Starting Brahmacharya in midlife

QUESTION: 1) Is it possible to maintain celibacy after 45 years of age for the rest of the life?
2) What are the merits as well as demerits of such act?
3) Since the sexual energy is getting conserved by maintaining celibacy, in what form the same (sexual)energy is going to get transformed?

ANSWER: 1.   It is never late to adopt a life of Brahmacharya. Better late than never. Brahmacharya is one’s default way of life. It is the true state of the Atman (soul). Everyday of practice gives its benefits. It offers the chance for a better spiritual, mental and physical state now and in the next birth. Hence by all means can the practice be taken up.

2.   The merits include good health, strength and well being, a clear and calm mind that helps one function better and stay happy, spiritual development leading to lessening of past karma and overall improvement in all fields of life. Brahmacharya should be practiced in thought, word and deed with adequate physical (asana or exercise), mental work and spiritual (meditative) activity. There are no demerits.

3.   Sexual energy which is conserved is directed towards other constructive activities which may include physical exercise, asana, sports, mental work (as in one’s job), hobbies etc… and meditation. In other words, one will have much energy and zest to perform any activity of one’s choice to satisfaction. As the aspirant advances, he will get drawn to deeper meditation that leads to much joy and peace of mind.

Kindly go through each and every past answer to get clear with the topic in detail.

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

[an error occurred while processing this directive]---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for responding for my earlier queries

1) Is there any yoga that may be practiced for getting a complete control over masturbation?