Linga Purana explains, ‘The non-existence of lustful or sexual tendencies in the mind, speech and action is Brahmcharya Vrata, observed by ascetics and Brahmcharis alike.’ Such observance of the Vrata of Brahmcharya is the greatest tool for attaining God and the heavens - Brahmcharyasyeva Brahmpraptihetubhutsakalsadhaneshu Mukhyatmatvaditi Bhavaha.
Brahmcharya is explained to be a Yagna (sacrifice) and is a means for realisation of Brahmloka (heaven). Mokshadharma explains, ‘The form of Brahman is Brahmcharya. It is the greatest of Dharmas (duties) and observance of which will derive greatness (Param Gati).’ Sanatsujat explains that God is attained only when intellect becomes one with the mind and through observance of Ahimsa (non-violence), Brahmcharya and Vidhya (knowledge). Bhagwat Gita states: Yadicchanta Brahmcharyam Charanti - ‘Those who desire the heavens observe Brahmcharya.’
Those that break this code of Brahmcharya, and associate with women are great sinners. Such sin is classed as ‘Avakirni Paapa’ and the Prayaschit for committing such sin is extensive. Yagnavalkya explains, ‘Brahmcharis who associate with women bring destruction upon themselves. They are reborn as mules and are cleansed of such sin only by performance of Yagna - Niruti Devta Sambandhi. The release of the greatest element Virya (sperm) from the body is considered as Avakirna and thus, those who do so are also committing the sin of Avakirni.’ Shatanand further explains other Prayaschit for those that violate their code of Brahmcharya.
Therefore such Brahmcharis should never violate such duty, as Brahmcharya is their greatest and foremost duty. Krutyachintamani of Gobhilsutra explains other duties of a Brahmchari: refraining from using oils and perfumes upon the body, respecting their Acharya, refraining from anger and falsehood, refraining from sexual activity, renouncing of sleeping upon a bed, shaving ones head, abstaining from meat and intoxicants and refraining from sitting in a cart pulled by an ox.
Manu and Vishnu explain what a Brahmchari should do if sperm is released accidentally (in dream state), ‘If a Brahmchari ejaculates accidentally at night-time whilst dreaming, then he should have a bath, chant Gayatri Mantra and fast for a full day in order to purify himself. Those that ejaculate on purpose should fast for three complete days. This ‘Nairutyaag’ should also be observed by Grihastas if sperm is released on days that Brahmcharya Vrata should be observed i.e. Ekadashi and other fast days, during Chandrayana Vrata, during Yagnas etc. (Ramanavmi, Janmastmi and Chaturmaas should be understood here).
Brahmcharis should always be patient (Dhairyavaan). Such a Dhira person is explained by Kalidaas, ‘One who does not morally deteriorate in such times of adverse changes.’ They should also be very content with what they have (what is given to them by God) and never develop tastes and desires for luxuries. Niti Shastra explains - Asantushta Dwija Nashta - ‘Dwijas (upper three castes) degrade through non-contentment.’ Bhagwat Purana explains that through contentment, a Brahmin emanates lustre.
They should also be devoid of Abhimaan or pride, as such ‘Nirmani Parnu’ is a great tool for attaining God. Bhagwat Gita explains this:
Nirmanamoha Jitasangadosha Adhyatmanitya Vinivrutkamaha |
Dvandvairvimuktaha Sukhadukhasangnairgachantyamudaha Padmavyam Tat ||
‘Only those devoid of delusion and pride, victorious over attachment, ever dwelling upon the self, turned away from desires and liberated from pleasures and pain, such intelligent persons attain the imperishable heaven of God.’ Vidurniti explains that such pride is the root of all: ‘Old age destroys beauty; desire - patience; death - the soul; jealousy - duty; anger - wealth; uncivil - good conduct; lust - modesty; and pride - one’s all.’
Driving out the enemy of pride or ego is very significant here. It is something that is a very great obstacle between people. Only when we are able to shed the ‘I’ from our nature, are we able to say ‘You’ and thus praise God and his Hari-Bhaktas. It is a very desirable quality to praise others and one that will undoubtedly reap fruits.