Brahmacharya in the Gita, Yamas Patanjali
Bhagavad Gita and Brahmacharya: fundamental vows (Yamas Patanjali) to attain Brahman
Courses: Bhagavad Gita - Karma Yoga
Brahmacharya appears several times in the Bhagavad Gita (the Path of Wisdom). Brahmacharya literally means “conduct consistent with Brahman” or “in the path of Brahman.” It involves leading a lifestyle characterized by sexual moderation or even complete abstinence (for monks).
Brahmacharya is common to
Hinduism,
Buddhism and
Jainism. It is also a
common term in Yoga philosophy, in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali or in Raja Yoga.
In Chapter 7, the Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita,
we find that Krishna conveys to
Arjuna:
Yoga of Renunciation of Action (Gita 5)
«That which the connoisseurs of the Vedas call the Imperishable (or that word that they say), into which the ascetics liberated from passion and desiring to practice Brahmacharya enter, that Goal (or Word) I will explain to you shortly» Bhagavad Gita 8-11 (Yoga Knowledge of Brahman).
«The worship of the Supreme Lord, the Brahmins, the Guru, the sages and the elders is done with the observance of cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy (Brahmacharya) and Nonviolence (Ahimsa), so this worship is declares as the austerity (Tapas) of the body» Gita 17-14 (The Yoga of Devotion).
Brahmacharya Bhagavad Gita 
Brahmacharya.
«Brahmacharya (usually translated as celibacy) means not only sexual continence but the observance of all the fundamental vows (yamas of Patanjali) to attain Brahman.» Gandhi.
Comments by Swami Sivananda on Brahmacharya, Chapter 6- The Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga):
«The applicant must select a secluded place where there is no disturbance. He must arrange himself to meditate correctly and sit in a comfortable posture, with the head, neck and spine erect, but not tense. He should fix his purified mind on Atman by concentrating between the eyebrows or on the tip of the nose. The practice of Brahmacharya is absolutely necessary for success in meditation. This conservation and transformation of vital fluid into spiritual energy grants immense power of concentration. In a strict sense, Brahmacharya is celibacy. In a broad sense, it is the absolute control of all the senses. The door to Nirvana (liberation) or perfection is complete Brahmacharya.» Swami Sivananda.
For Swami Yatiswarananda:
«In the higher forms of Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism, great emphasis has been placed on the observance of perfect Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed.» Swami Yatiswarananda.
For BKS Iyengar:
«Brahmacharya is continence (self-control) of body, speech and mind.» BKS Iyengar
For Swami Krishnananda:
The rest of this summary on “Brahmacharya” (Yoga Philosophy) is only available to students of the Gita Institute
(c) Gita Institute
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