Celibacy: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Celibacy means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Christianity. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Yoga (school of philosophy)
Celibacy represents a favorable state for those students of Yoga, allowing them to to attain the Siddhis (of the best of Sages), according to the Śivayogadīpikā, an ancient Sanskrit text dealing with Yoga possibly corresponding to the Śivayoga quoted in Śivānanda’s Yogacintāmaṇi.—Accordingly, [while describing a sequence of Haṭhayoga practices]: “Thus, by means of this Haṭhayoga which has eight auxiliaries, those [students who are] life-long celibates (in Sanskrit: Naiṣṭhika) obtain the Siddhis of the [best of Sages] because of their untiring practice. Listen to [my account of] them. In the first year, [the celibate] becomes free of disease and much loved by all people and, in the second year, he then [gains] great eloquence and can write poetry. [...]”.
Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as āsanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).
See also (Relevant definitions)
Full-text (+121): Anudvaha, Brahmacarya, Apanigrahana, Aparinayana, Turagabrahmacaryaka, Urdhvareta, Brahmavrata, Naishthika, Urdhvaretas, Aparinaya, Yama, Kaumara, Turagabrahmacarya, Tapasya, Apratigrahana, Ghorabrahmacarya, Vratastha, Paravivahakarana, Turagavrahmacaryaka, Comar.
Relevant text
Search found 200 books and stories containing Celibacy; (plurals include: Celibacies). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Is an Integrative Model of Neurotheology Possible? < [Volume 12, Issue 4 (2021)]
Married Monastics and Military Life < [Volume 11, Issue 5 (2020)]
The near Elimination and Subsequent Restoration of the Married Presbyterate... < [Volume 16, Issue 6 (2025)]
Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya) (by Ganganatha Jha)
Section 7.5 (fifth khaṇḍa) (four texts) < [Chapter 8 - Eighth Adhyāya]
Section 7.4 (fourth khaṇḍa) (three texts) < [Chapter 8 - Eighth Adhyāya]
Section 7.1 (first khaṇḍa) (six texts) < [Chapter 8 - Eighth Adhyāya]
A Happy Married Life (by Venerable K. Sri Dhammananda)
What Is Celibacy? < [Part 10 - Celibacy]
Significance Of Celibacy < [Part 10 - Celibacy]
Celibacy Versus Responsibility < [Part 10 - Celibacy]
Padma Purana (by N.A. Deshpande)
Chapter 13 - Sumanā Explains Ten Basic Virtues < [Section 2 - Bhūmi-khaṇḍa (section on the earth)]
Chapter 23 - The Slaying of the Demon Bala < [Section 2 - Bhūmi-khaṇḍa (section on the earth)]
Chapter 41 - The Rise of the Lotus and the War between Gods & Demons < [Section 1 - Sṛṣṭi-khaṇḍa (section on creation)]
Formal Education System in Ancient India (by Sushmita Nath)
The Gurukula centre of learning < [Chapter 3 - Centres of Learning in Vedic and Buddhist Period]
Education in the Puranic period < [Chapter 1 - Introduction]
The Samāvartana or Convocation Ceremony < [Chapter 2 - Rituals of the Education System]
Chaitanya Bhagavata (by Bhumipati Dāsa)
Verse 2.21.58 < [Chapter 21 - The Lord’s Chastisement of Devānanda]
Verse 2.10.274 < [Chapter 10 - Conclusion of the Lord’s Mahā-prakāśa Pastimes]
Verse 2.23.24 < [Chapter 23 - Wandering about Navadvīpa On the Day the Lord Delivered the Kazi]