By P Mohan Chandran
Have you ever pondered what lies at the heart of our ceaseless search for joy? Why does pleasure, even at its peak, seem to dissolve into a mere shadow of that elusive joy we yearn for? Have you ever stopped to question why happiness feels like freedom while pleasure tends to shackle us? Today, let us journey down the intriguing path of Brahmacharya, an ancient concept often misunderstood, yet holds the potential to revolutionize our pursuit of happiness and collective welfare.
Derived from Sanskrit, Brahmacharya combines 'Brahman' signifying 'the divine' and 'Charya' meaning 'the path'. Essentially, a Brahmachari is an individual who treads the divine path, the path of intrinsic joy, not reliant on external entities or circumstances. Contrary to popular belief, Brahmacharya isn't solely about celibacy or renouncing worldly pleasures; it is about transcending the constraints of external happiness to discover an inexhaustible source of joy within oneself.
We live in a world where we often mistake pleasure for joy. The realm of pleasure is a dependent one – it relies on someone, or something, be it possessions, experiences, or relationships. Yet, the path of Brahmacharya encourages us to look beyond these transient sources of pleasure and unlock the door to unbounded joy that stems from our core. But how does one accomplish that?
We all have experienced moments of profound happiness – an infectious laughter, a quiet contemplation, a sense of achievement – instances when we needed nothing else to augment our joy. These moments of true happiness, always an internal phenomenon, hold the key. Brahmacharya is the journey to replicate these moments, not by seeking external stimuli but by kindling the innate spark of joy within. It advocates self-reliance in happiness, a state where one's joy has a self-start, independent of external push-starts.
Does practising Brahmacharya imply a life of solitude and asceticism? Not necessarily. The underlying principle of Brahmacharya is the independence of joy, the freedom to be blissful by one's own nature. It can be practised within societal frameworks, even within the sanctity of marriage. When two individuals come together, not to extract joy from each other but to share their innate joy, they exemplify the true spirit of Brahmacharya.
At its core, Brahmacharya is a path of self-evolution and global welfare. It emphasizes the need for individuals who prioritize collective well-being over personal gains. In a world where "what about me?" is becoming an increasing concern, the practice of Brahmacharya serves as a reminder of the importance of thinking beyond oneself.
Our world is in desperate need of those who find joy in ensuring others' well-being, those who are ready to climb the mountain of life unburdened by the weight of self-centric desires. Only when a substantial percentage of people start thinking beyond their own well-being can societies retain sanity and stability. The widespread adoption of Brahmacharya principles can be a potent catalyst for this shift, safeguarding our societies from potential ruin.
As we traverse the multifaceted avenues of Brahmacharya, the significance of being joyful by our nature becomes starkly clear. But, have you ever introspected on the source of your happiness? Are you a pleasure seeker entrapped in the golden shackles of external stimuli, or are you a pursuer of joy, in the path of Brahmacharya, nurturing the inner reservoir of bliss? Have you pondered how transforming your pursuit of happiness can contribute to global welfare? Remember, the journey to the divine begins within, and it's never too late to embark upon it.
Do you think it is possible to practice Brahmacharya even after marriage?
Yes, why not, Brahmacharya is all about sharing innate joy.
No, it is important to be celibate to practice Brahmacharya.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
30062023
留言