brahmacharya

brahmacharya
   Brahmacharya literally means “conducting one-self in accord with BRAHMAN.” Brahmacharya itself has two important meanings. It refers to the ancient practice of celibacy for men, considered an indispensable aid for the most avid yogis and seekers who wish to break the bonds of SAMSARA, or worldly existence. Restraint of the senses has always been an important aspect of Indian YOGAs; complete restraint on sexuality is one of the most difficult and spiritually powerful restraints.Brahmacharya was also used to refer to the student stage of a man’s life, in the Brahmani-cal tradition of life stages or ASHRAMAs. One was expected to remain celibate during the 12 years of Vedic learning with one’s guru, from the age of 12 to the age of 24, when one was to take up the household life. These stages of life may never have been precisely practiced by most BRAHMINS, but the ideal was widely known and respected.
   Further readings: Klaus K. Klostermaier, A Survey of Hinduism (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1989); Patrick Olivelle, The Asrama System: The History and Hermeneutics of a Religious Institution (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993); ———, Manu’s Code: A Critical Edition and Translation of the Manava-Dharma-sastra (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).

Encyclopedia of Hinduism. . 2007.

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  • Brahmacharya — (pronounced|brʌmatʃərɪə, Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य) is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization. Traditionally, such a life involved going to live with a spiritual teacher under whom the… …   Wikipedia

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  • Brahmacharya — Saltar a navegación, búsqueda En el hinduismo, la brahmacharia es la primera de las cuatro áshramas (las cuatro etapas en la vida de un brahmán o sacerdote hinduista). Se podría traducir como ‘etapa de estudio’, aunque literalmente significa ‘el… …   Wikipedia Español

  • Brahmacharya — Ein Brahmachari (auch brahmacarya sanskrit: „derselbe Lebenswandel wie Brahma“) ist in den post vedischen indischen Religionen (etwa im Hinduismus) ein spiritueller Schüler, der für eine gewisse Zeit Enthaltsamheit gelobt hat. Frauen, die dieses… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • brahmacharya — /brah meuh chahr yeuh/, n. Hinduism. the stage of life of the student, entailing study of the Vedas and complete celibacy, usually lasting for twelve years. Also, brahmacarya. [ < Skt brahmacarya] * * * ▪ Buddhism Sanskrit“pure conduct”       in… …   Universalium

  • Brahmacharya — noun The first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization …   Wiktionary

  • Brahmacharya — En el hinduismo, la brahmacharia es el primero de los cuatro áshramas (que en idioma sánscrito son las etapas de la vida de un espiritualista). Se podría traducir como etapa de estudio , aunque literalmente significa el que se mueve con Dios… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • brahmacharya — brah·ma·char·ya …   English syllables

  • brahmacharya — ryə noun ( s) Etymology: Sanskrit brahmacarya, from brahman prayer + carya conduct, from carati India : the state of celibate student life : the initial stage of the Brahmanic ashram …   Useful english dictionary

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