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Significance of Celibacy

Celibacy, across various spiritual traditions, is predominantly viewed as the practice of abstaining from sexual relations and marriage, essential for spiritual growth and discipline. In Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Purana, celibacy is linked to spiritual advancement, emphasizing self-control and purifying one's focus for achieving higher consciousness. Brahmanas and ascetics value celibacy as a vow that underlines penance, while in Vedanta, it is crucial for overcoming desires and achieving ultimate knowledge. Various religious texts highlight celibacy as a vital practice to maintain spiritual integrity and personal discipline.1
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Synonyms: Abstinence, Chastity, Purity, Continence, Virginity

In Dutch: Celibaat; In Finnish: Selibaatti; In Spanish: Celibato; In German: 窜枚濒颈产补迟; In Swedish: Celibat; In Malay: Membujang; In French: 颁茅濒颈产补迟

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

Buddhist concept of 'Celibacy'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, celibacy is the practice of abstaining from sexual activity, upheld by bhikkhus as essential to living a Holy Life, emphasizing spiritual discipline and detachment from worldly desires.

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

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The practice of abstaining from sexual activity, observed by the bhikkhu as part of the Holy Life.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Celibacy'

Hinduism Books

Celibacy in Hinduism is a spiritual discipline emphasizing abstention from sexual relations, essential for achieving higher consciousness, maintaining purity, and facilitating spiritual growth among various practitioners, particularly ascetics and religious devotees.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) A means declared necessary for meditation, encouraging purity and focus away from distractions.[2] (2) It is prescribed as a means for achieving spiritual goals, particularly important for those who struggle with desires and attachments.[3] (3) The practice of renouncing desire for women, seen as a vital means for attaining the Brahman-Region and ultimate knowledge.[4] (4) A practice endorsed as a means for attaining the Self, equated with sacrifice, worship, and meditation, emphasizing its importance in spiritual life.[5] (5) A means of abstinence that facilitates clarity in understanding the spiritual light of Brahman.[6]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The practice of abstaining from sexual relationships, associated with spiritual purity.[7]

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 Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) Abstaining from sexual relations, often practiced by those seeking spiritual advancement.[8]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A lifestyle choice that contributes to the acquisition of spiritual powers through abstinence from sexual relations.[9]

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 Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, practiced by Sanat-kumara.[10]

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�).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra

(1) The practice of abstaining from sexual activity, observed for a prescribed duration before performing curses.[11]

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.

Jain concept of 'Celibacy'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, celibacy signifies a committed vow to abstain from sexual relations, reflecting a pursuit of spiritual freedom, while also being recognized as inappropriate during the householder life stage.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A state of abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, noted as unsuitable during the householder stage.[12]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A vow of abstaining from sexual relations, practiced diligently by Kalasavesiya-putra as part of his commitment to spiritual freedom.[13]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Celibacy in local and regional sources

History Books

Celibacy encompasses various meanings, including personal commitments, lifestyle choices, and spiritual vows, as seen in Nirmal and Noemie's choices, religious teachings by Ramakrishna, and the educational dedication of individuals during the epic age.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The state of remaining unmarried that Tirumal Rao chose, discussed in the context of his relationship with spirituality and life choices.[14] (2) Nirmal's initial commitment to celibacy, which he later regrets giving up for marriage.[15] (3) A lifestyle choice characterized by abstinence from marriage and sexual relations, as adopted by Noemie after Jean's death.[16] (4) A vow of life-long Brahmacharya insisted upon by Ramakrishna to protect disciples from temptations seen as distractions from spiritual paths.[17]