Yamas – Brahmacharya (Self-restraint / Moderation)

Introduction

Context

• Sutra 2.38 and the fourth yama

Translations

• By one established in continence, vigor is gained. – Sri Swami Satchidananda, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
• Devoted to living a balanced and moderate life, the scope of one’s life force becomes boundless. – Nischala Joy Devi
• Literally, brahmacharya translates as “walking in God-consciousness.” Practically speaking, this means that brahmacharya turns the mind inward, balances the senses, and leads to freedom from dependencies and cravings. Yogis tell us that when the mind is freed from domination by the senses, sensory pleasures are replaced by inner joy. – Rolf Sovik

Heart of the Teaching

• The teaching of brahmacharya is self-restraint, moderation and mindfulness in expending energy.
• The teaching advocates wisdom and avoidance of indulging in sexual excess that drains energy from one’s spiritual devotion.
• We might consider T.K.V. Desikachar an ideal expert to speak to the different interpretations of moderation vs. abstinence. He writes clearly on this topic on pg 99 of The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice 1995. In summary, he notes, “Brahmacharya does not necessarily imply celibacy. Rather, it means responsible behavior with respect to our goal of moving toward the truth.”

Making it Relevant

MAINTAINING EQUANIMITY IN THE WORLD OF THE SENSES

Do you ever find yourself surfing the Web, reading a stranger’s blog, or looking up old acquaintances on Facebook late into the night? Are you still troubled by nightmares spurred by a violent action movie you recently watched? Or perhaps you’re feeling jittery from that second cup of coffee this morning? When our senses connect with the pleasures of the world, they offer us plenty to delight in, but they can also throw us off balance and squander our energy… Brahmacharya — the moderation of the senses — is one of the key practices yoga offers for managing sensory cravings. – Rolf Sovik