Self Realization

Hello Kaushal,

The regular yogic practices of Âsana, Prânayâma and meditation are of much use to the Brahmachari wishing progress in the spiritual path of realizing himself. However, most people forget to strictly practice the Yama-Niyamas of Yoga. The principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) towards all plants and animals, the practice of truth in speech, non-stealing or non-acquisition of objects, titles or positions that do not belong to oneself and non-possessiveness (me, mine concept) regarding worldly objects and ego related emotions is very important if success is desired in unbroken Brahmacharya.

Most people straight away expect to achieve unbroken Brahmacharya, merely trying to win over the sex impulse whilst leading a life that may be high on himsa (violence), speaking the untruth, accepting gifts or grabbing things that come for free and cultivating the tendency of possessiveness. These traits are always accompanied by the sister traits of passion, anger, attachment, greed, arrogance and jealousy. Merely trying to subvert the sex temptation in the midst of a life high on such traits is like trying to blow out a fire that is constantly being fed with fuel. Brahmacharya is not merely winning freedom from the sex impulse alone but is of a much wider dimension. True Brahmacharya is restraint of negative emotions in all domains and finally achieving freedom from such negativity. Hence a Brahmachari wishing true progress should work at becoming a better human being in all fronts along with rising above the sex plane. This automatically makes annihilation of sexual urges a very natural process.

On a parallel is the practice of Niyama. One should strive at maintaining 'shaucha' or cleanliness. Cleanliness here isn't limited to external body cleanliness. Equally important if not more is maintaining a clean and pure mind and not letting external factors and circumstances alter this pure state. With shaucha being established, it becomes easy to maintain 'Santosha' or gladness. A Brahmachari should develop the attitude of being content and glad with what is provided by the Almighty to sustain himself and focus his energies into a life high on God-thought and meditation. The underlying principle is to make God as the source of happiness and not external objects or sensations. Along with this it is important to practice austerities such as waking up much before sunrise followed by a bath and meditation, not over-eating, practicing clean habits and being virtuous and pious. The study of scriptures related to self-realization such as the Bhagavad-Gita and surrender to God form the important requirements necessary for spiritual progress.

Regular and sustained practice of such a life will slowly aid cleansing of past Vâsanâs. All good things take time to fructify and so is spiritual progress and Brahmacharya. A good Brahmachari is always patient, tenacious, determined and sincere in his practices to realize God. A good Brahmachari never worries about siddhis/powers or results in terms of quantity or time but keeps himself intent on God-thought through 'Bhakthi' (devotion). If our efforts are genuine and consistent the Great and all merciful Lord will always reciprocate with love and understanding, guiding the Yogi in the right direction.

This is as much as the aspirant can do. His sincere, honest and truthful efforts are as much as he can indulge in. The results of Brahmacharya and success are always bestowed by the Almighty. Success is not something which is in our hands but rests with God alone. Ours is to try and persevere without giving in and without giving up. One's attitude and action must be - "O Lord, I shall try to the best of my ability to honestly practice the divine science of Brahmacharya with the aim of realizing myself and thereby realizing you. Kindly guide me and help me achieve success in this endeavor. Let me not become a victim of Mâya and loose sight of the aim. There is nothing more important to me than achieving self-realization through Brahmacharya". Such a perspective is the best path to progress.

If one is following the above mentioned lifestyle with an attitude of sincerity and devotion, he need not worry or fear of wet dreams. Wet dreams will gradually lessen in frequency and finally taper away. One needs to fear only when there has been a lacuna in his efforts while being awake. If the efforts while being awake at maintaining clean thoughts and actions is adequate, wet dreams have no other go but to reduce eventually as the sub-conscious mind gets free from such thoughts. As and when strong Vâsanâs (past tendencies) in the causal body start reducing, wet dreams will correspondingly reduce.

 ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)