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PRACTICE OF BRAHMACHARYABySRI SWAMI SIVANANDASri Swami SivanandaFounder ofThe Divine Life Society6(59( /29( *,9( 385,) 0(',7 7( 5( /, (So SaysSri Swami SivanandaA DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION
First Edition: 1934Eighth Edition: 1980First Revised Edition: 1988Second Reprint: 1993(5000 Copies)World Wide Web (WWW) Reprint : 1997WWW site: http://www.rsl.ukans.edu/ pkanagar/divine/This WWW reprint is for free distribution The Divine Life Trust SocietyISBN 81-7052-067-3Published ByTHE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETYP.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR—249 192Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttar Pradesh,Himalayas, India.ii
PUBLISHERS’ NOTEInstincts and appetites form a part of all life on earth. Sense impulses and biologicalurges are common to animal and man alike. Sex is one of the prominent, most important andabsolutely essential aspects of human, animal as well as plant life. Sex is an integral part oflife—human, animal and plant. While this aspect of life is regulated by nature in plants and byinstinct in animals, in man it is left to his common-sense, intelligence and his developed reasonto control and regulate the same. The vast and ancient scriptures of the world offer humansociety specific rules and regulations in this respect. With regard to India, as a nation, ourforefathers followed the do’s and don’ts of the Dharma Sastras in meticulous detail and this, inlarge measure, contributed to their health, longevity and spiritual welfare.But alas, in the present-day world, and more particularly among the educated class, in allwalks of society and in all age groups, norms of conduct laid down by the scriptures are floutedwith so much impunity that we see, all around us, the number of physical, mental and moralwrecks increasing every day. One reason for this sad state of affairs is modern man’s ignoranceof his own scriptural treasures.Swami Sivananda came on the Indian scene, in the early thirties, to blast this ignorance ofthe people by offering the hoary wisdom of the ancients through the media of his simple Englishwritings. It is well known that spiritual treatises apart, the great Master, whose love for mankindknew no bounds, wrote a number of books concerning health, hygiene and medicine. One suchbook was “Practice of Brahmacharya” which dealt mostly with the subject of celibacy, and wherecelibacy was not possible, a regulated sex life. This book has been popular with the public.This apart, the Swamiji’s thoughts on the subject of sex and sex sublimation are also tobe seen here and there spread over his voluminous writings. In the present volume, all ofSwamiji’s thoughts and instructions on the subject of sex and celibacy have been gathered upfrom “Practice of Brahmacharya” and elsewhere, and thoroughly edited, with a view to offeringthe public, and especially to the younger generation, a working guide to the vital subject of sexsublimation. This has been done as an act of loving service to modern youth who are often leftgroping in the dark by an irresponsible society. These days we often hear about “juveniledelinquency,” but this juvenile delinquency itself is the result of adult irresponsibility. The youthof the world craves for guidance which is often not forthcoming from the parents, teachers orsociety.It is hoped that this book of holy Master Swami Sivananda will fill the above-mentionedlacuna and offer the youth of the world the knowledge and guidance which they so richly deservein a vital area which affects their physical, mental, ethical and spiritual well-being.We pray that the blessings of the holy Master may pour on all those who may chance togo through the following pages and open up a new chapter in their lives. May all be healthy,happy and spiritually blessed. Loka Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu!8th September, 1988.—THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETYiii
CONTENTSPUBLISHERS’ NOTE.iiiPRAYER FOR PURITY. viiSECTION I. THE PHENOMENON OF SEX. 11. THE PRESENT-DAY DEGRADATION . 1The world is all sexy . 2Spiritual Sadhana is the answer to sex attraction. 3Brahmacharya—the need of the hour. 42. THE WORKING OF THE SEX IMPULSE . 6The flowery bow of Cupid . 6The Samskaras in the subconscious mind . 7How to gauge your own mental purity . 9Eradication of lust is no easy task . 103. INTENSITY OF THE CRAVINGS IN DIFFERENT PERSONS. 12Passion in children, the youth and the aged. 12Sexual thought in sages, spiritual aspirants and householders. 13Lust in men and in women . 144. SEX IS IN IMAGINATION . 15Beauty is a mental concept. 16Misleading descriptions of a woman’s beauty. 17Passion blinds the intellect . 185. THE DISASTROUS EFFECTS OF SEXUAL INDULGENCE . 19Wet dream and voluntary copulation—A vital difference. 20Youth with bloodless faces. 206. THE VALUE OF SEMEN. 21Modern medical opinion . 22Mind, Prana and Veerya. 22SECTION II. THE GLORY OF BRAHMACHARYA . 247. THE MEANING OF BRAHMACHARYA. 24The eight breaks in Brahmacharya . 24Physical Brahmacharya and mental Brahmacharya. 25A common complaint . 278. THE GLORY OF BRAHMACHARYA. 27Secret of health and longevity . 28Celibacy promotes concentration . 299. IMPORTANCE OF CELIBACY IN SPIRITUAL LIFE . 30Celibacy in the different religious orders . 31Brahmacharya—the foundation of spiritual life . 3210. BRAHMACHARYA FOR HOUSEHOLDERS. 34What is Brahmacharya in married life?. 35When the wife becomes the mother . 36Living a life of spiritual partnership. 3611. WOMEN AND BRAHMACHARYA. 37Brahmacharinis—ancient and modern . 38Loose life is not freedom. 39A call to spiritual life. 40iv
12. BRAHMACHARYA AND THE EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM. 41A vital drawback in the present educational system in India. 42Duty of teachers and parents . 4313. SOME IDEAL BRAHMACHARINS. 45Hanuman . 45Sri Lakshmana. 46Bhishma . 47SECTION III. TECHNIQUES OF SEX SUBLIMATION . 5014. SUPPRESSION AND SUBLIMATION . 50From sex energy to spiritual energy . 50The secret of sex sublimation. 51Total sublimation is difficult, yet not impossible . 5215. TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY. 53Is celibacy possible?. 53A foolish argument of the Epicureans . 54Nature of the love between husband and wife. 56To be a celibate? Or to be a householder? . 58The Akhanda Brahmachari. 6016. THE DANGERS OF PROMISCUOUS MIXING. 60Havoc played by mental images. 61The forbidden fruit—God’s test for the spiritual aspirant . 6217. STOP THAT LUSTFUL LOOK! . 64Mind the feeling behind the look! . 64How to counter impure thoughts . 6518. THE ROLE OF DIET IN SEX CONTROL. 67Sattvic food . 67Forbidden food. 68Mitahara or moderation in diet. 68Fasting—a purificatory exercise. 6919. WET DREAMS AND SPERMATORRHOEA. 70Difference between physiological pollution and pathological pollution . 71Causes and consequences. 71A warning against evil sex habits and outbursts of anger. 72Importance of proper food and evacuation. 72Get up before 4 a.m. 73Take to the Name of the Lord . 73The benefits of a hip bath. 74Some helpful suggestions . 7420. SOME POWERFUL AIDS TO THE PRACTICE OF CELIBACY . 75Control of the palate. 76Avoid bad company . 76Watch the thoughts. 78Seek Satsanga or good company . 79Cultivate Viveka and Vairagya . 79A note of clarification . 80A vow is a great help. 82Will culture and auto-suggestion. 82Change the Drishti or angle of vision. 8321. HATHA YOGA TO THE RESCUE. 85Siddhasana . 85Sirshasana. 86Sarvangasana. 88v
Matsyasana. 89Padangushthasana . 90Instruction on Asana practice . 91Mula Bandha . 91Jalandhara Bandha . 93Uddiyana Bandha . 93Nauli Kriya. 94Maha Mudra. 95Yoga Mudra . 95Easy and comfortable Pranayama . 96Bhastrika Pranayama. 96Hints on Pranayama practice. 96Vajroli Mudra. 9722. SOME ILLUSTRATIVE STORIES . 981.2.3.4.5.6.7.The power of lust. The example of Jaimini . 98Passion’s hold over man’s mind. Socrates and his disciple. 98Lust increases with enjoyment. Raja Yayati. 99Dawn of Viveka and Vairagya. Yogi Vemana . 100Beauty lies in imagination. The story of Hemachuda. 101Physical beauty is no beauty. Story of a prince . 104Being busy is the best way to control lust. Story of a ghost . 105SELECT SAYINGS ON SEX AND CELIBACY. 106SECTION IV. A SYMPOSIUM. 107COMMENTARY ON SWAMI SIVANANDA’S 8TH SPIRITUAL INSTRUCTION . 107Perpetuation of the Species . 110Power of Brahmacharya . 111Duties of Householders . 112Brahmacharya in Modern Society . 112Advantages of Brahmacharya. 119Books on Brahmacharya . 121THE PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE OF BRAHMACHARYA . 122The Four Great Purusharthas. 122The Twofold importance of Dharma. 123Conservation of Energy in the Context of a Spiritual Life . 125Sex Energy-A Manifestation of Para Shakti. 126The Human Body Compared to a Mansion . 127How to Rise Above Sex . 128Voluntary Self-restraint Is No Suppression. 129BRAHMACHARYA—AN OUTLOOK OF CONSCIOUSNESS. 130How Our Energy Gets Diverted and Dissipated. 130Conservation of Energy for Brahma-Sakshatkara . 132The Individual—A Pressure Centre . 133Stresses and Strains—Their Cause and Cure . 134The Havoc Wrought by the Externalizing Senses . 134Desire—A Metaphysical Evil . 135Varnashrama—An Aid to Free Ourselves from the Grip of Nature . 136MARRIAGE: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? . 138BIRTH CONTROL. 140Instructions for Householders . 140Population Should Be Checked. 140Danger of Artificial Means. 142vi
PRAYER FOR PURITYO loving Lord of Compassion! Hey Prabhu! The Soul of my soul, the Life of my life, theMind of my mind, the Ear of my ears, Light of lights, Sun of suns! Give light and purity. Let meget established in physical and mental Brahmacharya. Let me be pure in thoughts, word anddeed. Give me strength to control my Indriyas (senses) and observe the Brahmacharya Vrata.Protect me from all sorts of temptations of this world. Let all my Indriyas be ever engaged inThy sweet service.Wipe out the sexual Samskaras (impressions) and Vasanas (subtle desires). Annihilatelust from my mind. Make me a true Brahmachari, Sadachari and Oordhvareta Yogi. Let me bechaste in my look. Let me always walk in the path of righteousness. Make me as pure as SwamiVivekananda, Swami Dayananda, Bhishma Pitamaha, Hanuman or Lakshmana. Forgive.Forgive all my Aparadhas (offenses). I am Thine. I am Thine. Trahi, Trahi. Protect, protect.Prachodayat, Prachodayat. Enlighten, enlighten. Guide me. Om. Om. Om.'HGLFDWHG WR WKH RXWK RI WKH :RUOGvii
PRACTICE OF BRAHMACHARYASECTION I. THE PHENOMENON OF SEX1. THE PRESENT-DAY DEGRADATIONThere is a great illusion in front of man. It troubles him in the form of woman. There is agreat illusion in front of woman. It troubles her in the form of man.Go wherever you like—Amsterdam, London or New York.phenomenal experience. You will find only two things—sex and ego.Analyze this world ofThe sex instinct is the greatest urge in human life. Sex energy or lust is the most deeprooted instinct in man. Sex energy entirely fills the mind, intellect, Prana, senses and the wholebody. It is the oldest of the factors that have gone into the constitution of the human being.A man has a thousand and one desires. But the central strong desire is the sexual desire.The fundamental desire is the urge for a mate. All hang on this central basic desire. The desirefor money, the desire for a son, the desire for property, the desire for houses, the desire for cattleand other desires come later on.Because the whole creation of this universe is to be kept up, God has made the sexualdesire very, very powerful. Otherwise, many Jivanmuktas would have cropped up quite easily,just as graduates from universities. It is easy to get university qualifications. It demands a littlemoney, memory, intelligence and a little strain. But it is an uphill climb to obliterate the sexualimpulse. He who has completely eradicated lust and is established in mental Brahmacharya isBrahman or God Himself.This world is nothing but sex and ego. Ego is the chief thing. It is the basis. Sex hangson the ego. If the ego is destroyed by Vichara or enquiry of “Who am I?”, the sex idea takes toits heels by itself. Man, master of his destiny, has lost his divine glory and has become a slave, atool, in the hands of sex and ego on account of ignorance. Sex and ego are the products ofAvidya or nescience. The dawn of knowledge of the Self annihilates these two enemies ofAtman, the two dacoits who are plundering the helpless, ignorant, little, false Jiva, the illusory“I”.Man has degraded himself to a great degree by becoming the puppet of passion. Alas!He has become an imitative machine. He has lost his power of discrimination. He has sunk intothe most abject form of slavery. What a sad state! What a lamentable plight indeed! If hewishes to regain his lost divine state and Brahmic glory, his whole being must be transformed,his sex desire must be completely transmuted by sublime divine thoughts and regular meditation.Transmutation of the sex desire is a very potent, efficacious and satisfactory way to realizeeternal bliss.1
PRACTICE OF BRAHMACHARYAThe world is all sexyPassion reigns supreme in all parts of the world. The minds of people are filled withsexual thoughts. The world is all sexy. The whole world is under a tremendous sexualintoxication. All are deluded and move in the world with perverted intellects. No thought ofGod. No talk of God. It is all fashion, restaurants, hotels, dinners, dances, races and cinema.Their life ends in eating, drinking and procreating. That is all.Passion has introduced new fashions not only in London, Paris and Lahore, but even inMadras amongst the Brahmin girls of orthodox families who apply Cherry Blossom Powder andHazeline Snow to their faces, instead of the sacred turmeric powder, and dress their hair like theFrench girls. This sort of vile imitation has crept into the mind of our boys and girls in India.The sacred percepts and teachings of our ancient sages and Rishis have been totally ignored.What a lamentable state! They will accept anything as true only if a Johnson or a Russel bringssomething by way of the theory of evolution, motion, atom, relativity or transcendentalism.Shameful indeed! Their brains are all clogged with foreign particles. They do not have the brainto absorb anything good in othe
writings. It is well known that spiritual treatises apart, the great Master, whose love for mankind knew no bounds, wrote a number of books concerning health, hygiene and medicine. One such book was “Practice of Brahmacharya” which dealt mostly with the subject of celibacy, a
