- Brahmacharya, or continence, is indispensable in spiritual life. Ramakrishna told his disciples: “When a man succeeds in the conservation of his sexual energy, his intellect reflects the image of Brahman, even as a glass gives a perfect image when its back is painted with mercury solution. The man who carries this image of Brahman in his heart is able to accomplish everything — he will succeed wonderfully in whatever action he engages himself.” Sri Ramakrishna advised his householder disciples to lead a normal family life while practising self-control. But the Master cautioned those who wanted to become monks to be careful about women. He told Latu: “If you want to realize God, you will have to be a brahmacharin. Without practising brahmacharya, or continence, one cannot concentrate steadily on God. From brahmacharya comes intellectual conviction and then comes faith in the power of Brahman. Without this faith, one cannot feel that he lives in Brahman… . Practise japam and meditation day and night. This is the way one can get rid of attachment for lust and gold.” (Source: God Lived With Them)
- As ones face may be seen reflected in a sheet of glass coated with quick silver, so the glorious image of the Almighty God can be seen reflected in the heart of a person who has preserved his power and purity through perfect continence.
- Unless one practises absolute continence, one cannot comprehend the subtle truths of spirituality.
- Sukadeva was an Urdhvaretas (a man of complete and unbroken continence) ; he had never any emission of semen. There was another class called Dhairyaretas, who had discharge of semen at one time but subsequently practised absolute continence. If a man remains a Dhairyaretas continually for twelve years, he acquires a superhuman power. A new nerve is developed in him. It is called the nerve of intelligence’ (Medhanadi), and he can remember everything and know everything.
- If a man practises absolute continence for twelve years, the Medhanadi will open (i.e., his powers and understanding will blossm). His understanding will become capable of penetrating and comprehending the subtlest of ideas. With such an understanding man can realise God. God can be attained only through a purified understanding of this type.
- Waste of the vital fluid entails loss of energy. Involuntary emission, however, is not of much consequence. That is due to food. But still one (a truely spiritual man) should not know any woman carnally.
- He who has relinquished sexual enjoyment has indeed renounced the world ! God is indeed very near him !
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