Hinduism: Details about 'Brahmacharya'
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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
UsageThis word in one common usuage 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, he is considered to be born again. It is the first in the four phases of a man, 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 renounced monk may take at any age when he has understood that living for material/sensual pleasures will never bring the perfect happiness that he (his soul) desires. Thus his life becomes centered on surrender to Guru and God with the firm hope of God realization and the perfect Divine Happiness we all desire. YogaIn yoga, the term can also mean disciplining and preservation of sexual energy and is discussed in Pantanjali'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 AhimsaBrahmacharya 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 BrahmacharisMost Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks are brahmacharis, having taken the vow for life, commiting 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
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