Page 21 - BIKC - Eng

“BRAHMACÄRÉ” IS ALSO A DESIGNATION 3

peace of mind, fortitude, and long life. It helps to conserve physical
and mental energy. It augments memory, will-power, clear
thinking, power of concentration, and ability to grasp
philosophical subjects. It bestows physical strength, vigor, vitality,
courage, boldness, and strength of character. To one who practices
brahmacarya, divine knowledge comes as if naturally. His words
convey meaning and authority, and leave an impression on the
hearers.
Conversely, those who do not practice brahmacarya must
always remain in illusion. Çréla Prabhupäda: “Brahmacarya is very,
very essential. When one becomes detestful to sex life, that is the
beginning of spiritual life.” 13 “Without becoming brahmacäré,
nobody can understand spiritual life.” 14

“BRAHMACÄRÉ” IS ALSO A DESIGNATION

Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu declared: “I am not a brähmaëa, a
kñatriya, a vaiçya, or a çüdra. I am not a brahmacäré, a gåhastha, a
vänaprastha, or a sannyäsé. I identify myself only as the servant of
the servant of Kåñëa, the maintainer of the gopés.” 15 The goal of
life is not to be a brahmacäré, nor a gåhastha, nor even a sannyäsé.
It is to be a pure devotee of Kåñëa. Çréla Prabhupäda often quoted
from the Närada-païcarätra:
sarvopädhi-vinirmuktaà
tat-paratvena nirmalam
håñékeëa håñékeça-
sevanaà bhaktir ucyate
“Pure devotional service means being freed from all material
designations.”
“Brahmacäré” is also a designation. If we put too much
emphasis on making distinctions between varëas and äçramas,
especially amongst devotees, we are in the bodily concept of life.
For, “One cannot realize the Absolute Truth simply by observing
celibacy.” 16 In India there are Mäyävädé sannyäsés who follow
difficult rules and regulations far more strictly than most devotees
could even dream of. But they are not dear to Kåñëa.