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Significance of Brahmacarya

Brahmacarya, in Hinduism, refers to a disciplined stage of life characterized by celibacy, study, and spiritual practice typically observed by students. This concept emphasizes education and self-control, aiming for spiritual growth and understanding of Brahman. It is considered essential for one's moral development and is often associated with a vow of celibacy. Brahmacarya serves as a foundation for spiritual disciplines, helping individuals achieve higher states of being and prepare for future life responsibilities within the traditional ashrama system.

Synonyms: Celibacy, Chastity, Self-restraint, Abstinence, Purity, Discipline

In Dutch: Brahmacarya; In German: Brahmacarya; In Finnish: Brahmacarya; In Spanish: Brahmacarya; In Swedish: Brahmacarya; In Malay: Brahmacarya; In French: Brahmacarya

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Brahmacarya'

Buddhism Books

Brahmacarya in Buddhism encompasses holy conduct, ethical discipline, and strict adherence to rules, particularly regarding sexual abstinence, signifying a commitment to a spiritual and ascetic path in religious practice.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Refers to the spiritual and ethical conduct expected of individuals dedicated to a religious or ascetic life.[1] (2) The rigorous observation of prescribed rules and sexual continence, particularly during a novice's studies; it signifies both a holy and religious life.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Brahmacarya'

Hinduism Books

Brahmacarya in Hinduism signifies a disciplined lifestyle of celibacy, self-restraint, and education, primarily practiced by students to achieve spiritual advancement and wisdom, fostering purity and commitment to Vedic studies.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A stage of life in Hindu philosophy focusing on purity, discipline, and celibacy, often associated with spiritual learning.[3] (2) A mode of life characterized by celibacy and self-discipline, linked to spiritual pursuits.[4] (3) A vow of celibacy or self-restraint, particularly practiced by Brahmanas.[5] (4) A life of celibacy and adherence to spiritual practices that contribute to one鈥檚 purity and wisdom.[6] (5) A concept signifying self-restraint and the observance of celibacy, often considered an important practice for achieving spiritual goals.[7]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A disciplined lifestyle focusing on celibacy and education in spiritual and philosophical texts, essential for spiritual growth.[8] (2) The stage of life focused on education and celibacy, regarded as essential for spiritual development.[9]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Refers to Ruru's purity and disciplined lifestyle that he utilizes as a means to regain Pramadvara's life.[10]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) Brahmacarya refers to a disciplined lifestyle focused on self-control and spiritual pursuit, central to the practice of seeking knowledge of the Self and living a life centered around Brahman.[11] (2) A state of life characterized by celibacy, discipline, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, which Indra practiced during his time with Prajapati.[12] (3) A discipline of continence and self-control advocated as a means to realize the Self.[13] (4) A state of self-discipline and celibacy, through which the individual self attains liberation and union with the Cosmic Self.[14] (5) A practice associated with self-control and continence, believed to lead to the attainment of the immortal Self.[15]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)

(1) A means suggested by scripture that helps individuals avoid being overpowered by afflictions such as passion.[16] (2) This is a discipline of study and a way of life that includes celibacy and self-control, and is recognized as a means of gaining knowledge.[17]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) A practice of celibacy and self-discipline emphasized in the Upanishads as essential for the realization of spiritual aims.[18]

From: Prashna Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) A state of celibacy or self-restraint in pursuit of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.[19]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The period of life dedicated to learning and celibacy, essential in Hindu ashrama system.[20]

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) Refers to the duties associated with the Brahmacarin, a student or celibate who is engaged in spiritual study and practice.[21]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) A spiritual practice and observance that the student must follow while learning the Vedas, often associated with the discipline of celibacy.[22]

From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra

(1) A period of study and observance lasting twelve years for each Veda, during which a student learns and performs specific duties.[23]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)

(1) A virtue emphasizing celibacy and self-control, considered vital for the moral development of students engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.[24]

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) A way of life that leads upwards and is regarded as essential for spiritual and physical growth.[25]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)

(1) A stage in life dedicated to educational pursuits, marked by celibacy and commitment to learning, as per ancient Indian traditions.[26] (2) The stage of childhood focused on education and celibacy, suitable for the attainment of Dharma.[27]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)

(1) Brahmacarya signifies continence or the subjugation of carnal desires, promoting self-discipline in spiritual practice.[28]

From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)

(1) Continence, which is the practice of self-restraint in relation to sensory pleasures and desires.[29]

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 asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) Brahmacarya refers to the state of being a student dedicated to learning and spiritual practice, under the guidance of a teacher.[30]

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A stage of life characterized by celibacy and study, representing youth and learning in traditional Hindu culture.[31]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

The concept of Brahmacarya in local and regional sources

History Books

Brahmacarya signifies a disciplined life of celibacy, particularly during the student's early life stage post-Upanayana, emphasizing education and spiritual growth, as exemplified by Rama's vow to celibacy while rejecting Surpanakha.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A vow taken by Rama to live a celibate life, which he cites while rejecting Surpanakha.[32]

From: Sanskrit Words In Southeast Asian Languages

(1) This signifies the initial stage in the life of a student, representing a period of learning and celibacy within the religious context.[33]