BRAHMACHARYYA

OR THE GOLDEN RULES FOR SELF-CONTROL

PRESERVATION OF SEMEN IS THE ESSENCE OF BRAHMACHARYYA. - Patanjali

POWERS - PHYSICAL, MENTAL, MORAL AND SPIRITUAL – ARE THE NATURAL OUTPUTS OF BRAHMACHARYYA. - Patanjali

THE GREAT FOUNDER OF BHARAT SEVASHRAM SANGHA

ACHARYA SREEMAT SWAMI PRANAVANANDAJI MAHARAJ

Born on 29th January, 1896

(On Maghi Purnima)

Mahanirvan on

8th January, 1941

(On Shukla Ekadashi)

“The first and foremost duty of a student is to build up character. Along with study, the building of moral character is absolutely necessary. Without this, nothing will be done.”

“Those who aspire after self-improvement and follow these golden rules are dearer to me than my life itself. Wherever and in whatever condition they may be, I will be always with them; my power will always save them whenever they will seek it.”

PHYSICAL

1	For the preservation of semen, attempt physically, mentally and orally with an unflinching strength of purpose.
2	Take pain, moderate, unexciting diet; fast on special religious days.
3	Carefully shun all objects of luxury; luxury includes every article of living which is not indispensable for us in dress and diet.
4	Strictly give up all intoxicating things, such as Tea, Coffee, Tobacco, Betel leaves, Snuff etc.
5	Don’t use bedding and clothing that are not your own.
6	Make it a point to go to bed “alone” on your own bed and never deviate an inch from that.
7	Don’t sleep for more than five hours a day.
8	Put on “Koupin” or “Langot” (loin cloth) day and night.
9	Take regular physical exercise, at least once a day.
10	Make it a point not to touch another’s body except on necessity.
11	Never look wishfully upon the face of a woman, not even on that of a boy or girl.
12	Never speak except on necessity.

MENTAL

1	Always keep your mind and body employed in some sort of work or other.
2	Always keep your mind busy with good thoughts, noble ideas, high aspirations, and engage yourself in the study of instructive books, in meditation and in prayer.
3	Never allow any bad thought to enter your heart under any pretext.
4	If evil thoughts creep into your heart in anyway, repent, and do penance for the sin, and pray GOD for forgiveness help and guidance.
5	Just before you go to bed leave off all thoughts of self and resign yourself solely in to the contemplation of the LORD.
6	Daily read a portion of the Bhagwad Geeta, Sangha-Geeta or other religious books and learn by rote one the shlokas.
7	Repeat the name of the LORD and meditate upon Him at least for two hours daily.
8	Before going to bed examine yourself and keep a regular diary of your daily progress, digress or retrogress.