Sivananda and Buddhi Nadi

Hello Emmanuel,

Good to know of your increasing interest in Brahmacharya. Coming to the queries,

Q1: Are there any examples of modern day Urdhvarethas?
A: Since the human efforts that go into achieving and then maintaining the status of a perfect Urdhvaretha are Herculean and extraordinary, I would suppose there are a countable number of Urdhvarethas across humanity who occupy the lofty state of soul bliss and immense power that the title commands. Coupled with this is the more important factor of divine support from the Almighty that is so very necessary in the transformation of the normal man into a celibate of spotless chastity. The scriptures state that such Urdhvarethas are one in a billion. Also, It wouldn't probably be wrong to say those who occupy such a status do not generally advertise or proclaim the same, for they would be people high on humility further to having realized the fact that man is a puppet in the hands of the master puppeteer - The Brahman or Almighty. This makes practically pinpointing such people a 'not so easy task'.

Q2: Did His Holiness Swami Sivananda achieve the 'Buddhi Naadi'?
A: Even if a layman with no interest in spirituality or celibacy was to read Swami Sivananda's books on health, spirituality, yoga or Brahmacharya, he would return awed and inspired realizing the charisma, intelligence, nobility and radiance of the great soul that held the pen while writing these books. Such spectacular strength and ability to inspire the masses with words is a definite sign of a man fueled by the power that only true celibacy brings. Swami Vivekananda also had a similar power. When he addressed the Parliament of religions for the first time in Chicago with the opening words 'Sisters and Brothers of America...", the entire audience stood up with sheer respect and awe at the radiance, gravity, power and purpose emanating from the young monk in his twenties. Swami Vivekananda at that point of time was unknown and unheard of in the world of philosophy, religion or spirituality. He had faced great difficulty even to enroll himself as one of the speakers at the gathering to the point of almost being counted out in the list, further to his anonymity. Yet he commanded a reaction from the audience that would befit a king by his mere presence. This was due to the immense power of 'Ojas' derived from lifelong, unbroken celibacy. When we study the lives of such great men it becomes quite apparent that true Brahmacharya was the prime mover behind the final product. If we consider the magnitude of devotion Swami Sivananda put into a life of Brahmacharya, spirituality and service to humanity, one would not be erring if one assumed him to have mastered numerous siddhis along with the 'Buddhi Naadi'.

Q3: Am I a member of a group of celibates/monks?
A: I'm a married man and a father, who's into a joint life of celibacy with my wife and one among the thousands of celibate students across the globe, nothing more.

Q4: What do I read for inspiration in Brahmacharya?
A:  I'm basically interested in assimilating any work of substance on matters concerning spirituality and Brahmacharya cutting across cultures, religions, caste, creed and sect. Basically being a Hindu, my exposure to ancient Indian scriptures and treatises on spirituality and self realization such as the Bhagavad-Gita, Vedas and Upanishads is on the higher side. However, I'm open to any source of writing that casts a possibility of adding to my knowledge. God inspires us and the books take credit!

God bless and have a nice day :-)
Dhananjay