Significance of Celibacy
Synonyms: Abstinence, Chastity, Purity, Continence, Virginity
In Dutch: Celibaat; In Finnish: Selibaatti; In Spanish: Celibato; In Portugese: Celibato; In Italian: Celibato; In German: Zölibat; In Swedish: Celibat; In Polish: Celibat; In Malay: Membujang; In French: Célibat
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Celibacy'
In Buddhism, celibacy is the voluntary abstinence from sexual activity. It is a core practice within the Holy Life, particularly for bhikkhus. This practice aims to support spiritual development by reducing worldly attachments and promoting focus on enlightenment.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The practice of abstaining from sexual activity, observed by the bhikkhu as part of the Holy Life.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) This practice, to which the monk was consecrated, is suggested as the reason for monks looking upon women as bhagini, or 'sisters,' though it may not be the whole story.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) This is a state of sexual abstinence that Mrigashiras commits to practicing in the presence of the Bhagavat as part of his monastic life.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Celibacy'
In Hinduism, celibacy, known as Brahmacarya, is a multifaceted practice. It involves abstaining from sexual relations, marriage, and physical pleasures. It's central to spiritual disciplines, asceticism, and achieving higher states of consciousness, purity, and spiritual goals, and is a fundamental aspect of spiritual life.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Celibacy is a state Bhishma leads, which Sisupala deems fruitless, suggesting that it is either due to ignorance or impotence, thus questioning the value of Bhishma's asceticism.[4] (2) Brahmanas who embrace a life of celibacy and Brahmacarya, perform penances, and are cleansed by learning, Vedic knowledge, and proper vows, are able to overcome difficulties through their spiritual purity.[5] (3) Abstaining from sexual relations, often practiced by those seeking spiritual advancement.[6]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The practice of celibacy was a well-practiced vow of the Brahmanas, and even agitated Brahma himself, according to the text.[7] (2) A lifestyle choice that contributes to the acquisition of spiritual powers through abstinence from sexual relations.[8]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The provided text mentions that one who is equipped with celibacy and other means meditates upon Brahman located in the Lotus of the Heart.[9] (2) A means declared necessary for meditation, encouraging purity and focus away from distractions.[10] (3) It is prescribed as a means for achieving spiritual goals, particularly important for those who struggle with desires and attachments.[11] (4) The practice of renouncing desire for women, seen as a vital means for attaining the Brahman-Region and ultimate knowledge.[12] (5) A practice endorsed as a means for attaining the Self, equated with sacrifice, worship, and meditation, emphasizing its importance in spiritual life.[13]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Celibacy is a means to attain Atma, indicating the practice of abstaining from sexual activity as a way to conserve energy and focus on spiritual development and enlightenment.[14] (2) The practice of abstaining from sexual relationships, associated with spiritual purity.[15]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This is also known as Brahmacharya and is considered one of the three pillars for maintaining health.[16] (2) This is one of the three important factors that is suggested by Ayurveda, the science of life.[17] (3) It is the Brahmacarya and is considered one among three Upastambhas (Pillars) of human life, others are Nidra (sleep) and Ahar (diet).[18]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, practiced by Sanat-kumara.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Celibacy is the state of abstaining from sexual relations, considered by Gadadhara Pandita Gosvami as one of the important religious principles to follow.[20]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The practice of abstaining from sexual activity, observed for a prescribed duration before performing curses.[21]
Jain concept of 'Celibacy'
In Jainism, celibacy involves abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, unsuitable for householders. It's maintained in solitude, integral to practices like meditation. Celibacy is a dedicated vow, vital for spiritual liberation, as demonstrated by Kalasavesiya-putra.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, noted as unsuitable during the householder stage.[22]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) A vow of abstaining from sexual relations, practiced diligently by Kalasavesiya-putra as part of his commitment to spiritual freedom.[23]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Celibacy is maintained without disturbance in lonely places, which is part of the viviktashayyasana practice, along with study and meditation.[24]
The concept of Celibacy in local and regional sources
Celibacy, in this text, signifies abstaining from marriage and sexual relations for various reasons. These include a spiritual vow to avoid distractions, a dedication to education, a personal choice linked to spirituality, and a lifestyle adopted after loss or a regretted initial commitment.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The state of remaining unmarried that Tirumal Rao chose, discussed in the context of his relationship with spirituality and life choices.[25] (2) Nirmal's initial commitment to celibacy, which he later regrets giving up for marriage.[26] (3) A lifestyle choice characterized by abstinence from marriage and sexual relations, as adopted by Noemie after Jean's death.[27] (4) A vow of life-long Brahmacharya insisted upon by Ramakrishna to protect disciples from temptations seen as distractions from spiritual paths.[28]
From: Gommatsara by Acharya Nemichandra
(1) Celibacy, or Brahma-charya, is one of the eleven stages contributing to the state of a Partial Vower.[29]
The concept of Celibacy in scientific sources
Celibacy, in this context, is abstaining from sexual activity. It's practiced for health, including avoiding complications during menstruation, and within Ayurvedic traditions for improved conception chances. Modern views differentiate it from Brahmacharya.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Celibacy is often depicted as a grim, self-serving, and loveless alternative to marriage in Shakespeare's plays, associated with spiritual error and social pathology.[30] (2) This is part of the ritual vows taken by sadhus, along with voluntary poverty and simplicity.[31] (3) This refers to the practice of remaining unmarried and abstaining from sexual relations, a requirement that was pushed onto the Ruthenian Byzantine Catholic clergy, causing significant conflict.[32]