Chapter-2, Sutra 38

Patanjali Yogasutra 2.38

(Brahmacharya)

  

ब्रह्मचर्यप्रतिष्ठायां वीर्यलाभः ॥ 2.38 ॥

"Upon the establishment of brahmacharya (celibacy), there is the attainment of vitality."

In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the significance of brahmacharya, often interpreted as celibacy or the practice of chastity, in the yogic path. The term brahmacharya 

literally means 'conduct in accordance with Brahman,' where Brahman refers to the Ultimate Reality or Consciousness. In the context of yoga, it involves the conscious direction of one's energy towards spiritual growth rather than dissipating it in sensual pleasures. Patanjali suggests that when an individual firmly establishes themselves in brahmacharya, they gain virya, which means vigor or vitality.

This vitality is not merely physical; it also refers to mental and spiritual strength. By practicing brahmacharya, the yogi is able to conserve and transform their energy into spiritual power, thereby enhancing their overall vitality. This conserved energy fuels their progress on the yogic path, enabling them to overcome obstacles and attain Higher States of Consciousness. The practice of brahmacharya is, therefore, a cornerstone in achieving self-mastery and spiritual enlightenment.

In a broader sense, this Sutra teaches the importance of self-discipline and the mindful regulation of desires. The concept extends beyond just physical celibacy and includes controlling thoughts, words, and actions that may lead to the dissipation of vital energy. When a yogi practices brahmacharya

with steadfastness, they not only preserve their physical energy but also cultivate mental clarity and spiritual insight, which are crucial for deep meditation and Realization of the Self.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"The chaste brain has tremendous energy, gigantic will power, without that there can be no mental strength. All men of gigantic brains are very continent. It gives wonderful control over mankind. Leaders of men have been very continent, and this is what gave them power. Therefore the Yogi must be continent."

Contextual Comparison with Other Vedic Texts

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.5

यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम् ।  

तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति ॥

"When the Seer sees the golden-hued Creator, the Lord, the Purusha, the Source of Brahman, then the wise one, shaking off both virtue and vice, becomes stainless and attains supreme equality."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad speaks about the attainment of the Highest Realization and Purity, which can be correlated with the concept of brahmacharya leading to virya. When one is established in celibacy and pure conduct, they can achieve a state where they perceive the Ultimate Reality, shedding all impurities and dualities of virtue and vice. This Purity and Realization are outcomes of the disciplined practice of brahmacharya.

Bhagavad Gita 6.14

प्रशान्तात्मा विगतभीः ब्रह्मचारिव्रते स्थितः।  

मनः संयम्य मच्चित्तो युक्त आसीत मत्परः॥

"With a tranquil mind, devoid of fear, practicing celibacy, having controlled the mind, the yogi should sit, focused on Me, devoted to Me."

Here, Lord Krishna instructs the yogi to practice brahmacharya as part of their discipline to achieve a tranquil mind and focus on the Divine. This verse highlights how 

brahmacharya is essential for mental control and spiritual concentration, aligning with Patanjali's teaching that it leads to the acquisition of virya or spiritual strength.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.31

यो वै लब्ध्वा ह्यशेषाणि विषया विलयं गतः।  

ब्रह्मचर्ये स्थिरो योगी स मुमुक्षुर्न लिप्यते॥

"The yogi who has attained dispassion towards all sense objects and is firmly established in brahmacharya is not bound by the world even though he may be a seeker of liberation."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta reflects the idea that 

brahmacharya leads to dispassion and detachment from worldly desires, which is necessary for liberation. 

The yogi who practices 

brahmacharya remains untouched by worldly temptations, embodying the vitality and strength mentioned by Patanjali in his Sutra. This detachment is a direct outcome of conserving one's energy and channeling it towards spiritual pursuits.

These references collectively underscore the importance of brahmacharya in achieving vitality, mental clarity, and spiritual progress, as emphasized by Patanjali in Yogasutra 2.38. Each verse from the Vedic texts reinforces the idea that celibacy or disciplined conduct plays a critical role in preserving and transforming energy for higher spiritual goals.