Initial reactions of Yoga & Brahmacharya

1. What would be the initial reaction of a thief leading a life of thievery when he is locked up in a prison for reforment? He would feel depressed, suffocated, claustrophobic and constrained. Having been used to his unlawful ways and having had his way as regards his wanton life, life in a reformation center appears torturous. However, if he were to apply his mind and body in the direction of reformation and correction, he will eventually emerge clean and free from the wrong belief of thievery being beneficial and would turn into an asset to himself and the society.

The practice of Yoga & Brahmacharya is very similar. During the first year or two of Yoga & Brahmacharya, the body and mind which had become accoustomed to years and past births of a life of Abrahmacharya (incontinence) resist and refuse to accept the changed lifestyle and discipline. The mind comes up with innumerable reasons against Yoga & Brahmacharya. The whole process seems contrary to one’s nature and flow. In addition to these mental challenges, past Samskara-s (impressions) and Vasana-s (tendencies) which surface while being vacated by the power of conserved Ojas, produce strong feelings of anger, frustration and misery. It sometimes appears as though life has become very tough and unmanageable. This is the first test or barricade that the Yogi has to successfully overcome if he has to proceed in tasting the divine fruit of establishment in Yoga, leading to self-realization.

It does not come easily, this divine fruit of eternal release from the ocean of Samsâra. So only the very sincere and devoted have access to this shore of eternal realization, God has made a life of Brahmacharya full of difficulties and challenges. An ordinary, egoistic man can never hope to swim across this dangerous ocean of Samsâra and reach the shore of liberation. But to the one who is humble, who is devoted to the Lord with innocent love and has unfailing perseverance, success eventually comes. The first milestone of considerable achievement in this journey is the state where the Brahmachari develops complete freedom for the need to masturbate or have recreational sex. Brahmacharya no longer appears contrary to one’s lifestyle from then on. He gets the mind to persevere with much zest, and the urge to meditate longer at this stage.

After the Brahmachari spends considerable amount of time in this stage and perfects ‘Savikalpa Samadhi’ meditation, he attains the next and very important milestone in his journey towards self-realization. This second milestone is the state of an Urdhvareta. Words cannot describe the sheer bliss and joy that one feels while occupying this state. One is happy and full of innocence and bliss for no reason (the qualities of the Atman). In this stage, the mind of the Urdhvareta, even while indulging in external activity, is constantly in the thought of God, craving to get back into meditation on the Lord. Just as two lovers constantly think of each other and cannot wait to become one with each other, the Yogi occupying this stage constantly thinks of God and cannot wait for the ‘Sangama’ (union) with the Lord through Samadhi meditation. Just as two lovers feel distressed and pained when separated from each other, the Yogi feels estranged and unhappy if he, perforce, due to some occurring, is unable to meditate on a particular day and merge with the Almighty through Samadhi. Union for recreation between man and woman leads to degeneration and bondage, while union with the Lord through Samadhi leads to eternal liberation.

At this stage, one does not feel like doing anything for oneself. The Yogi does all actions to please God and as a service to HIM, this body & mind being the tools of enactment of the Lord’s Leela (divine play). One is content with whatever comes though one’s Prarabdha (destiny of this life), be it poverty or riches, fame or obscurity. These things do not matter at all to the Yogi, for to what avail are these riches, name or fame when compared to the matchless and incomparable bliss of the Atman that has started to trickle into the mind of the Yogi? That feeling, that Supreme bliss, before which the pleasure of a sexual orgasm appears like stale and rotten food when compared with fresh, hot food. That Supreme exhilaration and ‘Samadhana’ (contentment) of knowing one’s hard efforts and sacrifice as regards Brahmacharya have been recognized by the Almighty and HE is now allowing the Yogi communion with HIM through Samadhi. One must experience this for himself in reality. Words cannot do justice to description. I cannot find enough adjectives to even partly elaborate this experience. It is worth all the sacrifice and pain that were endured initially.

Then the Yogi with tears of devotion and innocent love for God feels as though God is telling him – “You strived hard, made many sacrifices, endured much pain and honestly adhered to the principles of Yoga & Brahmacharya with devotion to ME, with the sole objective of reaching ME. I am impressed with your efforts, dedication and love. Hence I offer you the ability to experience and unite with ME in Samadhi, to enjoy the constant bliss that comes from thinking of me this way, even in the midst of work. This is an important stage you have reached in the journey to self-realization”.

Thus, it appears as though the initial years of Yoga & Brahmacharya involve more hardships and suffering and less happiness. This is because one is reversing the misdeeds of past karma. Though not contrary in terms of reality, such a life appears contrary to one’s nature. The Yogi might feel depressed, angry, irate or helpless at such times. When one perseveres despite these challenges and finally emerges victorious, these things fade away for ever and things become easier. Hence one should persevere without slackness, with devotion and sincerity.

2. Always perform the entire set of Yogic practices consisting of Asana, Bandha, Nadi Shodhana, Pranayama & meditation, twice a day without fail. Never take short cuts. The depression will go away eventually. The first year is tough and daunting. Every aspirant faces these troubles of disharmony at the beginning when the body and mind are getting reset to a different frequency.

3. The fact of having achieved 3 months of physical continence is an indication that the grace of God is in place and higher things are in store. Persevere steadily knowing fully well that Brahmacharya is your default state. Sexuality for recreation is a disease. So we will remove this disease. Donot worry about random sexual thoughts. Displace these immediately on appearance and ensure that they donot flower into lust and passion. Stick to honest practice come what may. Such a stubborn and adamant attitude is required. Then, success slowly blossoms.

4. If these principles are applied in totality, you will one day acquire a body and mind that is strong, tough, graceful, free from illness/disease and full of health to the finest degree.

5. A glass of milk/malted beverage early in the morning, normal breakfast followed by a banana at 8.30 A.M, lunch before 1.30 P.M consisting of 3~4 wheat roti-s/chapathi-s with some vegetable preparation and dhal (or 2 roti-s and some rice for rice eaters) followed by another banana, buttermilk in the afternoon, and a dinner comprising of fruits and raw vegetables in the evening with a glass of milk will prove to be enough as regards nutrition and balance for the beginner. 6~10 glasses (2 litres) of water/day should be sufficient.  At the advanced stage, the same menu is followed, in even lesser quantity. Rich and fatty food less on fiber and very high on protein is neither necessary nor conducive to good health and Brahmacharya.

6. It is best to limit computer use to necessity and not make it a pastime. The mind and Prana are interlinked and applying the mind randomly on all sorts of unnecessary thought dissipates mental energy and hence Prana. Aimless browsing can lead to idleness and make the mind prone to unrest thereby making it vulnerable to porn or sexual thoughts. When free and to the extent possible, use the computer for reading material related to Yoga/Brahmacharya and scriptures/matters related to self-realization. Also meditate whenever possible. Take to physical  exercise/sports for an hour a day, whenever possible. Past karma in the process of expedition is the real cause behind the lack of employment. When this passes, you will get suitable employment and things will stabilize. Apply efforts in the direction of seeking a suitable opening as regards your career. Practice a life of Yoga & Brahmacharya to help build energy and strength. By the grace of the Almighty, the tough times will pass and become manageable.

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