Bramacharya - right use of energy
Bramacharya translates from Sanskrit as “conduct consistent with Brahman.” In Hinduism, Brahman is the highest divine force/being/God in the universe. Bramacharya also means right use of energy or celibacy. In the Yoga sutras of Pantanjali, the eight limbs of yoga are described. The first limb is yama, or moral discipline. The fourth yama is Bramacharya.
BKS Iyengar’s translation of the yoga sutra on Bramacharya (II.38) reads: “When the sadhaka is firmly established in continence, knowledge, vigour, valour and energy flow to him.”
This yama is often misunderstood and avoided due to the stigma of “celibacy.” Sexual energy is neither good nor bad. It is the most basic expression of the life force - it is how we are created. This yama is about contemplating this energy and learning how to control and channel it.
Sexual energy channeled incorrectly can be in the form of suppression leading to abuse on one hand or addiction when sensory pleasure is the sole motivating factor on the other. You can become aware of how draining this is energy-wise. How can we act on this energy that nourishes us? There are many yogis that have a family life and children.
Yoga is identifying and letting go of desires and attachments and allure of the senses. Then directing your energy to God (inner experience of being connected to all that is and feeling of bliss). This applies to all aspects of life including sexuality.
Bliss is not lust and a rush of hormones; bliss is the reservoir of energy obtained from spiritual practice. This is an important difference. Lust is seeing another as object and thus creating separateness, bliss is recognizing your oneness. It is the separateness from the One that drains our energy.
There is a certain glow of people who can transmute sexual energy into a different kind of intimacy of a spiritual fragrance. This incredible power is seen throughout religious traditions.
The practice of bramacharya does need training, and having a yoga teacher well versed in the sutras can help. You can start simply by considering what drains your energy and what nourishes you within your relationships and life in general.
