TLDR;
This video emphasises the importance of Brahmacharya (celibacy or disciplined lifestyle) as the foundation of a fulfilling spiritual and worldly life. It outlines a daily routine and lifestyle choices that support Brahmacharya, while warning against habits and influences that undermine it. The key points include:
- Rising early, before sunrise, is essential for maintaining Brahmacharya.
- Remembering God and great devotees is important for spiritual strength.
- Maintaining a pure diet and avoiding foods that stimulate desires is crucial.
- Controlling the senses and avoiding lustful thoughts and actions are necessary for preserving Brahmacharya.
- Integrating Brahmacharya into daily life through disciplined routines and mindful practices.
The Essence of Brahmacharya [0:00]
Brahmacharya is described as life itself, while a life devoid of it is akin to death. To embrace Brahmacharya, one must pay close attention, especially concerning daily routines. Whether a child, young adult, or anyone else, waking up before sunrise, specifically in the fourth part of the night (around 4:00 AM), is crucial. Those who sleep until 8:00 or 10:00 AM cannot maintain Brahmacharya and are prone to nocturnal emissions and negative behaviours. Waking up late diminishes one's vitality and spiritual energy, leading to a dull and lifeless existence.
Establishing a Daily Routine for Brahmacharya [1:08]
To live a life of Brahmacharya, one must improve their daily routine by waking up at 4:00 AM. Sleeping from 3:00 AM until sunrise increases the likelihood of nocturnal emissions and weakens self-control. Avoiding certain actions from a young age can prevent these issues. Brahmacharya is the foundation of all paths, whether worldly or spiritual. It is essential not to underestimate its importance, as neglecting it can lead to self-destruction.
Morning Practices and Diet [2:31]
Upon waking, one should first remember God. To enhance this remembrance, it's beneficial to first remember one's spiritual teacher and devotees, as this brings strength and purity to the day. Avoid starting the day with tea or coffee. Instead, drink water before brushing your teeth, as this cleanses the stomach. If possible, induce vomiting to remove bile and heat from the body. Follow this with bowel movements and bathing. Exercise, including running and yoga, is as important as prayer. If a student, study scriptures with devotion to sharpen your memory. Purity in thoughts, diet, and actions is essential for maintaining Brahmacharya.
Brahmacharya and Lifestyle [5:23]
There are two types of Brahmacharya: lifelong, for ascetics, and regulated, for those in household life. Even in household life, adhering to scriptural principles is essential for a happy life. One should not act solely based on personal desires. The story of Bhishma is cited as a cautionary tale. Veerya (semen), prana (life force), and mind are interconnected; stabilising one stabilises all. A person with good Brahmacharya needs less effort to concentrate the mind. Without Brahmacharya, the mind becomes restless and engages in negative thoughts and behaviours.
Qualities of a Brahmachari and Diet Considerations [8:36]
A Brahmachari is characterised by seriousness, mature thoughts, sharp memory, and the ability to endure hardships. They experience inner peace and joy. Constipation can hinder Brahmacharya. Avoid new, tempting foods, especially processed items like pizza, which can cause digestive issues. Chew food thoroughly to aid digestion. If experiencing constipation, consider using psyllium husk and small haritaki fruit with milk. Avoid harsh laxatives. Drink plenty of water (2.5-3 litres daily) to prevent acidity.
Avoiding Harmful Influences [10:47]
Avoid touching others unnecessarily, as bodies carry subtle energies. Be mindful of the energies present in clothing and sleeping areas. Refrain from obscene jokes, as they can stimulate desires. Dress modestly to avoid arrogance and lust. Focus on inner beauty through devotion. Avoid foods that stimulate desires, and be mindful of how food affects your mind and devotion. If a food item leads to lustful thoughts, eliminate it from your diet.
Practices to Avoid and Maintain [15:56]
Avoid applying scented substances to the body unless they have been offered as sacred. Eat only as much as you can digest, and fast if you experience indigestion. Clean your teeth before sleeping to aid digestion. Bathe twice daily, focusing on cooling the body from the navel down. Before sleeping, reflect on any wrong actions and resolve not to repeat them. Avoid meat, alcohol, and drugs. Sour and fermented foods, red chillies, onion, garlic and hot spices are harmful for those practicing Brahmacharya.
Daily Routine and Mindful Practices [17:53]
Rest for 15-30 minutes after lunch, lying on your left side, but avoid sleeping during the day unless you work at night. Avoid eating or studying during twilight hours; instead, engage in devotional practices. Take a walk after dinner before sleeping. If you must stay awake at night, minimise sleep during the day. Engage in devotional thoughts before sleeping, and be as vigilant as if you were facing death. Maintain purity and alertness in solitude, avoiding distractions like mobile phones. If you can't sleep, chant mantras until you do.
Protecting Brahmacharya [20:03]
Avoid reading obscene literature or watching inappropriate content. Stay engaged in purposeful activities, and when not working, focus on devotional thoughts and the lives of great souls. Watching films and dramas is detrimental to Brahmacharya. Brahmacharya is the foundation for great spiritual practices.
