What the word Brahmacharya means

[Nil Thapliyal]

Brahma is the name of any one of a number of deities mentioned in the Vedas, Hinduism and Buddhism. The Sanskrit word char means to walk, and ya means actively, most often the compound word charya is translated as practice. The word Brahmacharya has been translated as “brahmic conduct” or “walking with God”, though frequently it is simplified even further into non-lust, or continence and self-control.

 

[paul linus]

It is abstention from sensual indulgence, such as a chocolate binge or speaking unnecessarily. Ascetic purists see this as complete abstention from sexual intercourse. Modern yogis often interpret this Yama to restrict meaningless sexual encounters, rather than the life-affirming loving kind within a healthy relationship.