Brahmacharya is a word with a very wide scope. It means maintaining physical purity by assuming the
strict aspect of celibacy.
Brahmacharya means refraining from all pleasures associated with the sense of touch, e.g. a cool breeze on a hot summer day or
using a cushion for a hard surface. The monks practice this to the highest degree with all their body, action, speech and mind.
Brahmacharya is derived from the word Brahma – Soul and Charya – to dwell. Nischay Brahmacharya means
to dwell in your soul. Only by residing in the soul makes you the master of the Universe. Residing outside
your soul makes you a slave to desires.
The vow of chastity is an ornament of a man and a woman both; it is a garland woven by auspicious virtues and is a gateway
to heaven. Chastity is the most precious jewel of a lady. "The impenetrable fence which protects a woman is her virtue of
celibacy; no other fence can safeguard her as well."
Observance of chastity keeps the body healthy and free from sickness; and it develops the mind i.e.,
sharpens the intelligence. All people honor a chaste person in this world. Non-observance of chastity
sometimes make one suffers from many types of miseries in this world; also, he or she is destined to go
to hell in the next births. An unchaste person always lives awe-stricken lest his/her immoral deeds should
come to limelight.
The root of self-restraint or abstention from sensual pleasures is good conduct; and both self-restraint and good
conduct are dependent on chastity. The persons who realize the need and glory of celibacy in human life come to know
the significance of self-restraint and good conduct very well. The capability of sustaining the life force in the
body is celibacy. It alone generates vitality, radiance and luster in the body.
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