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Brahmacharya is present in all four stages
The basic characteristic of Brahmacharya is that one should be full of pure thoughts, all one's actions should be sacred and one should be engaged in selfless service. Brahmacharya is not confined to the early years of one's boyhood and adolescence. Brahmacharya is a state that is implied in all the three other stages of life also (Grihastha, Vaanaprastha and Sanyasa). The base is Brahmacharya. The second stage or storey is that of Grihastha
(the householder). The third is Vaanaprastha (retirement to the forest). The fourth is Sanyasa (complete renunciation of all attachments). Brahmacharya is present in all three other stages like an undercurrent: Brahmacharya in the Brahmacharya state, Brahmacharya in the Grihastha state, Brahmacharya in the Vaanaprastha and Brahmacharya in the Sanyasa states. In all four states, Brahmacharya is immanent in equal measure. It signifies purity in all the states. Only when there is purity, Brahmacharya has any meaning.
Manava (Man) means one who is pure. Man means one who is noteworthy. It also means one who has faith. These are the various meanings of the Sanskrit word Manava. Delving into the meaning of the word Manava further, it will be noted that it consists of two terms: Maa (ever) and Nava (new)--that which is ever new, that which is always fresh. In this freshness there is pavitrata (purity or sanctity).
Hence, in this sacred human birth, to lead a life filled with pure thoughts and pure actions is characterised as Brahmacharya. So the real meaning of Brahmacharya is not confined to the corporeal discipline of celibacy attached to it in the physical sense, but it implies recognition of the Divinity inherent in man and leading a life based on that recognition. Therefore, for the life of the householder, the recluse and the renunciant, Brahmacharya is the foundation.
(the householder). The third is Vaanaprastha (retirement to the forest). The fourth is Sanyasa (complete renunciation of all attachments). Brahmacharya is present in all three other stages like an undercurrent: Brahmacharya in the Brahmacharya state, Brahmacharya in the Grihastha state, Brahmacharya in the Vaanaprastha and Brahmacharya in the Sanyasa states. In all four states, Brahmacharya is immanent in equal measure. It signifies purity in all the states. Only when there is purity, Brahmacharya has any meaning.
Manava (Man) means one who is pure. Man means one who is noteworthy. It also means one who has faith. These are the various meanings of the Sanskrit word Manava. Delving into the meaning of the word Manava further, it will be noted that it consists of two terms: Maa (ever) and Nava (new)--that which is ever new, that which is always fresh. In this freshness there is pavitrata (purity or sanctity).
Hence, in this sacred human birth, to lead a life filled with pure thoughts and pure actions is characterised as Brahmacharya. So the real meaning of Brahmacharya is not confined to the corporeal discipline of celibacy attached to it in the physical sense, but it implies recognition of the Divinity inherent in man and leading a life based on that recognition. Therefore, for the life of the householder, the recluse and the renunciant, Brahmacharya is the foundation.
Practice of Celibacy / Book / Links
Practice of celibacy is always voluntary. Those who advocate practice of involuntary celibacy have not clearly understood the meaning of celibacy.
http://www.dlshq.org/download/brahmacharya.htm
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/brahmacharya.asp
http://www.dlshq.org/download/brahmacharya.htm
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/hinduism/essays/brahmacharya.asp
Celibacy Related to
1 Celibacy is a term that has been coined absolutely in relationship to spirituality
2 Celibacy in other terms is to be practiced more mentally than physically
2 Celibacy in other terms is to be practiced more mentally than physically
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