cssStyles2 Brahmacharya in the eyes of scholars, thinkers and physicians * Brahmacharya is a fundamental and extraordinarily helpful tool to overcome all the weakness in one’s character, rectify one’s mistakes and confusion, uninterruptedly establish the mind in the True Self and master the sadhana to attain God-realization. -Srimad Rajchandra. * Nothing in this samsara is unattainable for a true Brahmachari. – Mahatma Gandhi * The vital energy of one who conserves his vital fluid is greatly enhanced. Even if he becomes ill on account of his past Karma, the strong vital energy will prevent the disease from assuming serious proportions. He will make a speedy recovery and overcome its consequent weakness much sooner. Suppose a non-celibate takes one month’s time for complete recovery, the celibate would get well within a week. – Swami Dayanand Saraswati If one conserves every drop of semen for twelve years i.e. if he observes Brahmacharya from the age of thirteen to twenty-five, the tremendous energy attained therefrom immensely improves one’s memory. Such a man can learn everything. - Sri Ramakrishna Paramhamsa

Brahmacharya is charya (conduct) aimed at attaining Brahman. To restrain all the senses and put them to appropriate and righteous use is Brahmacharya. – Sant Vinoba Bhave

Brahmacharya leads to realization of Brahman. O Lord! Shower Your grace on this humble servant of Yours and bless him with dispassion. – Maharshi Bharadwaj

Observance of Brahmacharya is essential to root out sorrow. – Mahatma Buddha

Practise Brahmacharya to eliminate misery from your life. Those bereft of Brahmacharya will suffer misery at every step in their lives. The one thing that can single-handedly conquer the world, is the meticulous observance of Brahmacharya. - The devotee Waman

It is only through the power of Brahmacharya that one can attain unimaginable and wonderful valour, comprehensive and unmatched mental and physical prowess, commendable virtues and longevity. If you sever the artery of your life, Brahmacharya, your physical and mental strength will be destroyed and you will fall into the pit of problems and degenerations. – Prof. Krishna Rao Brahmacharya is absolutely essential to preserve physical health. One who fails to observe Brahmacharya deserves to be consured. - Swami Atmanandji

Chastity does not harm the soul. Similarly, celibacy does no harm to the body. Self-restraint is better than any other line of conduct. - Sir James Maggot

Virginity is a physical, moral and intellectual safeguard for young men. – Dr. E. Perier A celibate man never becomes sick. His digestive power always works properly. He is as blissful in old age as in the childhood. – Dr. Kao. N. (M. D.)

Keep away from all things that excite your desire for sense pleasures and your desires will gradually dissipate. – Psychologist Coral

Celibacy is the flower of the tree of life, and virtues like talent, piety, valour, etc. are some of its fruits. – Thoreau

A celibate works incessantly on his every assignment. He usually does not become tired. He is never worried. His body is robust and his face lustrous. He has an ebullient and spirited disposition. – Dr. Axon

For the sake of a happy and peaceful society, both men and women should observe the rules of celibacy. It develops humanity and strengthens the foundation of society. – Leo Tolstoy

I always tell students and the youth to practise Brahmacharya and cultivate strength. Without strength and intellectual prowess, it is impossible to acquire and safeguard one’s rights. The independence of the nation rests on the shoulders of such brave men. – Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Virility is goodness and impotence is sin. Therefore, one must strive to become strong and virile. – Swami Vivekananda

Conservation of semen leads to immortality. Therefore every man and woman should observe Brahmacharya. – Swami Nityanandaji Notable celibates People who have professed celibacy, or who are otherwise believed to be (or to have been) notably celibate:



◦Samuel J. Tilden who was the Democratic Party's candidate for President of the United States in 1876 and Governor of New York confided to a friend that he had never had sex with a woman. He is believed to have died celibate in 1886.

◦Sant Dnyaneshwar, a writer, poet and Yogi (one who is master in Yoga) from Pune was celibate throughout his short life of 21 years. His brothers Nivruttinath and Sopandev and his sister Muktai also observed celibacy.

◦Mahatma Gandhi, considered the Father of India, took a vow of celibacy at the age of 37 after already being married and with a family, and remained so for the rest of his life.

◦Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, one of the all time great spiritual figures in Hinduism.

◦Swami Vivekananda, the chief disciple of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and the founder of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, was one of the most famous spiritual teachers of the Vedanta philosophy in Hinduism.

◦Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, has remained celibate and a bachelor for life.

◦Isaac Newton, the mathematician and scientist was a virgin all his life.

◦Immanuel Kant, the Prussian philosopher, author of Critique of Pure Reason, died a virgin at age of 80.

◦Cosmopolitan agony aunt Irma Kurtz has been a celibate for years and years with no regrets.

◦Also rumoured to be a lifelong celibate was the Dutch philosopher and theologian Baruch Spinoza.

◦Dr. Temple Grandin, the American academic whose empathy with animals has led to her being a highly successful designer of humane animal management systems, is a voluntary celibate.

◦Nikola Tesla, who developed the system of alternating electrical current that is the standard nowadays worldwide, was a self-proclaimed celibate.

◦G. H. Hardy, twentieth century English mathematician who made ample contributions in number theory and who co-authored the famous Hardy-Weinberg law of population genetics. He was also the mentor of legendary prodigy Srinivasa Ramanujan.

◦Abdul Kalam, former President of India, also known as The Missile Man of India for his contributions to the Indian missile program, is a thorough celibate. He believes in constant improvement of the society and nation. His presidential term ended July, 2007.