
The art of being patient
In the West, the search for pleasure can extract a heavy price. There is a better way; brahmacharya. The fourth concept of the Yamas, or social code of ethics as outlined by Yoga philosophy, is brahmacharya. Directly translated from Sanskrit as “continence,” brahmacharya describes the responsibility to restrain sensual pleasures (distractions of the mind) in an effort to preserve and therefore expand our energy. By withholding our sexual energy we increase pranic energy and therefore become stronger both mentally and physically. Over time, the definition of brahmacharya has expanded and shifted. It is now more often tied to the idea of moderation, which is how it is most often practiced today in the west. Moderation allows us to enjoy the pleasures of life without going too far. A little extravagance here and there, but then come back to discipline. I think this fits nicely into much of our lives. Party all weekend, study all week. Or