Difficulties in the path of Brahmacharya
Question
Respected Sir,
I had a question which is i'm sure, quite common with people pursuing the path of brahmacharya. It's that the more we progress, the more we are vigilant and careful, the more we are honest towards ourselves, our effort, the god and our goal. The more opposite and oppressive the outside world becomes. Why it tries to call us back to the same pit we are trying to escape? It is very difficult to avoid or confront such a situation.
Brahman Sarvam Prajayate.
Answer
The external world and its people are in the grip of Maya (cosmic illusion). Maya makes wrong appear right and right appear wrong. Hence in the scriptures, the world is compared to the inverted image of an object seen in a mirror. Just as the image of an object in a mirror appears inverted and opposite in perspecticve, this world governed by Maya is contrary to reality.
The rules that govern Brahmacharya are the rules that take man to his Atmic (soul) state, his true and real state of being. As the Brahmachari embraces these rules and puts them into effect, his actions appear contrary and unattractive to the world for the reasons described above. For this reason, the Brahmachari should never advertise regarding his practices and lifestyle, for these cannot be understood or appreciated by the common man. Silence and a smile are to be his assets. The purpose of Maya is to tempt man towards downfall as a test of his progress. Had there been no test at every step, all would have attained liberation. Maya is the tool of the Lord to test manยs evolution. One who is committed and devoted to God and Brahmacharya alone gets the ability to eventually transcend Maya.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)