The Power of Brahmacharya

The allure of youth and primal desires is undeniable. Like a gilded cage, it attracts us with promises of pleasures unknown. But as the highs of initial delight begin to fade, it morphs into a relentless craving, an addiction that conquers our thoughts and maligns our mind. And before we realise it, we find ourselves at the end of yet another life spent in the futile fulfilment of the momentary.

At the tender age of 16, Shrimad Rajchandra Ji entered into a deep reflection on the most primal instinct of sexual desire, and composed ‘Nirkhein Jo Nav Youvana’ (Mokshmala Shikshapaath 34). This poetic composition paints a powerful portrait of Brahmacharya—rising above the temporary and residing in ‘Brahma’ (our infinite and eternal nature). It describes the inner radiance of the ones who have risen above the basic human urge for sensual pleasures, and are thus set to conquer the world by breaking the cycle of birth and death. It reminds us of the ‘Godly’ power we possess, to grow undeterred by fleeting attractions, and cultivate a spirit that transcends the superficial.

निरखें जो नव यौवना, लेश न विषय निदान
माने काष्ठ की पुतली, वो भगवान समान ॥1॥

A wise person considers physical beauty to be fleeting, like a wooden toy, and transcends sensual urges. This is a reflection of his awakened inner divinity.

इस सकल संसार में, रमे जो नायक रूप
वो त्यागा तो त्यागे सब, जो केवल शोकस्वरूप ॥2॥

The primal sensual instinct is the root of rebirth and suffering. The one who parts ways with this instinct, also parts ways with all reasons for suffering.

एक विषय को जीत कर, जीता सब संसार
राजा जीत के जीतिये, दल, पुर और अधिकार ॥3॥

Conquering a king is equivalent to conquering his entire army, kingdom, and authority. Similarly, the one who conquers this instinct attains victory over all other instincts and worldly desires.

विषय रूप अंकुर से, टले ज्ञान और ध्यान
लेश मदिरा पान से, छाए ज्यों अज्ञान ॥4॥

A small amount of alcohol is enough to intoxicate a man. Similarly, even a moment of indulgence in this intoxicating instinct clouds his wisdom and awareness.

जो नव नियम विशुद्ध से, धरे शील सुखदाय
भव उसके फिर अल्प हों, तत्त्ववचन यह भाई ॥5॥

Following any discipline of Brahmacharya as prescribed by the Vedas, or as guided by a Living Guru, is a sure way to purify your conduct. The one who embraces such a disciplined life, initiates the end of his cycle of rebirth.

सुंदर शील कल्पतरु, मन वाणी और देह से
जो नर नारी सेवें इसे, अनुपम फल लें वे ॥6॥

Brahmacharya, practised with body, mind, and speech, leads to pure conduct. This is the “wish-fulfilling tree” (Kalpavriksha) that bears the fruits of boundless inner joy, love, and peace.

पात्र बिना वस्तु न रहे, पात्र में आत्मिक ज्ञान
पात्र होने सेवो सदा, ब्रह्मचर्य मतिमान ॥7॥

To attain self-realisation, a seeker needs to become eligible. And that eligibility is crafted by practising Brahmacharya under the guidance of a Living Guru.

Watch Sri Guru’s explanation of this Kaavya: