Hello, hoping you’re well and safe. Though I wasn’t able to lead a class this past weekend I’d still like to share our focus for the week ahead, the fourth of the five yamas.
Theme: Brahmacarya: Celibacy or Withdrawal
Brahmacarya does not mean total stagnation, but instead a gradual withdrawal over time. It is controlled celibacy, maintaining purity while maintaining our vital energy.
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Brahmacarya means one who conducts oneself in accordance with Brahma. In the Indian tradition, there are four different stages of brahmacarya and each stage requires a different set of behaviors.
• brahmacarya (until 25):
Brahmins traditionally have a formal thread ceremony around the age of 12 or 13, an initiation into spiritual life. This stage is about learning the religious rituals, with a focus on celibacy to maintain purity and preserve vital energy.
The more one saves the vital fluid, the more energy one retains, leaving the mind undisturbed. This is true for both men and women.
• grihastha (householder, from 25-60):
During this stage, one marries and raises a family. One’s duties are considered complete after one’s children have married. The family stage requires devotion to one partner, complete with honesty and fidelity. The rules for sexual relatlons for the householder are also one type of brahmacarya and require abstinence on particular days.
• vanaprasta (retiree):
At this stage, once the husband and wife have finished their duties and responsibilities, the desire for sexual activity should cease; one begins to prepare for the final stage.
• sannyasa (renunclate):
The final stage is when one completely withdraws. The pursuit of liberation and the practice of meditation are the main activities.
Yoga Sutra 2.30: When celibacy is established, vitality is attained.
Note: This is shown over various stages of life. It’s more in reference to married life, but we could also see it as a relationship with ourselves. How we enter into relationship with ourselves, our expectations, efforts, ect…
Journaling Prompt: What personal practice can you bring into the week ahead to feel more free and less attached to objects and expectations?
Take good care,
Natasha
CHAIR YOGA & MEDITATION
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HATHA YOGA & MEDITATION
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