BRAHMACHARYA - 21. HATHA YOGA TO RESCUE - Sri Swami Sivanda - The Practice of Celibacy - HQ Full Book.

In the pursuit of maintaining Brahma-Charya (celibacy) and harnessing one's vital energies, Hatha Yoga emerges as a powerful tool. The regular practice of specific Yogic postures (Asanas) and Pranayama (breathing exercises) can significantly aid in managing and transcending the sexual impulse, which is a natural challenge for many individuals on the path of spiritual development. 

The Role of Asanas in Controlling Sexual Energy
Hatha Yoga is a comprehensive system that aligns body, breath, and mind. It offers practical solutions to help control the body’s impulses, particularly the sexual drive. Certain Asanas, specifically designed by ancient Rishis like Gheranda, Matsyendra, and Goraksha, are particularly potent in redirecting sexual energy toward spiritual growth. Among these, SirshAsana (Headstand) and SarvangAsana (Shoulder Stand) are highlighted as critical for maintaining Oordhvaretas (those who elevate their vital energies). These Asanas, also known as Vipareeta Karani Mudras, are designed to channel the sexual energy upward toward the brain, turning it into spiritual energy (ojas), vital for contemplation and self-realization. By incorporating Pranayama into these practices, the mind progressively moves from the gross, worldly distractions to the more refined and subtle realms. This combination helps in curbing sexual irritations and strengthens the practitioner’s control over desires. Whenever unwanted thoughts arise, sitting in a meditative posture such as PadmAsana or SiddhAsana, and engaging in focused Pranayama, can instantly calm the mind and dispel disturbing thoughts. 

SiddhAsana: The Foundation for Brahma-Charya
SiddhAsana is one of the most revered postures for those aspiring to practice Brahma-Charya. This posture is known for its effectiveness in controlling passions, especially sexual desires, and preventing nocturnal emissions. The posture involves sitting with the left heel at the anus and the right heel at the root of the generative organs. This alignment helps to steady the energy flow within the body and create a grounded, calm state. Practitioners start with a duration of 30 minutes and gradually extend this to three hours, which is considered a mark of mastery over the Asana. Mastery of SiddhAsana leads to deeper meditation and greater control over the body and mind, thus aiding in the pursuit of celibacy and spiritual growth. 

SirshAsana: The King of Asanas
Among all the Asanas, SirshAsana (Headstand) is considered the most powerful. It has a multitude of benefits, both physical and spiritual. By reversing the flow of energy in the body, SirshAsana prevents the downward flow of sexual energy and instead directs it upward toward the brain. This inversion enhances circulation to the brain, making the mind more alert and receptive to higher states of consciousness. It also aids in the regulation of sexual impulses by transforming the body's vital energy into spiritual strength. In the practice of SirshAsana, the body is supported by the head and hands, with the legs raised vertically. For beginners, a wall or a partner’s assistance is essential for maintaining balance. Once mastered, the practitioner can remain in the position for extended periods. It is crucial to maintain slow, controlled breath during this posture, as erratic breathing can disrupt the Asana’s effectiveness. 

SarvangAsana: The Shoulder Stand
SarvangAsana is another pivotal posture in controlling sexual energy. It similarly helps in redirecting vital energies upward. In this pose, the body is supported by the shoulders and elbows, with the legs raised and pressed against the body. This Asana stimulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, boosts circulation, and tones the nervous system. When practiced in conjunction with SirshAsana, SarvangAsana magnifies the benefits of both, leading to enhanced vitality and spiritual clarity. It is said to provide a unique glow to the practitioner's eyes and face, imbuing them with a magnetic aura. 

MatsyAsana: The Fish Pose
After performing SarvangAsana, MatsyAsana (Fish Pose) is recommended to relieve tension in the neck and spine. This pose acts as a counterpose to SarvangAsana, stretching the neck and opening the chest. It also ensures that the practitioner derives the maximum benefits from the shoulder stand by ensuring proper alignment of the spine and maintaining energy flow. 

PadangushthAsana: The Toe Pose
PadangushthAsana is another critical Asana that specifically targets the perineal region. By pressing the left heel against the perineum, the flow of semen is controlled, and excessive sexual energy is suppressed. This posture, when practiced regularly, helps in preventing nocturnal emissions, spermatorrhoea, and other related disorders. 

The Importance of Regular Practice
The effectiveness of these Asanas in controlling sexual energy and maintaining Brahma-Charya is contingent upon regular, disciplined practice. The body, mind, and spirit must work in harmony, and Asanas provide a practical means to achieve this integration. Hatha Yoga, unlike other physical exercises, works not only on the external muscles but also on the internal energy systems. While regular physical exercises, like Dand and Bhaitak, can improve external strength and appearance, they do not lead to spiritual transformation. In contrast, the practice of Hatha Yoga postures channels and refines the body’s energy, helping the practitioner achieve a higher state of consciousness. 

Pranayama and the Role of Breath Control
Pranayama, or breath control, is an essential part of Hatha Yoga practice. It involves regulating the breath to balance the energy within the body. A simple and effective form of Pranayama, known as Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), helps calm the mind and regulate the flow of vital energy. By practicing Pranayama during Asana practice, the yogi can deepen their connection to the breath and promote greater control over desires. In advanced practices, techniques like Bhastrika Pranayama (bellows breath) are used to purify the body and mind, making the practitioner more receptive to higher states of consciousness. 

Mula Bandha: The Root Lock
Mula Bandha, or the Root Lock, is another important practice that helps maintain Brahma-Charya. By contracting the muscles around the anus and perineum, the practitioner is able to redirect sexual energy upward. This practice is especially beneficial when combined with Pranayama and meditation, as it prevents the downward flow of energy, preserving vital energy for spiritual growth. 

Cautions and Misuses
While these practices are extremely beneficial, they must be approached with caution. There are instances where inexperienced practitioners or charlatans misuse or misprescribe these techniques for selfish gains, leading to potential harm. It is important to understand that the goal of these practices is not indulgence in sensual pleasure but the sublimation of sexual energy into spiritual energy for higher pursuits like self-realization and enlightenment. The misuse of practices like Mula Bandha can lead to physical ailments like constipation, piles, and colic, and can disrupt the natural flow of energy in the body. Therefore, it is essential to follow these practices under the guidance of an experienced teacher who understands the subtleties of the Yogic path. 

Hatha Yoga offers a powerful and effective means of controlling the sexual impulse and redirecting vital energies for spiritual growth. Through the practice of Asanas, Pranayama, and Bandhas, one can achieve mastery over the body, mind, and senses. Regular and disciplined practice of these techniques helps in maintaining Brahma-Charya and elevating one’s consciousness to higher planes. However, it is crucial to approach these practices with respect, dedication, and under proper guidance to avoid misapplications and reap the full benefits of this ancient science.

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