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For Gandhiji, Brahmacharya includes celibacy, but is
much more than that. It means a way of life devoted solely to the realisation
of Truth. For this, one should have pure love for all without any attachment.
Attachment is against true love.
Sexual energy should be used for higher purposes. It should not be wasted
for temporary pleasure. In fact, all the senses should be controlled.
We should have mastery over ourselves.
Gandhiji believed that the narrow meaning given to ?Brahmacharya?
has caused harm. Trying merely to control sense organs is futile. It is
impracticable and worthless. We should have control over all the senses
and thoughts all the time, in all the respects. Mind should follow our
dictates.
Brahmacharya must be observed in thought, word and deed. One should be
over-alert.
It is not possible to practice non-violence without Brahmacharya. Brahmacharya
frees one from anger, greed, and attachment. He becomes selfless. He gains
power over himself. Gandhiji wanted this power to be used for man?s
development, for social service and for social change.
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