The fourth Yama is Brahmacharya and it means celibacy, self-restraint and studying.  In the Western world, we obtain a “Bachelors” Degree – it is clear that deep within our roots the concept of self-improvement goes hand in hand with self-restraint, especially in sexuality.

Life, every single aspect of life, is a play between the sexes, at work, home, going shopping, sitting on the sidewalk watching the girls/guys go by.  The play of energies between a man and a woman is the inspiration behind music, novels, movies, poetry and we are drawn to the opposite sex for reasons sometimes unexplained. This is why control of our energy – the energy that brings forth life, creative energy – is as relevant as ever.   We cannot step into the world without a personal refinement, a personal responsibility, a personal respect and sacredness towards our own sexuality.  The “play” between man and woman can easily become a tragedy, should we act outside of whom we are by nature. The roles of female/male are well defined and no matter how society wants to break it down and level the plains, subtle energies and needs are inherent in the sexes.

The interest we have in the opposite sex should not be to “mate” – but to be a “soul-mate”.  It takes time for a couple to harmonize the energies between them, it is a constant fine tune-ing and real, hard work and commitment. (Sometimes soul-mates outgrow each other and move on.  The reality of our times is that we will have several relationships in one lifetime.)

Wandering eyes, measuring the physical appearance of the opposite sex, is already violating the sexuality of someone that has no control over this violation taking place. See the other as a whole being.  Know that sexuality comes with responsibility.   Refine who you are in this world, also sexually.   With consciousness in life, sexuality – becomes an art.  Fine tune who you are.  Fine tune your interaction with the opposite sex, no matter the place or situation and act in line with consciousness and with respect.

Without exploring human love, the pleasures, pain and failures, it is impossible to move towards Divine Love.  By experiencing the fullness and brokenness of our personal creative energies, do we develop Compassion and Awareness of the Divine.

It is not to deny sexuality, rather remember your own Sacredness and Sweetness and Purity; to carry this scent in all walks of life.

When we are healthy in attitude with our sexuality, we have an increase in vitality and creativity.  The mind becomes filled with healthy courage and the intellect becomes sharp.  The opposite is also true.  The one that falls out of balance becomes weak and foolish.

Mahabharata Quotes:

“Repeated sin destroys the understanding And he whose reason is impaired repeats His sins. The constant practising of virtue Strengthens the mental faculties, and he Whose judgment stronger grows acts always right.“

“She is a wife who is notable in her house; she is a wife who beareth children; she is a wife whose husband is as her life; she is a wife who is obedient to her lord. The wife is half the man; a wife is man?s dearest friend; a wife is the source of his religion, his worldly profit, and his love. He who hath a wife maketh offerings in his house. Those who have wives are blest with good fortune. Wives are friends, who, by their kind and gentle speech, soothe you in your retirement. In your distresses they are as mothers, and they are refreshment to those who are travellers in the rugged paths of life.“