Brahmcharis should study the Vedas - Rig Veda and others. They should also learn the six extensions of the Vedas (the Vedangas), Sankya Yoga, Uttar Mimamsa and other such Shastras. These Shastras are Sanatan (eternal). They are Hinduism’s orthodox scriptures, which are indisputable and therefore are worthy of study.
Along with these, the accepted Shastras by Lord Swaminarayan such as Shrimad Bhagwat should also be studied, as they are Vedamulaka (having their origin in the Vedas). The Vedas explain, ‘Brahmins at the age of eight should be given Upanayan (sacred thread) and then sent for their studies. They should be taught the Vedas and the six Vedangas.’ Bhagwat also explains that, ‘Dwijas, after Upanayan becoming reborn, should master their senses, reside in a Gurukul, (school) and learn the Vedas.’
Secondly, just as a child is commanded to serve their parents, a Brahmchari is ordered to serve their Guru, as this is their Mukhya (greatest) Dharma:
Bhikshortharmaha Kshamoahimsa Tapa Iksha Vanaukasaha |
Gruhirno Bhutarkshejya Dwijasyacharyasevanam ||
‘A Bhikshuka’s (beggars) Dharma are patience and non-violence; a Vanprasta’s are patience and meditation; a Grihasta’s are giving protection to others and worship; and a Brahmin’s duty is to serve his Acharya.’
Narad Muni explains, ‘Brahmcharis should join a Gurukul and learn to control their senses. Like a servant, they should worship the feet of their Guru and with such great love and affection, carry out all tasks. At the command of their Guru, dedicated, they should study the Vedas. At the beginning and end of the study session, they should bow before the feet of their master.’ This is the tradition of Gurukul where knowledge is passed from Guru to Shishya.
Thirdly, they should never associate with effeminate males. ‘Association with women and effeminate males causes delusion and bondage (Bandhan).’ Therefore they should not even listen to nor talk with such males. Bhagwat’s Ailgita explains, ‘A persons knowledge, penance, charity, study of Shastras, renunciation and silence (Maun) are futile and destroyed when a persons mind becomes absorbed in a woman. Therefore one should not associate with women nor with effeminate males. Control of the senses is difficult for even those who are learned and elder, then what needs to be said for the likes of myself.’ In this way an effeminate male is classed as a woman and therefore contact is forbidden.