A collection of quotes on Brahmacharya (celibacy / disciplined student life) from Hindu scriptures and saints.
Brahmacharya in Hindu Religion: The Path of Self-Control
Brahmacharya, often translated as celibacy or moderation, is a key tenet in Hindu spirituality. It is one of the yamas (ethical disciplines) in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, promoting purity of thought, word, and deed. Patanjali writes:
"When established in brahmacharya, vitality is gained."
Practicing brahmacharya does not necessitate renunciation of sexuality but demands mindful engagement aligned with higher spiritual goals.
Having taught the Vedas, the preceptor thus instructs the pupil: ‘Speak the truth. Practice righteousness. Do not neglect study. Having offered the teacher the wealth desired by him (enter the householder’s life and see that) the line of progeny is not cut off. Do not swerve from the truth. Do not swerve from righteousness. Do not neglect (personal) welfare. Do not neglect prosperity. Do not neglect learning and teaching.’ (Taittiriya Upanishad, 1.11.1)
This piece of fuel is earth, sky the second; also the
atmosphere he fills with fuel. The Vedic student fills the worlds with fuel
(sacrifice), girdle (study), toil, and discipline. (Atharva Veda, 11.5.4)
In olden times, investiture with the (sacred) girdle was
prescribed for girls (during initiation into the Brahmacharya Ashrama), as was
instruction in Vedic studies, and initiation into the Gayatri mantra. (Harita)
The teacher is ten times more
venerable than an instructor, the father a hundred times more than the teacher,
and the mother a thousand times more than the father. (Manu
Samhita,
2.145)
The son is to be brought up
lovingly for the first five years of his life, and disciplined for the
next ten years; but when he reaches sixteen, he must be treated as a
friend.
“Brahmacharya is the foundation of spiritual life.”
— Manusmriti 2.87-
“By Brahmacharya one gains vitality, strength, knowledge, and wisdom.”
— Manusmriti 2.88 -
“The Vedas declare that Brahmacharya is the means to attain Brahman (the Supreme).”
— Atharva Veda 11.5.17 -
“Through Brahmacharya, one attains radiance, vigor, and immortality.”
— Atharva Veda 11.5.18 -
“The self-controlled student who practices Brahmacharya attains success in knowledge.”
— Chandogya Upanishad 8.5.4 -
“Brahmacharya is the path that leads to Self-realization.”
— Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.5 -
“Among all disciplines, Brahmacharya is supreme.”
— Mahabharata, Shanti Parva -
“Without Brahmacharya, no spiritual practice bears fruit.”
— Adi Shankaracharya -
“Brahmacharya is not merely abstinence; it is mastery over the senses.”
— Swami Vivekananda -
“Perfect Brahmacharya gives tremendous mental power.”
— Swami Vivekananda -
“By conserving energy through Brahmacharya, one awakens divine consciousness.”
— Yoga Vasistha -
“Brahmacharya leads to clarity of mind and firmness of intellect.”
— Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.38 -
“Established in Brahmacharya, one gains spiritual strength and insight.”
— Yoga Sutra 2.38 (commentary tradition) -
“A Brahmachari should dwell in discipline, humility, and devotion to truth.”
— Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11 -
“Brahmacharya protects the seeker from downfall.”
— Mahabharata -
“Through Brahmacharya, sages attained divine vision.”
— Srimad Bhagavatam -
“Brahmacharya is the gateway to all virtues.”
— Narada Bhakti Sutra (traditional interpretation) -
“He who practices Brahmacharya becomes fearless.”
— Upanishadic teaching -
“Brahmacharya is austerity in thought, word, and deed.”
— Smriti literature
-
“The power stored by Brahmacharya manifests as spiritual brilliance.”
— Swami Sivananda