BRAHMACHARYA - 15. TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy

BRAHMACHARYA - 15. TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of Celibacy - HQ Full Book.

The fifteenth chapter delves into a timeless question faced by spiritual aspirants and laypeople alike: should one marry or embrace celibacy? This chapter does not dismiss either choice outright but instead explores the possibilities, challenges, and implications of each path from a spiritual and philosophical perspective. 

Celibacy in the Midst of the World
The chapter begins by asserting that celibacy is not an unattainable ideal. Despite the temptations and distractions of worldly life, many individuals in history and even today have successfully lived as celibates. The key lies in discipline and spiritual practices that fortify the mind and body against desires. To achieve celibacy, one must lead a disciplined life, nourished by a Sattvic diet and supported by spiritual pursuits such as:

• Study of Scriptures: Regular engagement with holy texts reinforces the mind’s focus on higher ideals.
• Satsang (Good Company): Associating with pure and spiritually inclined people fosters a positive influence.
• Mantra and Meditation: Practices like Japa (mantra repetition) and Dhyana (meditation) cultivate inner strength and clarity.
• Pranayama (Breath Control): This ancient practice regulates the mind and energy.
• Self-Discipline: Following Yama (restraints) and Niyama (observances) outlined in yoga ensures moral and ethical integrity.
• Self-Reflection: Introspection, self-analysis, and correction keep one aligned with spiritual goals.

Those who fail to follow such a disciplined life often struggle with unfulfilled desires, leading to suffering. The chapter analogizes this self-created plight to that of an elephant throwing sand on its own head, a metaphor for how one’s foolish choices result in unnecessary troubles.

The Benefits of Celibacy
The author debunks the misconception that celibacy leads to mental or physical fatigue. Instead, it is argued that the perception of fatigue is often a mental illusion, much like a false sense of hunger. Celibacy, far from being harmful, is shown to:

• Conserve Energy: Sexual abstinence helps conserve vital energy that strengthens the body and mind.
• Augment Mental Faculties: It improves memory, willpower, and intellectual clarity.
• Enhance Vitality: Practicing celibacy revitalizes the body, boosts immunity, and restores overall health.
• Bring Inner Peace: The restraint allows one to experience spiritual tranquility and bliss.

Moreover, the chapter posits that celibacy bestows divine powers and extraordinary strength, enabling individuals to perform feats of great endurance and achieve spiritual realization.

Critiquing the Epicurean Philosophy
The text directly challenges the arguments of those who advocate unrestrained indulgence in sensual pleasures, often termed as the "Epicurean philosophy." Critics of celibacy argue that passions should not be checked, as they are natural and necessary for procreation and societal continuation. However, the chapter refutes this with several counterpoints:

1. Misinterpretation of Nature: Just as a fish swims against the current, human beings must rise above base instincts to achieve spiritual heights.
2. Illusion of Happiness: The happiness derived from sensual pleasures is fleeting, accompanied by dangers, fear, and eventual dissatisfaction.
3. Worldly Attachments: The chapter reminds readers of the transient and illusory nature of worldly possessions and relationships, which cannot offer lasting fulfillment.

The Epicurean lifestyle, rooted in indulgence, is labeled as a delusion that leads to suffering and prevents the realization of eternal bliss.

Marriage as a Choice
Marriage is neither dismissed outright nor glorified unconditionally. The text...