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Exploring Brahmacharya

Strategies for helping students cultivate directed energy in their yoga practice. 

Brahmacharya is the fourth of the 10 yoga ethics - it is often described as moderation. However, literally translated, it means "to remain connected to source", or "dedication to the Divinity of Life". In this sense, moderation is not about any inherent value in denying yourself pleasure. It is really about not squandering your energy on things that distract you from a higher purpose. So, to practice brahmacharya, it can be more helpful to think about the intention to stay connected to source, than to focus solely on restricting your behavior. If you can find your connection to source, your cravings for "lesser" distractions and addictions will naturally become less compelling.

Some teachers and traditions translate brahmacharya as celibacy, although this translation seems related to the historical practice of teaching yoga to young men. Celibacy can be one expression of brahmacharya, but it is a rather limited form of brahmacharya. Sexual behavior is just one way we can distract ourselves and waste our energy. 

How can you address brahmacharya in the yoga classroom? The following suggestions can help you direct students' attention to behaviors of moderation, and the process of staying connected to source. You can address the theme of brahmacharya from many angles. Obviously, your ability to discuss "source" versus "purpose" will depend on how open your students are to discussing things like Divinity. 

• At the beginning of the class, during or after an opening meditation, ask students to consider their connection to source or higher purpose. Invite students to ask themselves a question like, "What activities make me feel connected to something bigger than myself?" or "What do I believe is my purpose in life at this moment?"  or simply, "What is the most important thing in my life right now?" Then, ask students to reflect on how much energy they devote to these activities or values. Are they directing their energy to, or away from, the things that connect them to source or purpose? 

• Direct students' attention to how they create, direct, and "spend" energy in their asana practice. A balanced practice creates more energy than it uses - students should feel better after practice, not worse. Ask students to notice whether they are exhausting themselves, or preparing themselves for meaningful action in the rest of their lives. 

• Use poses and counterposes as a way of reflecting on moderation. For example, forward bends are balanced by backbends. When you practice one to the exclusion of the other, you risk developing imbalances or injuries in the body, as well as an excess of the specific type of energy cultivated by one type of poses.

• Using whatever techniques you are trained in, work with pranayama or meditation as a way to connect to source. 

In addition, you can help students develop brahmacharya by modeling it. Teach from your connection to source, or higher purpose. Practice moderation and balance in your own practice. Make sure that your interactions with students reflect brahmacharya. 

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