BRAHMACHARYA - 22. SOME ILLUSTRATIVE STORIES - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy

BRAHMACHARYA - 22. SOME ILLUSTRATIVE STORIES - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of Celibacy - HQ Full Book.

This chapter presents various stories that highlight powerful life lessons about lust, passion, detachment, and wisdom, which are essential for cultivating a virtuous life. Through vivid examples from history and mythology, the chapter offers insights into human nature, illustrating the power of desire and the importance of self-control, discernment, and renunciation. The stories of Jaimini, Socrates and his disciple, Raja Yayati, Yogi Vemana, and the tale of Hemachuda underscore the profound spiritual lessons on overcoming attachments and attaining self-realization. 

1. The Power of Lust: The Example of Jaimini
The first story centers around Jaimini, the great sage and the author of Purva-Mimamsa. In an important teaching session, Sri Vedavyasa warns his students about the power of lust and the potential dangers of being distracted by worldly desires. Jaimini, in his pride, claims that no woman can attract him because he is firmly established in Brahmacharya (celibacy). Vyasa, sensing Jaimini's arrogance, decides to teach him a lesson using his Yogic powers. Disguised as a beautiful young woman, Vyasa creates a situation where Jaimini is tempted by lust. Despite his initial resolve, Jaimini is swayed by the lady's charm and loses his self-control, attempting to embrace her. Vyasa reveals his true form, rebuking Jaimini for his pride and reminding him of the unpredictable power of lust. This story emphasizes the danger of overestimating one’s strength in the face of worldly temptations. It serves as a warning to anyone, especially Brahmacharis or those practicing celibacy, about the overwhelming influence of desire, even for those who believe they are beyond its reach. 

2. Passion’s Hold Over Man’s Mind: Socrates and His Disciple
The next story illustrates the struggles of worldly individuals against the overpowering forces of passion. A disciple of Socrates seeks advice on how often a householder should engage in sexual relations with his wife. Socrates initially suggests that it should be only once in a lifetime, but the disciple argues that such a practice is impossible for those who live in the world, where temptations and desires are rampant. After several revisions, Socrates finally gives a more practical answer: once a month. Yet, the disciple still finds this difficult to accept, highlighting the powerful grip that passion holds over the human mind. Socrates, seeing the disciple's dilemma, offers a final piece of advice: to contemplate death and burial. He tells the disciple to dig a grave and prepare for the inevitable end of life. This harsh lesson triggers a shift in the disciple's perspective, making him realize the futility of sensual pleasures. He renounces indulgence and dedicates himself to a life of self-control, discipline, and spiritual growth. His transformation reflects the importance of introspection and the realization that detachment from worldly desires leads to true freedom and peace. 

3. Lust Increases with Enjoyment: Raja Yayati
King Yayati’s story is a classic example of how indulging in worldly pleasures only deepens the thirst for more. Yayati, a king who enjoyed a thousand years of luxurious life, becomes old and desires to continue indulging in pleasure. He asks his sons to exchange their youth for his old age, and only his youngest son, Puru, agrees. However, after a period of indulgence, Yayati realizes that his desires are insatiable, and no amount of pleasure has quenched his thirst. The king's realization teaches that the pursuit of sensual gratification only fuels the desire for more, leading to an endless cycle of dissatisfaction. True happiness, as he concludes, lies in renouncing these desires and focusing on spiritual growth. Yayati's renunciation of worldly pleasures and his retreat into the forest symbolize the...