what is brahmacharya

Brahmacharya is a concept within Indian religions that refers to a lifestyle conducive to the pursuit of sacred knowledge and spiritual liberation. The term brahmacharya is a means, not an end, and it usually includes cleanliness, ahimsa, simple living, studies, meditation, and voluntary restraints on certain foods, intoxicants, and sexual behavior. Brahmacharya is traditionally regarded as one of the five yamas in Yoga, as declared in verse 2.30 of Patanjalis Yoga Sutras. It is a form of self-restraint regarded as a virtue, and an observance recommended depending on an individual's context. For a married practitioner, it means marital fidelity (not cheating on one's spouse); for a single person, it means celibacy. The practice of Brahmacharya yields enormous strength and energy. Brahmacharya is moving beyond small attachments and instead identifying with infinity and keeping the mind on bigger things. It is a dedication to the perception, understanding, and awareness of divinity. The word Brahmacharya actually translates as ‘behavior which leads to Brahman’ .