What is Brahmacharya (Celibacy)?

In reality, there are two kinds of brahmacharya. The ultimate form of brahmacharya (celibacy) is when one’s focus is always in the awareness of ‘I am Pure Soul.’ It is to conduct (charya) one’s Self in the Soul (brahma). That is the real brahmacharya meaning.

The other form of brahmacharya, is when you do not participate in or encourage sexuality through the mind, speech and body. It does not matter if you are married or not. In this context, brahmacharya is the life-force (pudgalsar) of the body (non-self). It is the essence of the food we eat and drink. If this brahmacharya essence disappears then the true experience and attainment of the Self becomes very difficult. Therefore, brahmacharya is a critical spiritual practice. There is no end to bliss if there is Gnan (Self Realization) on one side and brahmacharya on the other. It brings about an unbelievable change; this is because, brahmacharya is the life-force and the essence of the body.

The world, which is immersed in the illusion of false enjoyment of sex, needs to be awakened to the reality of the poison that it truly is. How can there be enjoyment in the body full of blood, mass, and waste materials? Think about it, just as butter or ghee is the end product of milk, the ultimate extract of food is semen. It is dissipated and lost in sex or masturbation, thus making the body weak.

The essence of the worldly life is moksha and the essence of the body is semen. The preservation of semen means that you attain the energy of brahmacharya, which results in a brilliant aura, glowing look, increased concentration and will power. The one who practices celibacy can remain calm even under extreme difficulties.

Only a fully Enlightened person, the Gnani Purush, can expose the science behind celibacy since He has achieved absolute celibacy. He is free from all sexual impulses thus He can set us free. One such Gnani Purush is Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan. He has opened the path of celibacy even for married couples. He says, that in marriage, mutual understanding and sexual loyalty is considered celibacy in this era.

He reveals that, “Those, who are under the vow of brahmacharya, experience eternal bliss of the Self (Soul) within.” Self Realization is absolutely imperative to get the perfect results of practicing celibacy. Once you experience the bliss of the Soul, you will not seek pleasure in sex.