4.

BRAHMACHARYA – SEXUAL
CONTINENCE
“When the Yogi is well established in
Brahmacharya, great vigor is acquired.” “Death is hastened by letting out semen from the
- Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, Chapter II. Sutra 38 body. Life is saved and prolonged by preserving
it. Semen is the real vitality in men. It is the
hidden treasure in man. There is no doubt that
“Chastity is of central importance in most
people die prematurely by letting the semen
spiritual traditions of the world, though
out of the body; knowing this, the Yogi should
it is differently interpreted. In classical
always preserve semen and lead a life of strict
yoga it is defined in ascetical terms as the
Brachmacharya.”
abstention from sexual activity, whether in
deed, thought, or words. Some authorities, - Siva Samhita
like the Darshana-Upanishad, relax this
rule for the married yogin. Moreover, in the PRESERVING THE CREATIVE FORCE
medieval traditional of Tantrism, as we will
The Sanskrit word Brahmacharya is
see, a more sex-positive orientation came
composed of the terms Brahman, which
to the fore that revolutionized both Hinduism
refers to the Pure Awareness of the Absolute,
and Buddhism. But even here no unbridled
and acharya, which means to live in, to be
hedonism is embraced. Generally speaking,
stable in, to lay foundation, to go after. A
sexual stimulation is thought to interrupt the
literal translation could therefore be ‘to live
impulse toward enlightenment, or liberation,
in Pure Awareness’, or ‘to live in a stable
by feeding the hunger for sensory experience
Awareness of the Absolute’.
and possibly leading to a loss of semen and
vital energy (ojas)” The movement of the mind toward the absorbing
state of Brahman leads to a Recognition of the
- Georg Feuerstein
Absolute in everything. As acharaya also means
conduct or behavior, another literal translation
“It is beyond all doubt that a life of [celibate] is ‘Brahmic conduct’. The non-dual Reality of
Brahmacharya is glorious and marvellous. At the Brahman is beyond all gender distinctions, thus
same time, a life of moderation in the household the aim is to emulate this genderless condition of
life is equally good and helpful for spiritual growth. Oneness. The word brahmachari is also used for
Both have their own advantages. You must have students from the age of about eight to twenty
great strength to tread the path either way.” five, who are supposed to be totally dedicated to
- Swami Sivananda - their development and studies.
Practice of Brahmacharya, p. 34 Brahmacharya is today interpreted in various
different and even contradicting ways.
Commonly used terms are retention, celibacy,
“Brahmacharya reminds us that our life force abstinence, monogamy, moderation,
is both limited and precious, and sexual responsibility, chastity.
activity is one of the quickest ways to deplete
The modern emphasize is on the sexual restraint.
it. The practice of Brahmacharya is not some
Several authors expand this self- control onto all
archaic form of moralizing, but rather a
sensual desires. The relevant core of the sexual
reminder that, if we use our energy wisely, we
aspect of Brahmacharya is best summarized in
possess the resources to live a fulfilling life.”
the practical term of continence. This definition
- Aadil Palkhivala

18
stresses the need for conserving the sexual and Retas meaning sexual energy.”
energy, avoiding any wasteful leakage. - I.K. Taimni - The Science of Yoga, p. 216

SUBLIMATION Sexual continence is thought to contribute

Seminal fluid and the analogue female to health, longevity, memory, intelligence and
secretions (such as specific vaginal fluids) emotional wellbeing, and it is one of the most
are known to contain a great concentration of crucial ingredients for actual transformation
the fundamental life- energy called Ojas. The in spiritual practice. This creative life-force,
continuous conservation of sexual liquids which Sigmund Freud called libido, is the
preserves the essential energy of Ojas ! most significant evolutionary power, the
“Sexual energy is the most basic expression of secret key for fundamental transformation. It
the life force. It is immensely powerful, and it is is the energy that supports serious progress
essential to control and channel it. In no way in all endeavors of life, including Yoga and
should we despise it.” meditation. This clarifies why all religions
insist on the need for a proper economizing
- B.K.S. Iyengar.
of the sexual energy.
Light On the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, p.151

Swami Sivananda accentuates the importance

The aim is to retain the male semen and the of this topic: “The preservation of semen is
corresponding female secretions and energies, the secret of health and longevity, and of all
while transforming them into refined spiritual success in the physical, mental, intellectual and
forces. The gross sexual fluids are transmuted spiritual planes. He who has even a little bit
into subtle energies. This enhances physical and of Brahmacharya will tide over a crisis of any
psychological health. The process of sublimation disease very easily. […] Brahmacharya is the
enables seasoned practitioners to use this vital subject for those who want success in
energy for authentic spiritual evolution. material or spiritual life. Without it, a man is
absolutely unfit for worldly activities as well
“It is a well-known doctrine of Yogic as for spiritual practices.”
philosophy that there is a very intimate relation - Swami Sivananda -
between sexual energy and the energy which Practice of Brahmacharya, p. 35, 38, 39
is required for bringing about the mental,
moral and spiritual regeneration aimed at
in Yogic discipline. […] This sublimation and In most cases the topic of Brahmacharya is
diversion of this energy is possible only for those unfortunately not discussed in a transparent
who have obtained a complete mastery of their way. Most do agree with the general necessity
sexual instincts and not merely abstained from of conserving the sexual energies, but the
indulgence for some time. Such people who practical approaches differ widely. Sexuality has
are able to conserve, transmute and direct this always been a sensitive subject. It is therefore
energy continuously towards the cerebrum are not surprising that many authors do not refrain
called Urdhvaretas, Urdhva meaning upwards from culturally biased, defensive interpretations,
justifying their personal perspectives.

19
ONLY TWO OPTIONS up by the power of lust. Thus, despite all efforts
One of the foundations of any serious spiritual at controlling and conserving the power, it tries
path is the preservation of sexual energy. Apart to manifest itself forcibly and overwhelm the
from ignoring this fundamental recommendation, Sadhaka [spiritual practitioner]. Herein arises the
there are basically only two solutions with which need to intelligently divert the energy by suitable
one can face this situation: devices into pure channels.
The First Option: Ascetic Abstinence Asanas, Pranayama, Mudras, Kriyas, active
Seva and pure activity of all kinds help to divert
The obvious and therefore common choice
it inward and flow upward.[…] It is transmuted
was and is abstinence; simply refraining
through Sadhana [spiritual practice]. The result
from any type of sexual engagement, at all
of this sublimation is Ojas-Sakti by which the
times and in all circumstances; not only on
Sadhaka is enabled to do Dharana, Dhyana and
the physical level, but also on the verbal and
enter into deep Samadhi or Bliss-state of Super-
psychological level. Sexual activity in the
consciousness. […] Sadhana is impossible
broader sense includes fantasizing, longing,
without Brahmacharya which expresses itself as
flirting, staring, etc.
perfect purity in thought, word and deed.”
Basic forms of physical sexual economy
- Swami Chidananda
are even practiced by some modern sport
athletes, scientists, and artists who are Path to Blessedness, p. 26
temporarily retaining their creative fluids.
Most of the successful spiritual seekers of The Second Option: Tantric Continence
the past millennia have evidently decided for
The second solution that allows the
the demanding option of celibacy.
conservation of the sexual energies is
Despite the enormous challenges involved, rather uncommon. There are however a few
abstinence has definitely been the preferred genuine spiritual lineages, that dare to offer
choice in the vast majority of spiritual traditions. an alternative to the ascetic option of the
It is however crucial to understand that this religious mainstream. In the context of Indian
sexual asceticism only bears beneficial fruits, spirituality this option is represented by the
if it is combined with an active engagement in famous Tantrism. Tantra stems from the
other activities. The avoiding of any discharge root Tan which means to extend, expand, or
preserves a substantial amount of energies, and stretch. The suffix -tra means instrument or
results in subsequent excess. This additional tool. Tantra is usually translated as warp, net,
resource needs to be moved and converted weaving loom, giving reference to the holistic
to produce the beneficial results of a dynamic inter- connectedness off all phenomenons.
celibacy. The otherwise stagnant energy is There exists a variety of corresponding
known to cause a variety of physical and psych- scriptures that are called Tantras. They
mental problems. The common ascetic choice
therefore requires not only refraining from sexual
interaction, but demand an active engagement
in other areas of daily and spiritual live. The art is
to effectively transform the surplus energy, using
it for superior purposes.
Swami Chidananda, a disciple of Sivananda,
outlines the ascetic process of sublimation:
“Right up from the earliest stage of evolution
through the ages, the instinctive urge for
reproduction and multiplication has been kept

20
cover a wide range of topics such as natural
medicine, parapsychology, chakras, music, Swami Satyananda founder of the renowned
colors, sacred sounds, worship of deities, Bihar School of Yoga puts the Tantric perspective
architecture, dance, cosmogony, cosmology, in clear words: “What is the purpose of sexual
astrology, astronomy, etc. life? In Tantra it is said that sexual interaction
has three different purposes.
“Generally, three great approaches are The first purpose is progeny, the second is
distinguished within Tantrism: (1) the pleasure and the third is super- consciousness.
dakshina-marga or right-hand path; (2) the Those who consider super-consciousness to
vama-marga or left-hand path; and (3) the be the purpose are yogis, those who consider
kula-marga or path of the prominent Kaula pleasure to be the purpose are human beings,
sect. The first approach is the conservative and those who consider progeny to be the
mainline of Tantrism. The second approach, purpose are animals.
which has brought Tantrism into disrepute, In the practices of yoga and tantra, brahmacharya
involves the infamous panca- tattva rite that means perfection in retaining the bindu [seed,
makes use of traditionally forbidden elements, sperm]. The tantric yogi does not lose his
especially sexual intercourse (maithuna). The bindu at any cost because he knows how to
third approach can roughly be equated with hold and sublimate it. Therefore the concept of
kundalini-yoga, the exploitation of the body’s brahmacharya is mainly to be understood as
inherent psychospiritual potential.” maintaining a positive state where the higher
(Georg Feuerstein - The Shambhala Encyclopedia energy is not allowed to fall and to be ejected. It
of Yoga) is not merely a concept of sexual abstention; it is
a concept of higher energy.”
So only a small portion of the Tantric tradition is - Swami Satyananda Saraswati. Satsang in
dedicated to the spiritual use of sexual energy. Monghyr 1980
The erotic practices of traditional Tantrism
commonly include minute rituals that provide a
Couples learn the inconceivable separation
guiding framework. And any genuine approach to
of orgasm from ejaculation. The focus thus
Tantrism builds on the preliminary basis of sexual
shifts from the end result of ejaculation to
continence – even though most popular modern
the process of prolonged lovemaking. In
books on Tantra do not mention Brahmacharya.
advanced stages of the practice this can
There is no real Tantra without Brahmacharya.
lead to multiple whole body orgasms, which
In authentic left-hand Tantra men learn to are not discharging and wasting the energy.
deliberately refrain from ejaculation, while In the ordinary sexual interaction the instinctual
women withhold explosive orgasms and energy is explosively discharged, leaving only
train to convert specific sexual secretions. a brief ego-centered glimpse of the beginning
The process involves an inner channeling of an orgasm. The vital energy is wasted, and
of the energy and their sublimation into the attraction towards the partner is commonly
superior realms. A sexually active tantric reduced.
engages in erotic interaction without wasting
In the far eastern tradition of Taoism we find
sexual energies, and without cultivating
another inspiring example of combining the
attachments. The problem is not in having
spiritual path with active sexually. Their ancient
sex, but in the waste of sexual energies that
and modern masters provide great technical
usually goes along with it.
clarity on the practicalities of sexual continence.
The path of Tantrism thereby offers a technical The most famous contemporary proponent is
and undogmatic interpretation of Brahmacharya.

21
Mantak Chia: “Multiple orgasms are part conservative choice of celibacy. But if guided
of an unfolding process of ‘becoming one’ and practiced appropriately it is enormously
with each other and with the world. When demanding, as it confronts us directly with
we orgasm, we harmonize not only with personal limitations, selfishness, and emotional
our partner but also with the world and its immaturity. To sincerely face our frightening
pulsations. egoism can induce formidable transformations.
It is for this reason that sexuality is seen as so vital All this obviously requires the most pure
to our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. intentions, mindful consideration, and
The more we open ourselves and become one responsible action. Without earnestly following
with our partner, the more we open ourselves the moral and ethical recommendations of
and become one with the world.“ other Yamas and Niyams this tempting path
- Mantak Chia, et al. The Multi-Orgasmic Couple, can easily lead to devastating results.
p. 175 Sexual Tantra needs to be practiced in a
proper way. We should take the warnings of
the scriptures serious as they comprise the
SPIRITUAL SEXUALITY experiential wisdom of generations:
Prolonged orgasms are powerful states of “Fooled by ignorance, certain people, deprived
consciousness with profound effects on of the [authentic Tantric] tradition, imagine the
many levels. The intensity induces enormous nature of Kuladharma [a Tantric path] according
vitality, and can lead to healing of emotional to their own mind. If merely by drinking wine,
problems. This sexual form of therapy can men attained fulfillment, all addicted to liquor
obviously also help to release blockages would reach perfection. If mere partaking of flesh
in relationships. Tantrism is a quest for the led to the high state, all carnivores in the world
perfect relationship, for the perfect love. would gain great merit. If liberation were ensured
There is no real Tantra without love. by sexual intercourse with a woman, all creatures
The purpose of Tantra is to share deep love and would be liberated by female companionship”.
to induce altered states of consciousness. In this - Kularnava Tantra
approach intimate relationships and sexuality
become tools for spiritual growth. Sexual Tantra
offers methods to meditate in an orgasm. SACRED INTIMACY & SPIRITUAL
An extended orgasm can lead to a temporal RELATIONSHIPS
canceling of the individual ego consciousness. It The contemporary spiritual teacher Prem Baba
reveals unknown dimensions of the psyche and expresses his radiant vision of fulfilled relations:
can lead to of profound self-knowledge. In the “Sexuality is eminently sacred - it is a door to God.
sexual union the consciousness of both lovers In truth, it is the expression of consciousness
can fuse. The physical and energetic merging that most clearly embodies blending and union.
becomes a modality of directing the awareness But because of this denied and suppressed
toward the Cosmic Consciousness. destructiveness, we have created strict taboos
There are obviously a great number of around sexuality. [...]
serious precautions and crucial details to
be respected, to make this opportunity truly
fruitful. And there are countless traps and
pitfalls on this extremely challenging path.
It may seem to be an easier solution than the

22
Sex without hatred is the purest manifestation of “The first step is acceptance: [Sexual attraction]
love: it is a prayer. What could be more profound is natural. Accept it as part of your nature, as
and beautiful than such an act of pure love? We part of your biology. And then try to understand
can chant mantras in a mechanical way, but real it, watch it, observe it, witness it. Slowly slowly,
love-making cannot be performed mechanically. as your witnessing will grow, you will go beyond
[…] it.
Brahmacharya is conscious celibacy with One day you will not find any difference between
devotion, a natural expression of your true a man and a woman: you have gone beyond
being. This may occur once you have elevated sexuality. That is true BRAHMACHARYA, true
your life energy and sex no longer makes celibacy, but it is not what has been told to you.
sense for you. It is not that you oppose sex, In the name of celibacy, sex has been repressed
for you are not against anything; rather you for centuries and you have become just full of
see beauty in everything. [...] Sexuality can sexuality. Rather than transcending it you are
and should be an expression of spirituality. boiling within.”
[…] Sacred sexuality can end duality. This is - Osho Rajneesh - Dhammapad. Vol. 09. p, 123
the path that eventually leads to conscious
loving celibacy, which is the authentic solar
Brahmacharya, a phenomenon of the soul. “Sex is a potential, a great potential. If you
[…] We need to re-establish the paradigm become aware and alert, meditative, then
of harmony between the masculine and the sex can be transformed into love. And if your
feminine.” meditativeness becomes total, absolute, love
can be transformed into compassion.
- Prem Baba - From Suffering to Joy.
Sex is the seed, love is the flower, compassion
Path of the Heart, p. 90-96
is the fragrance. Compassion has love as one
of its ingredients, but not vice versa – love is not
FROM SEX TO SUPERCONSCIOUSNESS compassionate. [...] The word ’compassion’ has
The man who popularized Tantra in the West to be understood: when passion is transformed it
in the 1970’s and 80’s is the scandalous is called compassion, when passion goes through
Indian Osho Rajneesh. One of the first books an absolute transformation it is compassion.
he published is the best-selling ‘From Sex to Love is a stage on the way but not the end. […]
Superconsciousness’, with which he intentionally Buddha has defined compassion as ’love plus
provoked the conservative ascetic establishment: meditation’. When your love is not just a desire
for the other, when your love is not only a need,
“Whenever I meet prostitutes, they never speak
when your love is a sharing, when your love is
of sex. They inquire about the soul, and about
not that of a beggar but that of an emperor, when
God. I also meet many ascetics and monks, and
your love is not asking for something in return
whenever we are alone they ask about nothing
but is ready only to give – to give for the sheer
but sex. I was surprised to learn that ascetics,
joy of giving – then add meditation to it and the
who are always preaching against sex, seem to
pure fragrance is released. Sex is animal, love
be captivated by it. They are curious about it and
is human, compassion is divine. Sex is physical,
disturbed by it; they have this mental complex
love is psychological, compassion is spiritual.”
about it, yet they sermonize about religion and
about the animal instincts in man. And sex is so Osho Rajneesh - Zen. Zest, Zip, Zap And Zing,
natural.” p. 33-35
- Osho Rajneesh - Sex Matters - From Sex to
Superconsciousness, p. 12f & 30 “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely
to seek and find all the barriers within yourself
that you have built against it.”

23
- Rumi beloved. A moment comes, indicated by the
body, to celebrate this love on the physical
plane. To feel this oneness bodily, comes
“Love only gives itself and draws only from
directly from Love itself. […] In the depths of
itself. Love possesses not and wants not to
ourselves we are desire for perfect bliss.”
be possessed; for love is itself enough.”
- Jean Klein
- Kahlil Gibran
“The way you make love is the way God will
be with you.” - Rumi ABSOLUTE LOVE BEYOND THE BODY
The Rishi Yajnavalkya expresses that our partners
should not to be seen only in their physical form.
The Tantric lore provides a wealth of attitudes and
Instead we are asked to recognize the Eternal
methods which guide us towards the Ultimate
Consciousness in and through them: “In truth,
aim: “Breath, thought, and semen are the three
it is not for the love of a husband that a woman
constituents of the Enlightenment Potential.
loves her husband, but for the love of the Divine
They should be harmonized and consciously
Self, Atman, in the husband, that the woman
controlled. The Yogi who brings together breath,
loves her husband. It is not for the love of a wife
thought, and semen becomes the Indestructible
that a man loves his wife, but for the love of the
One, endowed with transcendental spontaneity.”
Divine Self, Atman, in the wife, that the man loves
- Kalachakra Tantra his wife.”
- Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
RECOGNIZING THE DIVINE IN EACH OTHER
Spiritual relationships can be used to recognize “The experience of the Supreme Self is only
the inherent divinity in the partner. “Tantra Love, which is seeing only Love, hearing only
embraces the natural energies of the bodies and Love, feeling only Love, tasting only Love and
connects you with cosmic, universal energy. It smelling only Love, which is Bliss.”
is becoming one with the other, and the very
- Ramana Maharshi
cosmos itself.”
-Swami Nostradamus Virato
“The Consciousness in me, and
the Consciousness in you,
“Sexuality in its most ideal form can
convey more fully than any other human apparently two, really one,
experience what spiritual bliss, oneness, and seek Unity and that is Love.”
timelessness are.” - Nisargadatta Maharaj
- Eva Pierrakos - Creating Union. The Essence
of Intimate Relationship
MEDICAL IMPLICATIONS
The topic of sexuality is obviously a very sensitive
“In true Love, there is neither a lover, nor a subject for most people. Sex is burdened with
immense emotional and moral pressure. These
need to be addressed with proper care and
ethical integrity. In addition there are a variety
of concerns related to the medical implications
of continence. The key to a healthy form of
retention is, as mentioned above, an active
transformation of the fluids and energies through
adequate practices such as Hatha Yoga. The

24
capability to convert and use the sexual energy
is the essential. If it is merely suppressed, it can
result in problematic conditions. Tantric sexuality
also implies this urgent need for sublimation.
The choice of active sexual engagement
obviously entails other precautions, such
as carefully preventing sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs).
What follows are some related comments
of modern Yoga teachers and the surprising
perspective of the western medical science.

Dr .R.W. Bernard provides an overview of more

recent research in his book ‘Science Discovers
the Physiological Value of Continence’: “Dr.
Jacobson sent two hundred letters to professors
of physiology, hygiene, venereal diseases,
nervous diseases, neurology and psychiatry,
inquiring as to their opinions concerning
continence. All answers with few exceptions
declared continence to be conductive to health.”

FURTHER MEDICAL RESOURCES:

Physicians Committee
For Responsible Medicine: (www.pcrm.org),
Dr. Neal Barnard: (www.nealbarnard.org),
Dr. McDougall: (www.drmcdougall.com),
Dr. Michael Klaper: www.doctorklaper.com

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