very difficult. One should try to be always in the company
of
noble people and control their senses as far as possible to get the
actual
reward of human life. A man is known by the company he keeps. If one
always
moves in the company of good, learned and noble ones, there is no doubt
that
he can be one among them one day.
Company is contagious and man changes
his
colors accordingly sooner or later. He cannot remain unaffected for
long in a bad company. Best company means not only noble people but also good books written by great scholars,
sages, saints, prophets, rishis, and munis. They
contain
vast treasures of wealth and make one so rich that the worldly
riches appear very insignificant. One of the verses in the Yajurveda states
that learned people who are actually endowed with divine powers should do two things in this world. One is that they should propagate the teachings
of
Brahmacharya and control of senses so that people may become strong and healthy leading a fully vigorous life. Next,
by education and
practice thereof, they should teach one and all how to develop their
inner
strength and power so that people may enjoy their blissful life fully
in all
respects.
In another verse, it is stated that such people, who abandon
the
company of the bad and give up all bad and evil habits, keeping away
from
immoral life, increase their vitality and beget good children. They
strengthen
and glorify their race and their country.
Brahmacharya gives the power to face and solve any problem as a
boat
can ferry people through turbulent waters of the sea. A Brahmachari is
liked and respected in all the societies and meetings. In one verse it
is
explained that the marriage age of a boy begins at twenty-sixth year and of a
girl at seventeen, and that they should practice Brahmacharya
at
any cost till then before they can get married. Those who get education following the
rules of Brahmacharya, shine like the sun, are quick in all what they do like a
hawk
and become the hallmark of respect, enjoying their life, skipping like a deer.
In the student life it is better to preserve vital fluid,
which
is the life thread, so that a student can utilize his energy and strength
for his education and learning. In the Vedic period, students were imparted with
all necessary knowledge, right from the Earth to the sun, in such a way that all
divinity
resided in their bodies so that in future they would become assets to their
country
and the world. They had
harmony of the mind, heart and hand in a
way that was beneficial to the society as a whole. It has been truly
said
that if our hearts are strong, our minds are not in vain. A person
without
education is a beast and so is a person without Dharma.
Education and knowledge are like the two eyes of a person, which enable him
to
see things correctly and discern his own position. The purpose of
education
is to make man what he ought to be.
According to the Vedas, education on arts and material science is not enough,
because a major portion of perfection can be achieved by
studying
spiritual sciences. The aim of life and education is that we may live a
new
life in the realm of self and the creation, with harmony and happiness
and become virtuous. Every second of our lives should be fully utilized
so
that no room is left for idling. It is a well known saying that an idle
mind is
a devil's workshop. Of course relaxation and enjoyment are necessary along with study to keep oneself fit and fresh and ready to face any
challenges
of life.
If proper education is not given to children, parents become their enemies,
since
they get isolated in society.
Teachers should take utmost care to develop, with understanding, good character and affection
among their students along with studies.
They should be taught that all women are like their mothers, sisters or
daughters,
according to their age and that they should be protected by all means.
In the Vedas we are advised not to earn wealth at the cost of others' pain and suffering.
It is not good to fatigue one self too much both physically and
mentally.
Hard-work is the keystone to virtuous earning with the sweat of one's
own
brow, not by lottery, speculation and gambling. Don't do anything undesirable and harmful to the society.
Acquire knowledge, which can not be stolen away by thieves.
A great scholar of ancient India, Sri Pathanjali, in his teachings,
explains
the importance of Brahmacharya. It was studied by foreign scholars, such as Dr. Louis,
an eminent physician, who opined, in his book Chastity, that most precious atoms of the
blood
enter into the composition of semen . So
preservation
of semen by practicing continence helps the better development of brain
,
body, and mind .Dr. Nicholas says that the best blood in the body goes
to
form the elements of reproduction in both the sexes .So if anybody
wastes
semen, he is loosing the best part of the blood and becomes weak
physically and mentally. If it is preserved, he becomes strong, intelligent,
scholarly, heroic and
powerful.
Brahmacharya can be practiced by married people also. Chastity and
fidelity
are the foundation on which a strong and happy marital relationship
stands
and should be understood by husband and wife. In the Srimad Bhagavatham, a
holy
book of Hinduism, it is clearly mentioned that practice of brahmacharya
is
also one of the important duties in married life and it is waived only
for
the purpose of procreation, austerity, purity, contentment and
friendliness
towards all1. Ancient Rishi of India, Pathanjali, also says in his Yogasutras
that CONTINENCE IS LIFE AND INCONTINENCE IS EQUAL TO DEATH. Lord Siva in the Jnanasamkalani Tantra says,
"The wise do not
regard
the
ordinary forms of asceticism as real asceticism. Continence is the
highest
asceticism. He who is a continent is equal to God."
So especially youth, in whom the future of our country rests, should
practice
celibacy, as far as possible, to lead the country and countrymen to have
a
prosperous future.
Living examples are Sri A.B Vajpayee, ex. President A.P.J.Kalam, Mata
Amritanandamayi Devi and a host of gurus, saints and sanyasins, who are doing
selfless work in spreading the awareness of Dharma, virtue and
self-discipline.
Suggested Further Reading
Footnotes
1. Srimad Bhagavatam 11.18.43
| Author: Sri Mulavana Bhattathiri is a Retired Chief
Technical Examiner , to The Govt. of Kerala. He has a good
understanding of Hinduism and Hindu scriptures. |
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