Page 15 - BIKC - Eng

INTRODUCTION

Human life, especially the male form, is meant for self-
realization: to understand our eternal relationship with God, Kåñëa.
This book is meant for men who have seriously taken to Kåñëa
consciousness, and especially for those devotees who have joined
the brahmacäré-äçrama with no training or background in spiritual
life.
Brahmacarya means “the life of celibacy.” Unfortunately, the
very concept of such a lifestyle is still incomprehensible to the vast
majority of human society, especially in the Western countries.
Indeed, even though the rudiments of Kåñëa conscious
philosophy—service to God, simple living, high thinking, and so
on—may be explained to open-minded persons, the principles of
celibacy and austerity remain an anathema to most. Some even
consider celibacy to be dangerous fanaticism or, at best, something
unnatural and strange. This book will definitely not be
understandable to or appreciated by, nor is it meant for, the
common man.
In Kåñëa consciousness we stand apart from the general masses.
For all their liberality and free sex, their society is a mess, a hell. We
have taken the decision to walk on a different path. We cannot
compromise our principles to satisfy misguided persons who have
no idea that there is a goal of life, let alone how to attain it. Our goal
is Kåñëa, and we are prepared to do whatever is necessary to attain
to Him. Why should we descend into the stool pit of material
enjoyment? Brahmacarya is that training whereby, developing
knowledge and detachment (vairägya-vidyä), one becomes immune
from the pushing of the senses. Enjoying life in Kåñëa consciousness
and renunciation, one prepares himself to enter the kingdom of
God.
It is not expected that all brahmacärés will remain so without
ever marrying. The brahmacäré period is traditionally a preparation
for what will follow. For most, that means gåhastha life and beyond.
Certainly, if a brahmacäré is determined and strong then there is no
reason why he cannot remain unmarried throughout his life; indeed,
some fortunate few will succeed in remaining celibate throughout
their entire lives. But the Vedic system prescribes four äçramas, and

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