Brahmacharya is a Sanskrit word. The root "Brahma" signifies Brahman or The Ultimate Reality or The Unified whole. The root "Char" means To follow or practice. The word Brahmacharya symbolises a person who is leading a life in quest of Brahman, or in other words a student. It is part of the Hindu scheme of life.

Pronunciation

• 'Brah' as the 'Bru' in 'brush'
• 'ma' as the 'ma' in 'animal'
• 'char' as the 'ture' in 'accenture'
• 'ya' as the 'ia' in 'vial'

Usage

This word in one common usage generally denotes a particular phase of life (first 20-25 years of Life). Ancient Hindu culture divides the life in 100 year life span. This is the stage when the young child leads a student life, (ideally in the Gurukula - the household of the Guru). This stage of life is preceded by the Upanayanam of the child, during which ceremony, they are considered to be born again. It is the first in the four phases of human life, namely, Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and finally Sanyasa, as prescribed by Manusmriti for the Dhwija castes, in the Hindu system of life. The practise of brahmacharya among other things requires one to be celibate.

The word, Brahmacharya, is also used for the vow of celibacy that a Hindu sanyasi or renunciate may take at any age when they have understood that living for material/sensual pleasures will never bring the perfect happiness that their soul desires. Thus their life becomes centered on surrender to Guru and God with the firm hope of God realization and the perfect Divine Happiness we all desire.

Yoga

In yoga, the term can also mean disciplining and preservation of sexual energy and is discussed in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. There are many yogic techniques, such as meditation and asanas (e.g. shirsasana) that can help one to achieve this aim.

Diet and Ahimsa

Brahmacharya is also observed to contain one's sensual desires for food and taste, as well as materialism. Most brahmacharis prescribe to avoiding the consumption of meat, spices and cooked foods, said to cultivate the taste buds and pleasure senses of the mind.

To terminate egotism and possessiveness, as a part of curbing one's aggressiveness and tendency to commit violence, one must cease to covet all material possessions.

Modern Brahmacharis

Most Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks take the vow for life, committing themselves to work of religious service and study. Mahatma Gandhi, the great Indian political and spiritual leader had embraced the vow and lifestyle permanently at age 36.

Many brahmacharis have the final goal of nirvana, or moksha in mind when they pursue strictly disciplined lifestyles.

Links for more Information and Various Views

• Articles on Brahmacharya by Swamis Sivananda, Chidananda, and Krishnananda
• Brahmacarya in the scriptures - Entry at Gaudiya Kutir Wiki
• Celibacy - Useful notes on different aspects of brahmacarya
• Interviews with Swami Chidananda: The Role of Celibacy in the Spiritual Life, The Divine Life
• Practice of Brahmacharya by Sri Swami Sivananda - Summary / Full text
• Science Discovers the Physiological Value of Continence
• Sex and sexuality - Including notes on brahmacarya, useful links at the end.

Four phases of life | Buddhist philosophical concepts | Eastern philosophy

Brahmacharya | Brahmaćarja | Brahmacharya