BRAHMACHARYA - 6. VALUE OF SEMEN - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy

Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of BRAHMACHARYA Celibacy - 6. THE VALUE OF SEMEN:  The Source of Life, Strength, and Spiritual Awakening - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

Chapter 6: The Value of Semen Semen, the vital energy of man (Veerya), is often referred to as the most potent and vital fluid in the human body. It is described not just as a reproductive substance but as the very essence of life, intelligence, and spiritual vitality. This chapter explores the immense value of semen, its physical, mental, and spiritual significance, and the profound importance of its preservation.

The Essence of Semen
The first crucial point made in this chapter is the immense value of semen as the quintessence of blood. One drop of semen is said to be produced from forty drops of blood, emphasizing its rarity and importance. Semen is considered not just a physical substance but the embodiment of life energy. In a similar way that a tree draws essence from the earth, semen is formed from the essence of food and blood, circulating throughout the body and nourishing various organs, including the heart, brain, and muscles. This vital fluid is not just the body’s creation; it is also its sustenance. In Ayurveda, semen is considered the final product in a cycle of bodily transformations. The seven Dhatus, or building blocks of the body, include chyle, blood, flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and finally, semen. The body transforms food into this vital fluid, which becomes the essence of life itself. The body’s ability to sustain itself, both physically and mentally, depends on the preservation and conservation of this essence. 

The Connection Between Semen, Physical Health, and Spiritual Vitality
The chapter asserts that semen is the last and most refined of the body’s building blocks. It is the essence of vitality and energy. According to Ayurvedic principles, semen nourishes the physical body, the heart, and the intellect. However, the preservation of semen is not just beneficial for physical well-being; it is also essential for spiritual health. Those who practice Brahmacharya, or celibacy, are said to conserve their vital energy, strengthening both their body and mind, and attaining greater spiritual power. The chapter points out that true Brahmacharya involves more than just physical restraint; it requires the balanced development of the body, heart, and intellect. Semen’s importance extends beyond its reproductive role. It is considered the foundation of physical strength and vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual insight. In the practice of meditation and yoga, the conservation of semen is thought to elevate one's spiritual energy, turning the raw power of the body into divine energy that can be transmuted into spiritual strength. 

The Process of Semen Formation
The process by which semen is formed is detailed, underscoring its complexity and value. Semen is created in the testes, which are compared to secretory glands that extract semen from the blood. Just as bees collect honey, the testes collect semen drop by drop from the blood. Once formed, the semen is transported through ducts to the vesicles, where it is stored until it is expelled during ejaculation. Semen is not confined to the reproductive organs; it is said to pervade the entire body. The more semen is wasted, the greater the weakness in the body, leading to physical and mental debilitation. The chapter also emphasizes that the process of ejaculation is a significant energy expenditure, and thus, excessive sexual activity leads to the depletion of vital energy, leaving the individual feeling weak, distracted, and mentally exhausted. 

The Physiological and Psychological Impact of Semen Loss
The chapter continues by describing the physical consequences of seminal loss, both voluntary and involuntary. It cites scientific and medical studies that support the idea...