Brahamacharya

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Brahmacharya" by Dada Bhagwan, as presented in the provided pages:

Book Title: Brahmacharya (Understanding Brahmacharya) Author: Dada Bhagwan (Shri Ambalal Muljibhai Patel) Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation Origin: This book is a Hindi translation of a Gujarati text, compiled from the discourses of Dada Bhagwan.

Core Message and Purpose:

The book aims to explain the true understanding and significance of Brahmacharya (celibacy or self-control, particularly in relation to sexual conduct) from a spiritual perspective. Dada Bhagwan emphasizes that while many acknowledge the wrongness of incontinence (abrahmaacharya), they lack the practical understanding of how to overcome it and the reasons for its importance. This book provides those paths and insights, aiming to make readers realize the detrimental effects of incontinence and the profound benefits of practicing Brahmacharya.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

• Brahmacharya as a Means to Moksha: Brahmacharya is presented as the most significant tool for spiritual progress and ultimately achieving liberation (Moksha). It's not merely an external restraint but a profound internal state.
• The Essence of Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya is described as the "essence of all matter" (pudgal-saar) and vital for spiritual progress. Its loss leads to a weakening of the body and the spiritual self.
• Understanding the "Why": The book delves into why Brahmacharya should be practiced, explaining its impact on physical and mental well-being, and its direct link to spiritual attainment. It argues that true Brahmacharya leads to the experience of the soul's bliss.
• Rejection of Mere External Practice: Dada Bhagwan stresses that mere outward observance without inner understanding is insufficient. True Brahmacharya comes from the right understanding and a strong inner conviction.
• The "Akram" Path: The teachings are based on the "Akram" (non-sequential) path of self-realization, which is considered a shortcut. This path emphasizes self-knowledge through the grace of a Gnani Purush (enlightened being).
• Brahmacharya for Householders: A significant portion of the book addresses married individuals, explaining how they can progress on the path of Brahmacharya even while fulfilling their worldly responsibilities. It clarifies that householder life itself is not an impediment to Moksha if lived with the right understanding and conduct.
• The Nature of Desire and Subjectivity: The book explores the root causes of desires and the illusions associated with them. It highlights how the mind, through its tendencies and attachments, creates barriers.
• The "Three Vision" Perspective: A key teaching involves seeing things through a spiritual lens – the first vision is seeing the soul within the body, the second is seeing without skin, and the third is seeing the inner workings of the body, revealing the grossness of physical matter. This perspective naturally generates dispassion.
• The Role of Knowledge and Understanding: True knowledge and understanding are emphasized as the tools to overcome desires. Without this knowledge, merely imposing restrictions will not be effective.
• The Importance of the Gnani Purush: The teachings are presented as coming from a Gnani Purush. The presence and guidance of such a being are crucial for acquiring self-knowledge and overcoming spiritual obstacles.
• The Power of Pratikraman: The practice of Pratikraman (repentance and seeking forgiveness) is highlighted as a vital tool for purifying oneself and neutralizing negative karmic effects related to incontinence.
• The Danger of "Nishchay" (Determination): A firm determination to achieve Brahmacharya is paramount. If the determination is weak or superficial, it will falter.
• Detachment from the Physical Body: The book encourages seeing the physical body as impure and ultimately destined for decay, fostering a sense of detachment that aids in Brahmacharya.
• Substance of Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya is explained as the refined essence (pudgal-saar) of consumed food. Its preservation is vital for spiritual strength.
• The Nature of "Discharge" and Leakage: The book addresses physical discharges, differentiating between natural leakage (galan) and intentional indulgence or leakage due to impurity of intention. It emphasizes the importance of pure intention.
• The Power of the "Akram" Path: The Akram path, through its scientific approach and the grace of the Gnani, makes it possible to achieve Brahmacharya and liberation even in the current era.

Structure of the Book (as indicated by the Table of Contents):

The book is divided into two main parts:

Brahmacharya (Purvardh - First Half):

• Section 1: The Nature of Desire, from the Gnani's Perspective:
  • Analysis of the nature of desire.
  • Moving towards liberation from vices.
  • The glory of Brahmacharya.
• Section 2: For Those Determined to Remain Unmarried:
  • How to escape desire with wisdom.
  • Uprooting perspective ("Three Vision").
  • Firm determination leading to success.
  • Dealing with disturbing thoughts about desire.
  • Not acting according to the mind's suggestions.
  • Self-admonishment.
  • Pratikraman with remorse.
  • The illusory belief in the pleasure of touch.
  • Strictness towards "files" (attachments/individuals).
  • Dismissing sensual behavior.
  • The fence of "safe side" (precaution).
  • Tapasya (austerity) of endurance for the mind and body.
  • Avoiding the essence of the unreal.
  • Achieving the bliss of the universe through Brahmacharya.
  • Awareness of "science" in the face of "desire."
  • Helping those who slip.
  • Brahmacharya is essential even in the last birth.
  • Dadaji's confirmation for "Apt Putries" (virtuous daughters).

Brahmacharya (Uttarardh - Second Half):

• Section 1: Keys to Brahmacharya for the Married:
  • Desire is not the poison; fearlessness in desire is the poison.
  • Risks of flawed vision.
  • The sin of unauthorized actions.
  • The meaning of faithfulness to one wife is Brahmacharya.
  • Unauthorized sensual enjoyment is the cause of hell.
  • When desire ceases, interference stops.
  • Desire is animalism!
  • The value of Brahmacharya: clear experience of self-bliss.
  • Trying out vows.
  • Risks of breaking vows are averted through self-criticism.
  • The effect of character.
• Section 2: The Path of Brahmacharya Through Self-Awareness:
  • Sensual vibrations are merely risks.
  • The enormity of sensual hunger.
  • Infinite claims in sensual pleasure.
  • Sensual enjoyment is not an escape.
  • Desire is the root of the tree of the world.
  • The soul is the non-doer, non-enjoyer.
  • The principle of attraction-repulsion.
  • "Scientific Guide" for Brahmacharya.

Overall Significance:

The book "Brahmacharya" by Dada Bhagwan offers a practical and profound understanding of celibacy, not as a harsh asceticism but as a path to inner freedom, power, and ultimately, self-realization. It caters to a wide audience, including those who are unmarried and those who are married, providing a scientific and logical approach to overcoming sensual desires and living a pure, liberated life. The emphasis is on self-effort guided by divine knowledge and the grace of an enlightened being.