Brachmacharya can be translated into restraint, control of the senses or celibacy. Although, the literally definition is ‘being established in divine consciousness’. That sounds like a challenge to me. So what does brachmacharya mean for your daily life?
The translation ‘control of the senses’ appeals to me the most. Originally celibacy was considered an important part of this fourth yama. Sex is believed to be the most depleting to the psychic and nervous system of all the sensual activities. In our modern society, brachmacharya can be interpreted as practicing sex and other sensual activities with moderation to your best ability. This will leave you with more energy to meditate and practice yoga. For me the word ‘too’ symbolizes not practising brachmacharya; for example too much food or sex and too less relaxation or sleep. Within a marriage control of the senses lead to a life of spiritual partnership ideally.
This yama also refers to an attitude of non-attachment to sensual pleasures with addiction being the extreme. Craving physical pleasures, such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping or watching television as a substitute for real happiness, is not in accordance with brachmacharya. You can still enjoy your class of wine and a piece of chocolate, but with moderation and not with the purpose to create feelings of happiness. Since happiness comes from within.
You can apply moderation in different areas in your life: relationships, career, health, possessions. If you look honestly at your life; what are your obsessions to create false feelings of temporary happiness? What kind of behaviour interferes with your yogic/spiritual/religious path? I can have a tendency to be too obsessed with my exercise regime and healthy nutrition for example. Others are grasping for excessive amounts of chocolate every time they feel stressed and sad. Think about how much energy you would save to fulfill your life goals if you would practise moderation in certain areas in your life.
Practising brachmacharya will result in good health, inner strength, peace of mind and a long life. So why not give it a try?
Inspiring article Jacinta, thanks for sharing. Here’s my quarter:
I believe for anyone walking the spiritual path, at some point “lower energies” inside of us are supposed to be transformed into “higher energies”. Strengthening the feeling of connection between the Gods’ Spark and the Ego’s Essence (the deeper Truth of the form we’ve taken on for this incarnation).
In a natural way, how strict one does it depends on ones self-chosen Karma Path & Personality. Too much lust can destroy a person, but a little bit of it is required to practice Tantra.
For me personally this idea does cancel out all toxins such as alcohol, amongst reasons it’s negative effect on the energybodies of the Aura. Same for chocolate, as cow milk – or whatever animal’s milk – is supposed to help baby animals grow, not human beings. Scientific research has shown it’s negative effects on human bones…. but the people with power in the World have created a positive myth about for centuries. Hidden agendas.
Alcohol, sigarettes, soft- & harddrugs, meat, fish, sugar…….. because of it’s low energy frequencies and/or negative effects on humans, cannot be transformed into higher energy, I think. There are so many great substitutes, have you discovered good natural foods / drinks in Africa and New Zealand? Would love to learn more here.
In Oneness and Love,
Tim van der Meer
Hi Tim,
Thank you for your comment!
I agree with your statement regarding cow milk. For that reason, I prefer to use soya and/or rice milk. I consume alcohol and chocolate (and any other sugars) in moderation. There are less natural/organic foods provided in Africa and New Zealand compared to the Netherlands, is my experience. The organic foods are relatively more expensive as well. Though, I have the feeling that there are less battery cages and farms in New Zealand. Simply because there is more space and less people. Organic farms exist, but they are less organized and they produce mostly on a small scale. A lot of people here grow their own fruits and vegetables. These are just my thoughts and therefore not based on actual facts.
With love,
Jacinta
So wonderfully stated….I hope you get a chance to see my post on the Yamas including brahmacharya, Namaskaram