brahmacharya

[ brah-muh-chahr-yuh ]

nounHinduism.

the stage of life of the student, entailing study of the Vedas and complete celibacy, usually lasting for twelve years.

Origin of brahmacharya

From the Sanskrit word brahmacarya

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Influenced by the Hindu  notion of “brahmacharya” (morally guided celibacy) Gandhi gave up sex  in his mid-thirties.
Aravind Adiga on Gandhi's Forgotten Legacy of Manliness | Aravind Adiga | April 13, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
Leading a brahmacharya mode of life and observing sacred vows, one should bathe in the lakes of Rama.
Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 | Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
Leading a brahmacharya mode of life and with concentrated soul, one should proceed next to the tirtha called Kapila.
Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 | Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
One should next proceed to Brahmavarta, with concentrated soul and practising the brahmacharya vows.
Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 | Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
With subdued senses and leading a brahmacharya mode of life, one should next proceed to Kanyasrama.
Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 | Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa

One should bathe there, O virtuous one, with subdued soul and leading a brahmacharya mode of life.
Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa Bk. 3 Pt. 1 | Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa

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