Brahmacharya , Vedic Ashram System
|
Brahmacharya is the first of the four stages of life and it was popularized in the Vedic Age.
|
|
|
 Brahmacharya refers to that Vedic stage of life when we are still students. This is the first of the four stages of life. The ashram system originated in the Vedic age and was widely followed throughout India. The reference of such a system is found in ManuSmriti. Brahmacharya literally means the search of Brahma or the absolute spiritual power with the help of a teacher. This phase constituted of the first 20 to 25 years of an individual's life. After the thread ceremony or the Upanayanam, Brahmacharya ushers in.
According to the Vedic Indian society to practice Brahmacharya the student needs to go and live with his teacher. Thus evolved the Gurukul system in ancient India. Although widely stated that Brahmacharya means celibacy what it really means is self-restraint. Hence it is not limited to sexual connotation. For leading the life of Brahmacharya one needs complete dedication to his Guru, discipline and concentration. Education contributes a lot to the character and growth of an individual and hence he needs a guru or a teacher who would guide him successfully. For this he also heeds to stay away from distractions and hence the practice of celibacy is strictly to be followed.
In Gurukul system the knowledge of Vedas, Sashtras and Upanishads are imparted to the students or brahmacharis. These teachings are to guide him in leading the next three stages of life. The term Brahmacharya also means sexual continence according to yoga. This is a way of preserving sexual energy. Celibacy has a scientific foundation. Over indulgence in sexual activities can lead to loss of energy and health hazards. As a result it is a crucial stage for the teenagers. Besides this Brahmacharya also helps to develop the prowess to abstain form materialism. Vices like greed, anger, envy, pride, sloth and possessiveness can be curbed through the practice of Brahmacharya.
The concept of Brahmacharya is not restricted to Hinduism only. Buddhist monks and Jains have a similar commitment to life. Hence the later Vedic Age supported a way of life that would lead to higher consciousness and life. Brahmacharya, in a way, thoroughly prepared the young minds for the world.
(Last Updated on : 10-07-2013)
|
| More ArticlesBrahmacharya , Vedic Ashram System (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in History of India
|
|
|
| • | Vijayanagar Empire
Vijayanagar Empire is also known as the Kingdom of Bisnegar. This name was given by the Portuguese. Vijayanagar empire includes the Sangama Dynasty, Saluva Dynasty, Tuluva Dynasty and the Aravidu Dynasty.
| | | • | Anegondi
Anegondi, dramatic location and awesome architure with an out of the ordinary past this little village in Karnataka has
| | | • | Foundation of the Gupta Empire in India
Consolidating the entire northern India, the early Gupta rulers had founded the stronghold of the Gupta Dynasty in India
| | | • | Wali
Walis or Sufi Saints are those who have established a connection with the universal consciousness. They are closely connected to God to the extent that some of them remain cut-off from the real physical world as in the case of the condition of Wilayat Awwal. There are different levels of Wali depending on the extent of love and unity with the Almighty that they feel and exhibit in their behaviour.
| | | • | Village Administration of Rashtrakuta Empire
Village administration of Rashtrakuta Empire was headed by the village headman. Villages were divided for efficient governance.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
Brahmacharya , Vedic Ashram System
Copyright ‘ Jupiter Infomedia Ltd. All rights reserved including the right to reproduce the contents in whole or in part in any form or medium without the express written permission of Jupiter Infomedia Ltd.
