Aspirants Guide

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

Page 33

ASPIRANT'S GUIDE
lives of so many saints, great souls and Acharyas.
SADHANA OF CELIBACY
1. As expected of ordinary householders.
2. As expected of seekers of true knowledge and persons desiring liberation.
3. Complete Celibacy.
1. AS EXPECTED OF ORDINARY HOUSEHOLDERS
The Sadhakas of celibacy in this first stage have to resort to Sadhana while keeping intact their business, occupation, family structure, and social relations. They try to practice celibacy by way of good manners or as advised by a religious preacher. They have relationship with their own spouses and none with others. At this stage, socio-cultural considerations dominate and the spiritual vision is subordinate because they are not acquainted thoroughly with the original and vital form of celibacy.
Since, lofty morality is expected of people of high status in society, and taking into consideration the physical and social disadvantages of immoral behavior, these Sadhakas normally remain monogamous and are therefore faithful to their spouses and avoid extra-marital relationships.
2. AS EXPECTED OF SEEKERS OF TRUE KNOWLEDGE AND PERSONS DESIRING LIBERATION :
Here, celibacy starts with right and firm conviction born out of real discrimination. In persons of this cadre, real love for the vow of celibacy dawns because they have a clear idea regarding its moral, financial, physical, mental, social and spiritual bebefits.. They have found from their experience that it is particularly helpful in self-study, devotion, postural-mastery and concentration of mind. Real sadhana of celibacy starts at this stage, because it has been born from a critical, just and scientific process of discrimination of the self and the non-self based on an all-round study and experience.
Scriptural and experiential studies have fully established that mind remains restless and agitated unless a person is fully satisfied with is own spouse. Such restless person cannot concentrate in self-study and allied sadhana. The following methods which are helpful in the observance of celibacy are therefore accepted by the persons in this category :
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SADHAK-SATHI