Aspirants Guide

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

Page 34

CELIBACY
a. Repeated acquaintances with Mahatmas, saints and monks. b. Following the guideline of a noble routine of life. This means not letting the mind idle even for a moment and being constantly associated with one or the other type of good activity. c. Methodical and regular study of good scriptures. d. Development of the virtue of humility by devotion, worship and praise of the virtuous ones and full consciousness regarding one's own faults, with sincere efforts to discard them. e. Forming good habits and observing useful rules whereby one achieves freedom from addictions. This means a habit of leading a regular life so that it becomes easy to master the five senses and the mind. The mind becomes easily stable in Sadhana by the above practices. f. Discarding alt harmful external influences that intoxicate the mind. It means diminution/dissociation with watching movies, going to parties, club-visits, sensual entertainment, and so on. g. Not reading cheap and inferior literature like passion inspiring stories, songs, dramas etc., or even keeping such books in one's possession. h. In the area of discipline regarding food : (i) discarding spicy foods as well as onions and garlic. (ii) Total banishment of meat, alcohol and addicting drugs. (iii) Rich foods like Ghee, milk and cream should also be taken within such limits so that general health is maintained, and yet the senses donot become impudent. (iv) Chapatis, pulses, rice, vegetables, fruits and curds, as also water and liquids should be taken in plenty so that vitality and health are maintained. Bódy and Mind will then retain their composure and the person will be able to engage himself in self-study, acquaintance with the noble people, and meditation in all its intensity. (v) The Sadhaka should also cultivate the habit of eating very plain food and occasionally less food. With this, the Sadhana will gain a good momentum, the body will be healthy, idleness will end, steadiness and mastery over posture will develop.
The study of religious scriptures (Tattva) is simultaneously necessary in the Sadhana of this stage. Thus, observance of celibacy is not just physical Sadhana but it is one of constant awakening of the soul. The Sadhaka comes to this realization
BRAHMA-CHARYA
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