On the Path of the Divine: Brahmacharya

Image | Shaan R Ali

BY DAVID GORVETT

The fourth of the yamas, and one that in modern, Western teachings of Yoga seems to create the most controversy, Brahmacharya is commonly translated to mean ‘celibacy’ or ‘chastity’. And yep, traditionally this yama was meant to encourage students to save their sexual energy, instead directing that energy to furthering their progress along the Yogic path. Makes sense - if you’re being distracted by your libido, you’re probably not focused on the wisdom being imparted to you from your teacher and on implementing those lessons in your life.

Literally, the word means ‘on the path of the divine’, from ‘Brahman’ (the divine) and ‘charya’ (path), and it is often now translated as ‘right use of energy’ - which doesn’t please purists who perhaps see it as an attempt to mould ancient wisdom to suit modern lives rather than doing the hard work. The Indian mystic/yogi Sadhguru argues that celibacy is not required of someone walking the path of the divine, a brahmachari, and suggests that if they are ‘ecstatic by their own nature’ - not seeking pleasure outside of oneself, striving after x or y, but simply joyful in one’s own existence, then they are on the right path. Still taking part in the world, but not reliant on it to provide satisfaction.

Choosing mindfully where to direct our attention, our energy, might allow us to become more aware of how much we have - and to better recognise the actions that drain us vs those that replenish us.

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INVITATION FOR REFLECTION

Where are you directing your energy, today?
You might investigate within your body, or thoughts, or emotionally.

How does that fit into your intention for this day, or this week,
or even this year as we wrap up the roller coaster of 2020?

Pausing to reflect may seem like a slowing down of momentum, but it can be a powerful way of gaining acknowledgement and acceptance of what is here. From that place of presence, we can often receive more clarity in the direction or actions required to move us forward, kindly and intentionally.

Thank you for pausing, reflecting, and becoming more present with us.