The word “brahmacharya” is composed of the root “char” which means to move, and “brahma” which means “Truth”. Therefore the literal translation of brahmacharya is “to move towards Truth.”  Traditionally brahmacharya means to practice celibacy,  this approach is for the renunciate.  For the house holder or worldly person brahmacharya is the practice of moderation and conservation of energy  with the intention to be in tune with Brahman -   Truth, Reality, God, Higher Self,  or creative life force within.  

The reason to practice brahmacharya is not to abide by  a strict dogmatic principal, but to cultivate reverence for theTruth. With the attitude of  reverence, we can then choose to consciously manage our sexual, sensual, mental,emotional and physical energies to remain connected with and  established in our identity withTruth. 

“Brahmacharya means not indulging in feelings, thoughts or emotions that drain your energy.”    Gurudev

The yama brahmacharya suggests that we must cultivate thoughts, actions and emotions that increase our understanding of Truth. We must continuously observe how we are using our energies and what is our motivation in acting to fufill our sensual cravings.  Our problem is not our sexual behavior for example, but how the feelings, thoughts and emotions associated with it block our minds. Does our relationship to sensual cravings move us towards Truth? or does it  fortify our self image?

To practice brahmacharya - movement towards Truth -   we must be vigilant in observing how we use our energies.  Again and again we must let go of all disturbances that would take us off center.  With continued practice we experience ourselves as being more firmly established in Truth consciousness.  We become aware of the divinity in ourselves, all beings, the earth, and the entire creation.