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Introduction ∞
The hedonistic[unknown prefix: wikipedia] ideology of “Don’t worry just enjoy” coupled with the artificial hype and eulogization of culture based on unrestricted sensuous indulgence has resulted in the widespread promiscuity which is destroying the very fabric of cultured life and is the cause of a number of concomitant social problems such as infidelity, divorce, depression, suicide, degradation of values both at individual level and society as a whole.
In the name of “celebrating life”, now we are living like animals, impulsively pursuing the raw gut feeling for satisfying the senses without any consideration of the disastrous consequences of such irresponsible behaviour. Succumbing to various influences ranging from propaganda by media (cinemas, magazines), imitation and hero worship of “celebrities” etc, people are indulging in extra-marital affairs, homosex and all sorts of illicit activities. And the “secular” government’s is over enthusiastic to legalize the practices such as homosex, “live in” relationships that were unheard in India, the abode of culture. Wasn’t that really an ”icing on the cake”?
In actuality, the poor people who boast themselves of being the enjoyers of their free-will little do they know that they are as a matter of fact becoming victims of their own uncontrolled mind and senses which are dragging them down to hellish life both in the present life and the next.
Sex Fascination – The disease of the modern age ∞
Sex is the overwhelming obsession of modern society. Sexual promiscuity is so unrelentingly stressed that anyone who does not appear to be highly interested in it is considered to be a crank. Social pressure induces people to try to maintain juvenile lustiness long after the sensual high of youth has subsided. Thus millions of people remain emotionally immature all their lives. It is a sick world.
Media’s contribution ∞
In the name of entertainment and marketing, the media exploits the people’s sexual cravings, making a business out of it. The advertising industry, in particular, churns out the unending pictures of half undressed women – in magazines, on billboards, on television, on the internet – always and everywhere. Not wanting to be left behind, now even the daily newspapers are competing with porn magazines. Despite grossly exploiting the bodies of women and the basest impulses of men, solely for the sake of making some already over-rich people even richer, their activities continue for the most part unquestioned. The general public absorbs their propaganda and remains ever steeped in lust, having no knowledge of the necessity to resist. Thus advertisements oozing with sexual overtones allure the willingly gullible public to mindlessly purchase everything from back-scrubbers to brandy. And the consumer society rolls on, its members forever sexually jacked-up.
The power of the media to mould people’s attitudes and behaviour is pathetic but who cares. Even if an average person’s mind would not have been absorbed in sexual thoughts, the media makes sure he does.
Chastity – The secret of good health ∞
The body’s vital fluid is a precious substance containing the life force of humans. After Dhanvantari ”the incarnation of Vishnu” had taught all the details about Ayurveda to his disciples, they enquired about the keynote of this medical science. The Master replied, “I tell you that brahmacharya is truly a precious jewel. It is the one most effective medicine-nectar indeed which destroys diseases, decay and death. For attaining peace, brightness, memory, knowledge, health and Self-realisation, one should observe brahmacharya which is the highest dharma. Brahmacharya is the highest knowledge. Brahmacharya is the greatest strength. Of the nature of brahmacharya is verily this Atma and in brahmacharya, It resides. Saluting brahmacharya first, the cases beyond cure, I cure. Aye, brahmacharya can undo all the inauspicious signs.”
The practice of brahmacharya[doesn’t exist] gives good health, inner strength, peace of mind and long life. It invigorates the mind and the nerves. It helps to conserve physical and mental energy. It augments memory, will force and brainpower. It bestows tremendous strength, vigour and vitality. Strength and fortitude are obtained.
According to Ayurveda the vital fluid retained in the body goes upwards to nourish the brain, rendering the body robust and the memory and intellect sharp. Determination, optimism, confidence, will power, fixed intelligence, noble character, photographic memory, and shining good health are all the fruits of conserved semen. According to Ayurveda, the retained vital fluiddevelops ojas, a vital fluid that gives strength, lustre, enhanced mental abilities and immunity to diseases and slows the ageing process.
Scientists have analyzed semen the vital fluid to be amazingly rich in hormones, proteins, vitamins, minerals, ions, enzymes, trace elements and other vital substances. If retained within the body, it nourishes the body and brain in a way impossible for any tonic or dietary aid to emulate. The current craze for vitamin and mineral supplements is an attempt to make up for the self-imposed deficiencies. [http://absolutetruth.in/docs/Continence.pdf More] on Scientific reasearch on the value of Continence. This is equally true to both the genders.
The Ill effects of promiscuity ∞
Retention of vital fluid is so essential in progressive human life that it is simply astounding how the whole endeavour of modern civilization is based on discharging it as much as possible.
# Degradation of moral values in society. Leads to adultery, debauchery etc.# Increase in divorce rate due to infidelity and domestic unrest.
# Excessive loss of vital fluid leads to all sorts of diseases as the vital fluid nourishing the body and mind is drained out.# Such irresponsible behaviour sets a bad example for the next generation and the trend follows. Imagine the disastrous impact an obscene billboard make on the minds of children.
How a cultured civilization addresses the conjugal needs of humans ∞
Human life is a rare opportunity given to the living entity which one attains after transmigrating through 8,400,000 species of life. The holy scriptures therefore advise the humans to make optimum use of this rare opportunity to reach the destination of life – salvation or liberation from material existence. Just as a vehicle is used to reach a destination, we must use the vehicle of human body to achieve the ultimate goal of life mentioned above (salvation).
Nevertheless, the scriptures prescribe regulated sex life for the purpose of pro-creation. A cultured human civilization facilitates the physical needs of humans through the institution of marriage. In vedic terminology, such a person who is regulted is called Grhasta or one who lives in family life with a wife for the purpose of advancing in spiritual life. Such a Grhasta may unite with his wife for the purpose of procreation. And bringing up responsible children in dharma. Such a regulated life is [http://vedabase.net/bg/7/11 dharma] according to Bhagavad Gita.
The person who doesn’t subscribe to this view is called Grhamedhi. The grihastha makes gradually advances towards the goal of life while the grihamedhi remains perpetually in the cycle of birth and death due to his attachment to body and sense satisfaction.
Conclusion – Think higher and feel the real bliss of life ∞
The greatest happiness for the self starts with complete freedom: freedom from misery, unhappiness and all sorts of suffering.
How can we become happy when we are slaves of the dictates of the demands of the mind and senses? Human life is not meant to be led like the animals whose intelligence cannot go beyond eating, sleeping, defending and mating but to search out and attain the Absolute truth. In actuality, we are spirit souls and so neither male or female, which are our temporal bodily situations.
The real way to real happiness is to see and think beyond the momentary and short-lived pleasure of the body and mind. Let us look inwards, introspect and discover the bliss of the eternal spirit in its pure association with the supreme.
Suggested References ∞
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Brahmacharya by H.H.Bhakti Vikasa Swami
Written by Chandrasekar Gani.