Brahmacharya

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Template:Italic title Template:Hinduism small Template:Jainism Template:Buddhism Brahmacharya (Template:IPAc-en; Sanskrit: Template:IAST Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य) is the concept within Indian religions that literally means "conduct consistent with Brahman" or "on the path of Brahman".[1] Brahmacharya, a discipline of controlling the senses, is seen as a way to liberation. Though sexual restraint is a part of brahmacharya, brahmacharya encompasses all striving toward a passionless state.[2]

In one context, brahmacharya is the first of four ashrama (age-based stages) of a human life. The brahmacharya (bachelor student) stage of life – from childhood up to twenty-five years of age – was focused on education and included the practice of celibacy.[3] In this context, it connotes chastity during the student stage of life for the purposes of learning from a guru (teacher), and during later stages of life for the purposes of attaining spiritual liberation or moksha.[4][5]

In the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist monastic traditions, brahmacharya implies, among other things, the mandatory renunciation of sex and marriage.[6] It is considered necessary for a monk's spiritual practice.[7]

Etymology

The word Template:Transliteration stems from two Sanskrit roots:

  1. Template:Transliteration (Devanagari: Template:Lang) meaning one's own Self in non-dual schools or a distinct entity in dualistic schools, ultimate unchanging reality, absolute consciousness, much discussed in the Upanishads.[8]
  2. Template:Transliteration (Template:Lang), which means activity, behaviour, conduct.[9]

Hence, Template:Transliteration roughly means "to stay true to one's Self or one own Template:Transliteration" or "on the path of Template:Transliterationn".[1]

In ancient and medieval era Indian texts, the term Template:Transliteration is a concept with a more complex meaning, indicating a lifestyle conducive to the pursuit of sacred knowledge and spiritual liberation.[10] Template:Transliteration is a means, not an end. It usually includes cleanliness, Template:Transliteration, simple living, studies, meditation, and voluntary restraints on certain foods (eating only Sattvic food), intoxicants, and on sexual behavior (both sex and masturbation, in some schools of thought).[10]

One who practices brahmacarya is known as a brahmacārī or brahmacārinī. Various Template:Transliteration (Template:Lang, Template:Translation) and Template:Transliteration (Template:Lang, Template:Translation) of Hinduism also call their initiates by these terms.[11][12]

In Hinduism

Brahmacharya represents the highest level of self-control, an intense mental and spiritual discipline of controlling the senses to attain liberation. It encompasses renouncing desires for temporary worldly pleasures to focus one's self toward religious goals.[2] Brahmacharya is the oldest form of institutionalized asceticism in India, but less institutionalized than renunciatory asceticism.[13] There is no single ritual of initiation into brahmacharya.

In the Vedas

The Vedas discuss Template:Transliteration, both in the context of lifestyle and as a stage of one's life. Rig Veda, for example, in Mandala 10, Sukta 136, mentions knowledge seekers as those Template:Transliteration (long-haired) and with soil-colored clothes (yellow, orange, saffron) engaged in the affairs of Template:Transliteration (mind, meditation).[14] Rig Veda, however, refers to these people as Template:Transliteration and Template:Transliteration. The Atharva Veda, completed by about Template:BCE, has more explicit discussion of Template:Transliteration, in Book XI, Chapter 5.[15] This chapter of Atharva Veda describes Template:Transliteration as that which leads to one's second birth (mind, Self-awareness), with Hymn 11.5.3 painting a symbolic picture that when a teacher accepts a Template:Transliteration, the student becomes his embryo.[15]

The concept and practice of Template:Transliteration is found extensively among the older strata of the Mukhya Upanishads in Hinduism. The Template:BCE text Chandogya Upanishad describes, in Book 8, activities and lifestyle that is Template:Transliteration:[16]

Template:Quote

A hymn in another early Upanishad, the Mundaka Upanishad in Book 3, Chapter 1, similarly states,

Template:Quote

The Vedas and early Upanishadic texts of Hinduism in their discussion of Template:Transliteration, make no mention of the age of the student at the start of Template:Transliteration,[17] nor any restraint on sexual activity. However, there is a clear general consensus in both specific and various Upanishads (such as the Shandilya Upanishad) as well as Hindu Template:Transliteration (such as the Manusmriti) that the male "student", referred to as the "Template:Transliteration" should abstain from the "release of semen." This rule may or may not apply to the guru. The verses 11.5.4.16 and 11.5.4.17 of the Satpatha Brahamana present two different viewpoints on the sexual activity, of the guru during the Template:Transliteration, i.e., the teacher of the "student Template:Transliteration", one against and one as a choice.[18] Similarly, in verse 11.5.4.18, the Satapatha Brahmana presents contrasting viewpoints on an eating restraint (regarding honey) for the Template:Transliteration student.[18]

As a virtue

Template:Transliteration is traditionally regarded as one of the five Template:Transliteration in Yoga, as declared in verse 2.30 of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.[19] It is a form of self-restraint regarded as a virtue, and an observance recommended in a manner that depends on an individual's context. For a married practitioner, it means marital fidelity (not cheating on one's spouse); for a single person, it means celibacy.[20] Patanjali in verse 2.38[21] states that the virtue of brahmacharya leads to the profit of Template:Transliteration (Template:Lang).[22] This Sanskrit word, Template:Transliteration, has been variously translated as virility and, by Vyasa, as strength and capacity. Vyasa explains that this virtue promotes other good qualities.[22]

The Shandilya Upanishad includes Template:Transliteration as one of ten Template:Transliteration in Chapter 1, defining it as "refraining from sexual intercourse in all places and in all states in mind, speech, or body"[23] while Linga Purana in chapter 1.8 states that in case of householders, indulgence in sexual intercourse with their own wives and abstention from it with other women mentally, physically and verbally should be understood as brahmacharya as well.[24][25]

Other ancient and medieval era texts of Hinduism describe the fruits of this virtue differently. For example, Pada Chandrika, Raja Marttanda, Sutrartha Bodhini, Mani Prabha, and Yoga Sudhakara each state that Template:Transliteration must be understood as the voluntary restraint of power.[22] Chandogya Upanishad in verses of chapter 8.5 extols Template:Transliteration as a sacrament and sacrifice which, once perfected, leads to realization of the Self ([[Ātman (Hinduism)|Template:Transliteration]]), and thereafter becomes the habit of experiencing the Self in others and everything.[22][26] Tattva Vaisharadi and Yoga Sarasangraha assert that Template:Transliteration leads to an increase in Template:Transliteration (power of knowledge) and Template:Transliteration (power of action).[22]

The great epic Mahabharata describes the objective of Template:Transliteration as knowledge of Brahman (Book Five, Udyoga Parva, the Book of Effort).[27] Template:Transliteration leads one to union with the Supreme Self (Chapter 43). By subduing desire, the practice of self-restraint enables the student to learn, pay attention in thought, word, and deed to the Template:Transliteration (teacher), and discover the truth embodied in the Vedas and Upanishads. According to the epic, the practice of studying and learning requires the "aid of time," as well as personal effort, ability, discussion, and practice, all of which are helped by virtue of Template:Transliteration.[27] A Template:Transliteration should do useful work, and the earnings he obtains should be given away as Template:Transliteration ("fee," "gift of thanks") to the guru. The epic declares that Template:Transliteration is one of twelve virtues, an essential part of Template:Transliteration in yoga and the path of perfecting perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge.[27]

In Jainism

Jain Flag Photo
Green colour in the Jain flag stands for Template:TransliterationTemplate:Sfn

Template:Transliteration is one of the five vows prescribed for the Template:Transliteration (layman) and for ascetics in Jainism. For those Jains who adopt the path of monks, celibacy in action, words, and thoughts is expected. For lay Jains who are married, the virtue of Template:Transliteration requires remaining sexually faithful to one's chosen partner.[28] For lay Jains who are unmarried, chaste living requires Jains to avoid sex before marriage.[29] Template:Transliteration (Supreme Celibacy) is one of the ten excellencies of a Jain monk.Template:Sfn Template:Transliteration is mentioned as one of the Template:Transliteration (ten virtues) in ancient Jain texts like Tattvartha Sutra, Sarvārthasiddhi and Puruşārthasiddhyupāya.Template:Sfn

Among Sramanic traditions

Among the Sramanic traditions (Buddhism, Jainism, Ājīvika, and Charvaka schoolsTemplate:Citation needed), Template:Transliteration is the term used for a self-imposed practice of celibacy that is generally considered a prerequisite for spiritual practice. The fourth of the five great vows of Jain monks, for example, is the vow of celibacy, which in this case means total abstinence from the sensual pleasure of all five senses, including the avoidance of sexual thoughts and desires.[28][30] The yogin who is firmly grounded in the virtue of Template:Transliteration is said to gain great vitality.[31]

As Asrama stage of life

Template:Main

Template:Transliteration in Hinduism literally means "conduct consistent with Brahman" or "on the path of Brahman".[1]

Historically Template:Transliteration referred to a stage of life (Template:Transliteration) within the Vedic ashram system. Ancient Hindu culture divided the human lifespan into four stages: Template:Transliteration, Template:Transliteration, Template:Transliteration, and Template:Transliteration. Template:Transliteration occupies the first 20–25 years of life, roughly corresponding to adolescence.[32][33] Upon the child's Template:Transliteration,[34] the young person would begin a life of study in the Gurukula (the household of the Guru) dedicated to learning all aspects of Template:Transliteration that is the "principles of righteous living". Template:Transliteration comprised personal responsibilities towards himself, family, society, humanity, and God which included the environment, earth, and nature. This educational period started when the child was five to eight years old and lasted until the age of 14 to 20 years.[35] During this stage of life, the traditional vedic sciences and various Template:Transliteration[36] are studied along with the religious texts contained within the Vedas and Upanishads.[37] This stage of life was characterized by the practice of celibacy. The purpose of brahmacharya in this stage is to get rid of passions, which interfere with learning.[2]

During this stage of life, the chastity is for the purposes of learning from a guru (teacher), and during later stages of life, it is for the purposes of attaining spiritual liberation. (Sanskrit: Template:Transliteration).[38]

Brahmacharya for girls

The Vedas and Upanishads do not restrict the student stage of life to males.[39] Atharva Veda, for example, states[39][40]

Template:Quote

No age restrictions

Gonda[41] states that there were no age restrictions for the start of Template:Transliteration in ancient India. Not only young men, but older people resorted to the student stage of life, and sought teachers who were authoritative in certain subjects.[41] The Chandogya Upanishad, in Section 5.11, describes "wealthy and learned householders" becoming Template:Transliteration (students) with Rishi Kaikeya, to gain knowledge about Atman (inner Self) and Brahman (Ultimate Reality).[42]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named James Lochtefeld pp. 120
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Gandhi's Ascetic Activism: Renunciation and Social Action{{#if:Howard|, Howard}. State University of New York Press(2013)
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named rks
  4. ↑ Georg Feuerstein, The Encyclopedia of Yoga and Tantra, Shambhala Publications, Template:ISBN, 2011, pg 76, Quote – "Brahmacharya essentially stands for the ideal of chastity"
  5. ↑ W.J. Johnson (2009), "The chaste and celibate state of a student of the Veda", Oxford Dictionary of Hinduism, Oxford University Press, Template:ISBN, pg 62
  6. ↑ Carl Olson (2007), Celibacy and Religious Traditions, Oxford University Press, Template:ISBN, page 227-233
  7. ↑ DR Pattanaik (1998), The Holy Refusal, MELUS, Vol. 23, No. 2, 113–127
  8. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  9. ↑ चर्य. LearnSanskrit.cc Dictionary.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Celibacy, Culture, and Society: The Anthropology of Sexual Abstinence{{#if:Khandelwal|, Khandelwal}. University of Wisconsin Press(2001). ISBN 978-0-299-17164-3
  11. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  12. ↑ The Graceful Guru: Hindu Female Gurus in India and the United States{{#if:Pechilis|, Pechilis}. Oxford University Press(2004). ISBN 978-0-19-514537-3
  13. ↑ Female ascetics in Hinduism{{#if:Denton|, Denton}. State University of New York Press(2004). ISBN 978-0-7914-8462-3
  14. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Template:Multiref2
  16. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  17. ↑ Some recent Upanishads do see for example Naradaparivrajaka Upanishad mentioned below
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 The Satapatha Brahmana, Part V{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Clarendon Press(1900)
  19. ↑ Pātañjalayogasūtrāṇi{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Ānandāśrama(1904)
  20. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  21. ↑ Yoga Sutra, verse 2.35–2.39(24 January 2013).
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: With the Exposition of Vyasa, Motilal Banarsidas{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}(2001). ISBN 978-8120818255
  23. ↑ Thirty Minor Upanishads{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. V̇asanṭā Press(1914)
  24. ↑ Linga Purana - English Translation - Part 1 of 2{{#if:J.L.Shastri|, J.L.Shastri}. Motilal Banarsidass(1951)
  25. ↑ Yogic zones (aṣṭāṅgayoga-nirūpaṇa) [Chapter 8], www.wisdomlib.org. www.wisdomlib.org(2023-05-25). Retrieved 2023-12-29.
  26. ↑ The Chandogyopanishad{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Oriental Book Agency(1942)
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Bharata Press(1886)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Five Great Vows (Maha-vratas) of Jainism, Shah, Pravin K.. Jainism Literature Center.
  29. ↑ Brahmacharya. BBC. BBC Religion(2009-09-11).
  30. ↑ Encyclopedia of Business Ethics and Society{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. SAGE(2008). ISBN 978-1-4129-1652-3Template:Verify source
  31. ↑ The Shambhala Encyclopedia of Yoga{{#if:Feuerstein|, Feuerstein}. Shambhala(2000). ISBN 978-1-57062-555-8
  32. ↑ Manusmriti suggests the Template:Transliteration be about 25 years, one-fourth of the normal life of a human being he estimates to be 100 years. See: Indian Society, Institutions and Change{{#if:Sharma|, Sharma}. Atlantic Publishers & Dist(2004). ISBN 978-81-7156-665-5
  33. ↑ What Is Hinduism?{{#if:Veylanswami|, Veylanswami}. Himalayan Academy Publications(2007). ISBN 978-1-934145-00-5
  34. ↑ Hinduism: An Introduction{{#if:Vivekjivandas|, Vivekjivandas}. Swaminarayan Aksharpith(2011). ISBN 978-81-7526-434-2
  35. ↑ The Blackwell Companion to Hinduism{{#if:Rocher|, Rocher}. Wiley-Blackwell(2003). ISBN 0-631-21535-2
  36. ↑ Traditions of the Indian Craftsman. The Journal of American Folklore—Traditional India: Structure and Change({Template:Date).
  37. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  38. ↑ Template:Multiref2
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Sacred Rights: The Case for Contraception and Abortion in World Religions{{#if:Jain|, Jain}. Oxford University Press on Demand(2003). ISBN 978-0-19-516001-7
  40. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named atharvaveda2
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Change and continuity in Indian religion{{#if:Gonda|, Gonda}. Mouton(1965)
  42. ↑ Template:Multiref2

Sources

Further reading

  • Sexual Energy and Yoga{{#if:Haich|, Haich}. Aurora Press(1982). ISBN 978-0-943358-03-1
  • The Way to Peace, Power and Long Life{{#if:Narayananda|, Narayananda}. N.U. Yoga Trust(2001)
  • Brahmacharya, Its Necessity and Practice for Boys and Girls{{#if:Narayananda|, Narayananda}. N.U. Yoga Trust(2001)
  • Celibacy and Religious Traditions{{#if:Olson|, Olson}. OUP USA(2008). ISBN 978-0-19-530632-3
  • Eros, Consciousness and Kundalini: Tantric Celibacy and the Mysteries of Eros{{#if:Sovatsky|, Sovatsky}. Inner Traditions(1999)

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