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.

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.

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.

The person who eats once in the morning and once in the evening, abstains from drinking or eating in between, shows compassion to all creatures, and performs daily rituals, achieves success in six years.

Those who are free from desire for all enjoyable things, who abstain from meat, never punish, and never harm any living being, and have become the soul of all creatures, are completely free from selfishness, have let go of all attachments, and consider gain and loss, as well as praise and blame, to be equal - only such people attain those regions.

A Brahmin who is sinful in conduct can be freed from all his sins by studying the Vedas, if he adopts the forest way of life and abstains from all attachments.

May the person who stole your stalks have the merit of one who gives his daughter in marriage to a Brahmana who has observed the vow of Brahmacharya or studied the Samans and Yajuses.

I worship those who have become wise by studying the Vedas, who are skilled in discussing the scriptures, who observe the vow of Brahmacharya, and who are devoted to their duties as priests and teachers.

Bhishma said, 'I tell you, O son, that abstaining from honey and meat is even superior to Brahmacharya. Righteousness is about self-control, and the best indication of it is renunciation, which is also the highest kind of purity.'