Celibacy

That which the Veda-knowers call the Imperishable, into which the passionless ascetics enter, desiring which they practice celibacy — that state I shall declare to you in brief.

That world of Brahman belongs only to those who find it by brahmacharya (the disciplined life of a celibate student); for them there is freedom of movement in all worlds.

The two lived there as brahmacharins for thirty-two years. Then Prajapati asked them: 'Desiring what have you been living here?' They replied: '"The Self that is free from evil, free from old age, free from death, free from sorrow, free from hunger and thirst, whose desire is truth, whose resolve is truth — that should be sought, that one should desire to know; he who has found and knows that Self obtains all worlds and all desires" — such, people declare, are your revered words. Desiring that Self, we have been living here.'

Now, what people call sacrifice (yajna) is really brahmacharya, for only through brahmacharya does the knower find that world. And what people call the offering (ishta) is really brahmacharya, for only by seeking through brahmacharya does one find the Self.

There are three branches of dharma: sacrifice, study, and charity are the first; austerity alone is the second; and the celibate student dwelling in the teacher's house, settling himself there permanently, is the third. All these attain the worlds of merit; but one who is firmly established in Brahman attains immortality.

And what people call the sacrificial session (sattrayana) is really brahmacharya, for only through brahmacharya does one find the protection (trana) of the real Self. And what people call the vow of silence (mauna) is really brahmacharya, for only after finding the Self through brahmacharya does one truly reflect.

Those who observe the vow of Prajapati — celibacy, austerity, and truth — generate progeny through the sacred union. For them, the world of Brahman awaits: those in whom austerity, celibacy, and truth are firmly established.

Only those who find these two seas, Ara and Nya, in the world of Brahman through brahmacharya — theirs is that world of Brahman, and for them there is freedom of movement in all worlds.

Abstaining from harming any living being is considered the most important duty. It is the highest state, free from anxiety, and a sign of holiness.

Abstaining from harm is the greatest duty. Causing harm is a sign of immorality.

Always abstaining from cruelty to all creatures is what meets with our approval.

Abstain from harming others, speak the truth, forgive, and be generous - these four practices constitute eternal righteousness.

A person who belongs to the White class, abstains from killing, and is compassionate towards all creatures, will attain the status of a deity.

Maheswara said, 'Abstaining from sexual relations with others' spouses, protecting the wealth and the woman entrusted to one's care,

The person who abstains from cruelty is considered to be always performing sacred rites and is like a father and mother to all living beings.

Abstaining from cruelty is the greatest form of religion, self-control, gift, and penance.

Abstaining from meat brings complete happiness. One who abstains from meat and one who undergoes severe austerities for a hundred years are equal in merit.

By abstaining from meat and showing compassion to all creatures one becomes incapable of being molested by any creature, and acquires a long life, perfect health, and happiness.

A person who abstains from meat is never fearful of any creature, regardless of where they are.

The person who takes one meal in the morning and one at night, without eating or drinking in between, and follows this regimen for six consecutive years, abstaining from harming any creature and regularly offering libations to their sacred fire every day, undoubtedly achieves success.