Significance of Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya signifies a lifestyle of celibacy, self-discipline, and devotion to spiritual growth across various traditions like Purana, Ayurveda, and Vedanta. It emphasizes abstaining from worldly pleasures, aligning with the first stage of life focused on learning and discipline. This principle is integral to maintaining health, as noted in Ayurveda, where it represents self-restraint as a critical pillar of well-being. Historically, figures like Gandhiji have advocated for Brahmacharya as essential to leading a disciplined life in pursuit of truth and spiritual knowledge.
Synonyms: Celibacy, Chastity, Self-control, Asceticism, Spiritual discipline, Abstinence, Self-restraint
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Brahmacharya'
Brahmacharya in Hinduism symbolizes a disciplined student phase focused on learning, self-control, and celibacy, essential for spiritual growth, Vedic rituals, and the deep pursuit of knowledge, marking a preparatory stage in life.
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) A way of life emphasizing celibacy and study, indicating a preparatory phase necessary for the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.[1] (2) A practice of self-control over the senses, often associated with celibacy and a disciplined lifestyle aimed at spiritual growth.[2]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The principle of celibacy or refraining from sexual indulgence, practiced to pursue spiritual goals.[3]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The student period of life focused on learning and discipline, constituting one of the four stages, or Ashramas.[4]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The practice of celibacy and self-discipline, particularly in the pursuit of spiritual growth.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to a spiritual discipline that is associated with the practice of Vedic rituals and the recitation of sacred verses.[6]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The life of a religious student marked by abstinence from worldly pleasures and devotion to spiritual studies.[7]
The concept of Brahmacharya in local and regional sources
Brahmacharya encompasses ideals of celibacy, self-control, and disciplined living, highlighting its significance in traditional Hindu life stages, student virtues, and Gandhiji's principles of truth and non-possession in the pursuit of knowledge.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The first stage of life focused on learning and celibacy in the Hindu tradition.[8] (2) A state of celibacy that is considered a virtue in various Indian spiritual traditions.[9] (3) A principle emphasizing self-restraint and purity, which Gandhiji incorporated as an ideal attribute of a Satyagrahi.[10] (4) The vow of chastity maintained by students in ancient India, prohibited through the regulation of marriage within the same gotra.[11] (5) The first stage of life, characterized by student-ship and the pursuit of knowledge, which Siddhartha begins his journey with.[12]
The concept of Brahmacharya in scientific sources
Brahmacharya signifies moderation in sexual activity during pregnancy for maternal and child well-being, and embodies a lifestyle of self-restraint in Ayurveda, complementing diet and sleep as essential pillars of health.
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Celibacy or self-control, considered one of the three pillars of support for a healthy life in Ayurveda.[13] (2) A principle encompassing self-control and spiritual discipline that supports mental clarity and spiritual knowledge.[14] (3) Brahmacharya represents abstinence or self-restraint, considered one of the three pillars of life crucial for sustaining health.[15] (4) Celibacy, the third pillar of health, emphasizing the importance of restraint and self-control for maintaining wellness.[16] (5) Celibacy in Ayurveda, referring to the practice of self-control over sexual activities, which contributes to overall well-being.[17]
From: AYU (Journal of Research in Ayurveda)
(1) The practice of abstinence in Ayurveda, contributing to health and balance.[18] (2) A lifestyle of self-restraint practiced in Ayurveda, considered a pillar of health along with diet (Ahara) and sleep (Nidra).[19]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) The practice of moderation or abstinence in sexual activity during pregnancy to conserve energy and promote well-being for mother and child.[20]