Brahmacharya is as crucial to the elevation of human life as a deep foundation is to the construction of a strong building. If the foundation of a building is not deep, then it will collapse due to a hurricane or even a mild earthquake in the future. Similarly, a person who lacks Brahmacharya in his life can never progress. The secret of achievements of all great men of India and other countries in the field of spirituality or in other fields is the practice of Brahmacharya. Let alone humans or gods, even demons resorted to this great vow in order to accumulate power and strength. Demons like Hiranyakashipu, Ravana, Meghanada and others accomplished their penance solely on the strength of Brahmacharya. Who hasn’t heard of the sacred glories of the Baala-Brahmacharis Hanuman and Bhishma Pitamaha? It was through the power of Brahmacharya that Jagat Guru Shankaracharya imbibed the knowledge of Vedanta and defeated the most eminent scholars to gain the title of Jagat Guru.

So what is Brahmacharya? It is formed of two words - Brahma + Charya. The word Brahma has many meanings. The main meanings are: Ishwara, Veda, Jnana and semen. Similarly, the main meanings of the word Charya are reflection, study, acquisition and protection. So when joined together some of the meanings of Brahmacharya are reflection on Ishwara, Study of the Vedas, acquisition of Jnana and protection of semen.

Life is saved and prolonged by preserving semen and death is hastened by letting out semen from the body. As long as the king is strong his kingdom thrives with wealth, grain, prosperity and peace, and protected from foes. But when the king becomes weak, his kingdom becomes unprotected and deprived of happiness. It is attacked by external enemies and looted by internal thieves and dacoits. Similarly, when semen, the king of the body, becomes weak, the body, senses, mind, life-force, and intellect become weak. It is attacked from outside by diseases, fear etc. while lust, anger, greed and pride start plundering from within. The life of that person becomes a burden on earth, digestive fire becomes mild, diseases like gonorrhea and wet dreams attack him, his cheeks shrink and his eyesight becomes weak. One is unable to concentrate on anything.

Like a deflated football becomes useless, or sugarcane becomes worthless when the juice has been extracted from it. Like milk loses its nutritive value once cream is separated from it, similarly a man without semen loses vigour, strength and becomes dull.

Words of Great Men and Scholars

“Death is hastened by letting out semen from the body; life is saved and prolonged by preserving it. Knowing this the yogi should always preserve semen.”     – Lord Shiva

“Celibacy and non-injury are said to be bodily austerity.”

– Lord Krishna

“Know that in this world there is nothing that cannot be attained by one who remains from birth to death a perfect celibate.”

– Bhishma Pitamaha

“Brahmacharya is the ultimate knowledge and supreme power. Through its power humans surpass the material world, and step into the life of Rishis.”      – Maharishi Kapil

“Simply by the observance of strict Brahmacharya (continence) all learning can be mastered in a very short time - one has an unfailing memory of what one hears or knows but once.”

– Swami Vivekananda

“If a person sustains himself on just chickpea but practices Brahmacharya strictly, he could be stronger than meat-eaters.”

–Maharishi Dayananda

“Students and youngsters must practice Brahmacharya because without strength and intellect, one cannot protect one’s rights.”

– Lokamanya Tilak

“Through the study of the scriptures, the best way of physical empowerment I could find is Brahmacharya.”

– Prof. Ramamurthy

“The intellect of a Brahmachari is sharp and pure. His speech is attractive. His memory is retentive; and his disposition jovial and optimistic.”         – Prof. Acton

Power of Brahmacharya is immense. Dyads like hunger-thirst or heat-cold won’t trouble someone who is devoted to the practice of Brahmacharya. His countenance radiates peace and his power of action becomes exceptional.

Hence, through the practice of Brahmacharya build good health, character and develop powers.