Overview
Ayurvedic classical texts and lexicons give special emphasis on three vital functions which are considered as the most significant for the maintenance of healthy and prosperous life. The vital upasthambhas-triune or pillars consists of ahara, nidra and brahmacarya. The three upasthambhas are the pillars of the human-life, health and prosperity. Ie we consider the three upastambhas (pillars), all, ahara, nidra and brahmacarya, have vital importance and following these is considered to be the essential in Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Definition of Brahmacharya
Brahmacharya, one of the three pillars of Ayurveda, that has got dual meaning. In the context of Sanskrit language, brahmacharya means movement in a higher-awareness. In Ayurvedic system of medicine, brahmacharya refers to control over sexual intercourse. In Ayurveda system of medicine, it is claimed that the practice of brahmacharya makes a man perfect in retaining the bindu.
The person involved in yogic practice does not prefer to lose the bindu as he is a position to hold as well as sublimate. Therefore, brahmacharya represents the concept of maintaining a positive state of energy. With continuous practice of brahmacharya, we are in a position to retain power, resistance to diseases, mental and physical endurance and heat in the system.
Significance of Brahmcharya
The significance of brahmacharya is better and completely understood by that person who regularly practices it. As long as a person is aware of the physical limits at internal levels and is well conversed with higher awareness, then he is supposed in a state of brahmacharya. Ayurvedic system of medicine does not teach that indulgence in the sexual life is known as brahmacharya. If observed minutely, brahmacharya cannot be understood in lieu of physical actions, rather, is a fine state of human-consciousness and very deep subject.
While being in state of being a brahmacharya, Ayurvedic system of medicine, teaches the human beings about sexual-abstention where social structure and healthy discipline are formed. Although the humans may not get a higher experience out of this but is definitely helps in achieving conformity, unity, amicability and purity. Ayurvedic medicine rules about brahmacharya does not allow touching a woman or man until the age of twenty five is attained. Ayurveda claims that the age of twenty five, the body is not functional at psychological, physical, and emotional levels.
Brahmcharya and the Ojas
Saptadhatu or seven-tissue theory is one of the fundamental pillars of Ayurvedic system of medicine. The concept of ojasa is very much fundamental and subtle. Ojasa is defined as ultimate and supreme essence of saptadhatu or seven-tissues, starting from rasa-plasma to sukra-seminal fluid. Ojasa represents the essential energy of the immune system. To be precise, ojasa is chiefly responsible for immune systmem, vitality and strenght.
Ojasa (the essence of immunity) represents the by-product of shukra or the the seminal fluid. Preserving the seminal fluid, results in improved immunity. Abstinence leads to multi-fold improvement in concentration, memory and courage. Abstinence is highly recommended for teenagers and children and above all, the students. Abstinence has a positive and definite role in building good-character.
Physical and Mental Brahmacharya
Mental brahmacharya is more significant. It may pass on to physical brahmacharya, but must pass on to mental brahmacharya also. Very much state of the human-mind, where no even a single though about sex enters the human mind is known as mental brahmacharya. If impure thoughts are occupying the mind, the sex appetite shall be very strong. In fact, the concept of brahmacharya very much depends upon regulation of the whole course of the life.
Ahara, Nidra and Brahmacharya
Ahara, nidra and bramhacharya are the three links of same chain. By controlling the ahara, we can control nidra as well as bramhacharya. Longevity can be achieved by rationally combining the ahara, nidra and brahmacharya. The essence and spirit of ahara, nidra and brahmacharya must be part of all life processes and actions related to it.
Knowledge of ahara, nidra and brahmacharya is mandatory and by dong the three actions in a rational way, man becomes determined, patient and discipline. Without perfect ahara, nidra and brahmacharya one cannot have spiritual progress substantially. The practice of ahara, nidra and brahmacharya promotes healthy life, enriches the soul and cognitive capacity of the brain.
Conclusion
The minds of humans are filled with thoughts about ahara, nidra and brahmacharya. Human have natural desires, but the ultimate desire is for the ahara, nidra and brahmacharya. Among ahara, nidra and brahmacharya, third one is the fundamental desire. To obey total concept of brahmacharya may not be possible for all the human beings. By adopting a healthy sexual life, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of happiness at eternal level, is very much possible. Meaningless sex can invite several diseases. Therefore it is essential to give importance to the brahmacharya apart from ahara and nidra.
