Self-realization (Brahmacharya)

Correction: "PanchaHamsasana" is SwanFeatherpose - hand balance inversion with feet hovering above 

Introduction: Imagine, if you will, branches on a proverbial Tree of Life or multiple arms and on a Hindi Icon having Eight-Limb (Astanga)ⁱ known at Yoga Training (Touch) as Enhancements (Aztanga) symbolic of a yogatherapist's responsibilities allowing therapists to provide, sharing blooms or gestures (mudras) of knowledge pertaining to best practices. Depending on the analogy, One limb or appendage accommodates a civil and ethical atmosphere known as yamas in Sanskrit, an ancient Subcontinent Indian language, helpfully protecting S/society and therefore S/self. Residing on a branch or digit included on the yama limb or appendage, Self-realization (Brahmacharya) can be described as monogamy, without promiscuity, resisting to benefit Self-reliance, without-touch, self-contained respecting direction/redirection furthering civility by evaluating/reevaluating until practitioners should touch. Responsibilities specific to the branch or digit of Self-realization (brahmacharya) and generally to any enhancement (aztanga) practice intentionally improve Awareness (Samadhi).

Self-realization (brahmacharya), an Individual-truth can further Ultimate-truth (Vidya) and vie-a-vie. The book The Language of Yoga by Niccoli Bachman lists Aztanga yamas as having five known examples, the fourth listed example is brahmacharya, “appropriate use of one’s vital energy”⁹. Other common Enhancement (Aztanga) civilities (yamas) include satya which can be translated as trustful, astaya as trustworthy, and the number one premise of non-harmful as empathetic-compassion (ahimsa) which is similar to the Hippocratic Oath. The fifth listed Social Ethic (Yama) is aparigraha, alikened in this dissertation to Self-assurance, a way of being happy with yourself and therefore anyone and everyone else without jealousy, without possessiveness and without greed a way without controlling and without addiction having a subset or specificity of Mithara, known as portion-control, without gluttony, measured-amounts. Four is the connection to Brahmacharya in the number system making Breath (Pranayama) the noteworthy Enhancement (Aztanga), along with Karma Yoga, whereas I breathe "therefore I am", as taking care of the exhalation naturally takes care of the inhalation benefitting the peace de resistance of the Enhancement (Aztanga) known as sensory-withdrawal/counterintuitive-relaxation/holding-tension (Pratyahara) intending (sankalpa) attention, meditation (dhyana) and Living-meditation (Samadhi). 

Benefitting holistic Oneness by practicing diversity through sentient-system (chakra) value correlations connected by enhancements (aztanga) adjusting to Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical (panchamayakosha) principles integrates and unifies. Brahmacharya may be most relevantly correlated to the values from the bottom up, of the First Coccygeal-plexus (Muladhara chakra) the color red & social-groups, Fourth Cardiopulmonary-plexus (Anahata-chakra) the color green & love, and Seventh Coronal-plexus (Sahasrara-chakra) and the color white or clear & spirituality. A renowned psychologist/philosopher has said, “...resting in unity…can honor diversity”¹³ able to inform a multitude of best practices including the honoring of individual spirituality while respecting world religions revealing the scope of a philosophically and or theologically beloved, blissful, spirit (anandamayakosha) benefitting a peaceful (shanti) easy (sukha) feeling.Brahmacharya, as with all Enhancement (Aztanga) practices is a responsibility which can correlate through Chakra values integrating Pancha-maya-kosha principles. 

Understanding through Sentient-system (Chakra)¹⁰/¹¹ values as well as adjusting to Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philisophical (Pancha-maya-kosha)¹² principles provides 

Oneness (Yoga) of Enhancement (Aztanga) responsibilities including and not limited to Physical (Hatha), Knowledgeable (Jnana), Cultivation (Rajas), Causative (Karma) and Loving-reverence (Bhakti), Enhancement (Aztanga) responsibilities like Self-realization (brahmacharya) an ability to branch or gesticulate enlightenment. Whereas active (Hatha) children, some of us were taught (Jnana) the revered (Bhakti) practice of time-outs known to adults as meditation (dhyana) helpful (Karma) to cultivating (Rajas) a civil-ethical-atmosphere (yama) for wanting to do what one should do. “Please pacify the uninterrupted miseries and unbearable fears, such as famines & sickness, that torment powerless beings completely oppressed by inexhaustible & violent evils, & henceforth lead us from suffering (dukha) states & place us in an ocean of happiness & joy (ananda).

Chakras 1, 4, 7 & summary-mantra 

Brahmacharya generally corresponds to Muladhara, the First chakra value correlating civil-societal-norms (yamas) which can be perceived as an aura of protection, and is specifically integrated by vijnanamayakosha when applying supportive sociological practices intellectually thinking to know about the inherent worth and dignity of every person place thing and sentient being, specifically correlated to ahimsa. The Anahata Fourth chakra value, corresponding to brahmacharya as the fourth yama, generally adjusting to vitality for an environment of subtle emotional energy (pranamayakosha). Sahasrara, the Seventh Chakra specifically correlates to the literal translation of brahmacharya integrating spirituality by adjusting deep within the Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical (panchamayakosha) model of care with philosophical and or theological principles for protection (kosha) from-illusion (amaya), whereas meditation (dhyana) benefits a beloved blissful spirit (anandamayakosha)¹⁵. Keeping brahmacharya in mind during Modern Mantras¹⁶ summarizing the values of: One, Generous Genuine Gifted Gorgeous Gracious Grateful Groups; Four, Alive Arrive (Laugh Learn) Live Love Survive Thrive; and Seven, Omnipresent Non-dualistic Recuperative Regenerative Rejuvenative Restorative Tranquil Transcendental Transformative Transparency can be a preparation enlivening-life (samadhi).

Brahmacharya is literally translated as “walking in the light of God” as stated in The Yamas & Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice².

Bio-enviroTree: Enhancement (aztanga) responsibilities cultivating (rajas) senescence through sentient (chakra) values adjust to Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophial (panchamayakosha) principles intending (sankalpa) simultaneous function (samadhi). When thinking metaphorically Panchamayakosha can be alikened to a tree cut transversely having growth rings, whereas this model of care provides protocols for an outer biological-sheath (anamayakosha), then an environmental-force (pranamayakosha), next a psychological-veil (manamayakosha), further-in a sociological-source (vijnanamayakosha) and finally a soul-essence (anandamayakosha)¹⁴ which work vie-a-vie, supportive from the inside out and protective from the outside in. Generally, brahmacharya is partial to an influential intermedial ethical-atmosphere (yama) around a polite-lifestyle (niyamas), an ambience located between macrocosmic natural (prakriti) surroundings encompassing microcosmic inner workings of systematic human-nature (parusha). Specifically, brahmacharya dissipates-illusion (a-maya), being integrated by five (pancha) protections (koshas).  

research: The first protection (kosha) within the scope of panchamayakosha hails from health, a beneficent longevity, without-contraindications (a-maya), the scope of the biological force (anamayakosha) is a proficient physical body. Accordingly, research compiled by Dean Ornish's Lifestyle Medicine⁴ about when a person has experienced trauma found the greatest amounts of longevity comparable between marital partners and people who are one another’s confidants known as monogamy. Sexual function is healthy to loyal partners intending marital bliss, otherwise any form of Self-care (brahmacharya) propagating creativity such as yoga is effective. Relevantly, brahmacharya helping mitigate infection and morbidity rates by replacing intercourse and associated high risk behaviors with a chaste active lifestyle without discluding orgasm for an intimate no more than once daily routine loving to learn Physical Laws⁵ for riding the wave of life as energy begets energy benefitting equanimity by practicing tapas, the moral (niyama) of improving reserves when low on energy to energize and vie-a-vie in calming systems, without aggression, overcoming difficulties, producing (rajas) reproductive/sexual and or other bodily system excitement which can be known as ecstasy (samadhi).

Checking out the word Brahmacharya, one may notice the Brah, as in Bro or brother, which ironically contains the word bra, as in brazier indicating females. A brotherhood and sisterhood of friends supportive of the greater good typically found in families learned from birth outreaching to society for as the saying goes when there is peace in the home there is peace... Of course, there are "bra burners" who are considered liberal women and females who call one another sis. ...

libido: Jokes aside, free from afflictions (kleshas) such as attraction (raga) or aversion (dveza) validating Prevention and Performance (see yogatrainingtouch.com where Sessions are available) with relatively, "everything in moderation and nothing moderately"¹⁶ can explain brahmacharya. Other research such as in the article, “14 Reasons You Should Have Sex Now”, as published on WebMD⁶ states having sex one time per week lowers risk of illness, and sexual intercourse no more than once every two weeks improves happiness, while a sexual connection improves memory, but only for married people, and the National Institute of Health (NIH) carried the story, “Viagra associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s  4”⁷. In the U.S. and around the world a marital certificate can be the gold standard, normally a good sign of a healthy loving relationship and way people feel safe together as coitus/consumation is an harmonious celebration of peace beneficial to Self-realization (brahmacharya) which may be indicated by True-love-arising compliant with contractual civil union vows in an invested supportive relationship which can also occur when choosing not to conceive https://youtu.be/XUzggtYQ9ic. Discertaining brahmacharya contextual to Aztanga, Tantra and Panchamayakosha as resisting misappropriation, by appropriating the intellect (bindu) to perform (ojas) the gift of life¹7 with best practices blooming, remembering and applying favorite activities, held forth for understanding responsibilities, values and principles, whereas Oneness of awareness is an holistically healthy living-meditation (samadhi); love lives on.

Practice: Observing yamas including brahmacharya can reveal a soul-essence known as anandamayakosha. Utilizing a string of affirmations (japa) can make an excellent meditation (dhyana). For example, in any order, aligning (asana) kinetically holding (bandhas), breathing (pranayama) by taking care of the exhalation which takes care of the inhalation, sensorially-withdraw/counterintuitively-relax/holding-tension (pratyahara) for attention (dharana) to details of the muscular system visualizing a beautiful red color at the First coccygeal plexus (muladhara chakra), resting legs/feet-up (stupa dandasana/apanasana) utilizing a 1:3-4 ratio breath (pranayama) inhaling one second exhaling three to four seconds affirming (japa), “Have ahimsa, without harm, share the joy”. Observe energy rising, noticing the Fourth cardiac-pulmonary plexus (anahata chakra) visualizing the color green during chest/diaphragm expansions/contractions & contractions/expansions inhaling four counts exhaling twelve to sixteen counts affirming, “Gracefully thankful for an attitude of gratitude and generosity, soul searching for True-Self-Arising (Atman, Parusha, Id)”. Finally, while moving into stillness in resting-pose (shavasana) while inhaling 7 seconds and exhaling twenty-one to twenty-eight seconds drawing out the exhalation enhancing parasympathetic relaxation responses while visualizing a clear/white color at the Seventh coronal plexus (sahasrara chakra) with the japa, “Daring to dream, anything is possible, the possibility of peace (shanti)”. 

Summary: Joking aside, Self-realization (brahmacharya) can be a helpful force, without pilaging, protecting the environment's natural resources when masculine and feminine energies are respected and revered (bhakti), proven within the context of physical-practice via pose counterpose known as Hatha which can also be translated as sun/sky/zest-energy (ha) and moon/earth/zen-energy (ta) uniting as givers and sustainers of cosm. Nature teaches causation (karma), that when animals are safe they space and spawn to graze, reproducing peacefully. Self-realization (brahmacharya) can be a case in point for social distancing when mandates from the World Health Organization (WHO)⁸ likened to blooms / hand gestures (mudras) on symbolic limbs are wonderful cultivations (rajas) or best practices for ease (suka). Whereas, remembering civic-responsibility (yama) mitigating dis-ease (dukha), such as pandemics like COVID-19 and other travesties with practices inspired by civility (yama) noticing nature’s goodness can benefit a Living-meditation (Samadhi). Best practices, specifically inspired by brahmacharya, naturally occur knowing (jnana) nature (Prakriti) is good therefore human-nature (Parusha) is good.

Definitions, Synonyms

Ahimsa: Kind, nonviolent, non-harming, without micro-aggressions. Helpful: Many hands make light of work. True-self arising (Parusha) with free and Ah(sana) to be God-like/Loving Peaceful (shanti)

Aparigraha: Self-assured, letting go with love, letting love, living & letting live, love lives on, without making or not letting, Gracious, without jealousy curiosity or holding-tension, graciousness without possessiveness and without greed moderation - perhaps to much of anything is as bad as to little ~ Edna Ferber (Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist), to do with food is known as Mithara - portion control.

Aztanga: Also written Astanga, Ashtanga. Eight-limbs, Enhancements, Optimizations, Peaceful Responsibilities*; (civil (yama), polite (niyama), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), holding-tension (pratyahara), attention (dharana), meditation (dhyana), living-meditation (samadhi)), ways of understanding.

Aztaya: Trustworthy, without-taking without-stealing

Bio/neuro-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical: Bio/neuro-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical model of care, Bio-enviro-psychi/socio-neuro-philosophy, Bio/neuro-enviro-psychi/socio-theo/philosophical-spirituality, Bio/neuro-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical model, Bio/neuro-enviro-psychi-socio-spirituality

Brahmacharya: Self-realized/Self-reliant, True-self, Self-confident/Self-sufficient, Self-care/Self-caring, Loyal-arising, without controlling & without addiction, Loyal-loving, Loyal-arising, Each person responsible for their own True-self benefitting themselves and therefore the greater good.

Peace: Responsible ways of understanding, one way is an Enhancement. See Aztanga

*Responsibilities: Enhancement (Aztanga) practices, wanting to do as one should do.

Yamas: Honorable, correct ways. Understanding. Greater good. Network of greater scope.

Satya: Trustful, Without-untruth

Yoga: Oneness, Unification, Unity, Yoke

Samadhi: Oneness, Awareness, Super-aware, Living-meditation, Ecstasy

Works Cited

1. Jaya Kumar, Swamee Sree. Classic Asthanga With Applied Yogic Sciences. Pranava Dhama Trust, Education, Research and Therapy Centre, Mysore India, 2009.
2. Adele, Deborah. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice. On-Word Bound Books, 2009.
3. Dean Ornish, MD. Lifestyle reverses heart disease lecture. Global Yoga Therapy Conference, Virtual Lecture, International, 2021.
4. Isaac Newton (1643-1727). Western Science theory states that an object in motion stays in motion https://ei.lehigh.edu/learners/energy/readings/people_energy.pdf 
5. Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on August 31, 2020
6. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nih.gov/
7. World Health Organization (Director-General 2017-present) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as seen on YouTube https://www.who.int. Yoga Training (Touch), ”Holistic Health: Energy System Correlations; Lifestyle, Metabolic Immune Function” by Kathryn A. Campbell C-IAYT, YA-CEP, ERYT500 
8. Bachman, Nicolai. The Language of Yoga: Complete A-To-Y Guide to Āsana Names, Sanskrit Terms, & Chants. Sounds True, 2020.
9. Judith, Anodea, and Selene Vega. The Sevenfold Journey: Reclaiming Mind, Body & Spirit through the Chakras. Crossing Press, 1993. 
10. Dale, Cyndi, and Richard Wehrman. The Subtle Body: an Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. Sounds True, 2009.
11. Sat Bir Sing Khalsa, Lorenzo Cohen, Timothy McCall, Shirley Telles et al. The Principles and Practices of Yoga In Healthcare. Handsprings Publishing, Pencaitland, East Lothian, UK, 2016.
12. Ram Das, Harvard Psychologist. The Love Serve Remember Foundation Founder Philosopher. RamDas.org.
13. Weisenberg, Marit. Yoga Mind Body. Kindersley, Dorling, London, UK, 1996.
14. Sri Swami Satchidananda. The Yoga Sutras of Pitanjali. Integral Yoga Publications, Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia 23921, 1978/2008, www.iyiva.org
15. Kathryn Campbell Global Yoga Therapy Conference. Virtual Silent Meditation, Modern Mantra. Internationally provided From United States, Hosted From Australia, 2021.
16. Dr. David Spindler, Neurologist, Use Your Brain Chemistry for Peak Performance, Rich Roll Interview, YouTube, 7/11/2024.
17. Mukitbodhananda. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India, 2000.

Meditation (Dhyana)

Meditation (dhyana) according to an "Old Irish Prayer" is the source of power. Learning Eastern precepts has helped me understand Dhyana for following through with intentions (sankalpa). At Yoga Training (Touch) the sankalpa is perfecting peace, celebrating life and harmonizing responsibilities, values and principles. Responsibilities are learned as the Eight-ways (As(h)tanga) of Classic-practice, values via Plexus-sentience/Energy-system (Chakras) and principles are an Illusory-protection within the Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philisophical (Panc(h)a-maya-kosha) model of care. 

The responsibilities are civility (yama), politeness (niyama), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), holding-tension (pratyahara), attention (dharana) meditation (dhyana) and with an awareness of the eighth practice beyond the seventh value correlation of stillness and being a living-meditation (samadhi) as eight ways (Ashtanga) of teaching the Classics including and not limited to Physical-body (Hatha), Causative-energy (Karma), Mindful-knowledge (Jnana), Cultivated-ideas/wealth (Raja) and Reverent-devotion/love (Bhakti). Often people begin meditating (dhyana) by noticing the breath (pranayama), then thoughts brought back to the breath for quieting the mind (pratyahara) allowing for present moment attention (dharana). In western culture these preparatory practices have become known as meditation (dhyana). The importance of breath awareness (samadhi) is a Classic Karma practice when breathing (pranayama) is living utilized for power during Physical-practice (Hatha)!

The most commonly known values of the Sentient-plexus/energy system chakras are the rights to: 1.) have 2.) feel 3.) physical activity (PA) 4.) love & being loved 5.) listen & speak 6.) think & know 7.) stillness & being of the subtle body as well as the less commonly known gross body practices of twelve systems recycling around such as 8.) privacy 9.) intimacy/optimacy, 10.) ultimacy 11.) efficacy/advocacy and 12.) agency. The chakras are located at the 1.)  coccygeal plexus (muladhara) 2.) sacral plexus (swadishtahna) 3.) solar plexus (manipura) 4.) cardiac-pulmonary plexus (anahata) 5.) brachial plexus (vissudha) 6.) cavernous-cerebral plexus (ajna) and 7.) coronal plexus (sahasrara) as well as 8.) above 9.) beyond 10.) connecting 11.) helping and 12.) holding. To give attention (dharana), the precursor of dhyana, according to Nischala Joy Devi spoken at a 2020 IAYT Conference author of Healing Path..., "visualize (plexus-sentient) chakras". A Hatha meditative practice holding or flowing between chest expansion and contraction poses (asana) and or movements (vinyasa) noticing diaphragmatic expansion and contraction breaths (pranayama) inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of 12-16, visualizing the cardiac-pulmonary plexus (Anahta chakra) and the color green thinking "the right to love and be loved with equanimity', studying "free and responsible ways of understanding (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi)", affirming (mantra/japa), "an attitude of gratitude and generosity, graciously thankful to lead and follow the heart, soul searching for True-self-arising (Brahmin, Atman, Parusha)!

By following principles of the life-force, source, essence, sheaths and or veils etc. known as, Pancha-maya-kosha, five protections from illusion for longevity, vitality, mentality, intellectuality and spirituality a person can practice the Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philosophical model of (Self)care provided by yoga therapists. Subtle breaths are mindful (udana), bodily (asana), core sustaining (sanyana), ever present (vyana) and nose only (yoga) without mouth breathing breaths keeping the locomotive 'steam energy' within without displacement, naturally filtering the air helpful to safety, especially important when social distancing is not intact, energy (prana) in from the environment breaths are also a subtlety. (Emotional) breaths are noticed as normal, according to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Outdoor Guide in a ratio of 3:1, therefore becoming yoga-relaxation pranayama by elongating the exhalation providing parasympathetic responses in a 4:1 ratio. Energizing breath examples include alternate-nostril (nadishodhana), guttural-throat (ujaiiy), abdominal-work (bhastrika), skull-cleansing (kaphalbhati), pelvic floor/perineum holding and deep-diaphragmatic. When attentive (dharana) to power from vitality there is an environment of subtle, emotional, energy (prana) sustained by oxygen optimized by breath (pranayama) known as the Prana-maya-kosha; specifically connected to the power of pranayama is an ability to hold-tension (pratyahara), provide-attention (dharana) and meditate (dhyana) when instructed to practice Hatha Yoga; movement-meditation!

Meditation (dhyana) examples include hand gestures (mudras) which can be expressed with the entire body during moves when holding in pose (asana), flowing (vinyasa) & quickly transitioning (kriya), similar to sign language, is body language (asana)! When utilizing a hand gesture indicating rphysicality (Hatha) choose a thumbs up mudra. Seed-sounds (biju) are Sanskrit sounds whereas one sound summarizes a set of affirmations (mantra). When strung together mantras are known as japa (visualizing the islands of Japan to remember the sanskrit term). For example the seed sound "Yauhm" affirms (mantra/japa), "Air, Alive, Arrive, Live, Love, Survive, Thrive; Pranayama". Observe the breath, for "Meditation (dhyana) is the source of power" - An Old Irish Prayer, whereas pranayama is an integral connection uniting (yoga) Body-mind!

Holding-tension (pratyahara) often occurs in easy sitting pose (sukhasana) with the right to stillness and being without-prejudice and without-blame transcendence, "when (anything not of service) other thoughts arise, detach and let them go" (Holistic Health and Healing, 2015, 48). Being attentive (dharana) to working for world peace sustained by hypothesizing theories enhanced by attention (dharana) to details in research and meta-analysis, meditating (dhyana) in peaceful-bliss, without illusion/illness, being happy (anandamayakosha) "anyways" (Post in Mother Theresa Ashram Calcutta). 

- Yoga Training (Touch) with Kathryn Ann (Katie A.) Campbell C-IAYT, YA-CEP, E-RYT 500 A Yoga Therapy [C(h)ikitsa] General Practitioner specializing in Lifestyle Medicine, specializing in Performance and Prevention during Physical Rehabilitation and Energy Facilitation addressing Metabolic and Immune Function, a Continuing Education Provider, and Teacher with thousands of hours of experience. Yogatrainingtouch.com (2009-present), Helena Montana 59601; US 

*JayaKumarSwameeSri, Mysore Pranavadhama Education, Research & Therapy Center, IN, 2008 who learned directly from K. Pattabhi Jois founder of Ashtanga; power yoga.

Restorative Sequence

YT(T) Physical Rehabilitation

 yogatrainingtouch.com

Physical Rehabilitation: Specifically designed for clients seeking specialized alignment(s), a centered frame, body balance, flexibility, stability, strength, surgical recovery and or pain relief! Includes safe movements, attentive breaths & proper technique for body integrity, wellness, and recuperation. Utilizing a functional format to improve form as form improves function.*

I usually recommend beginning supine, lying on your back. Background (pun intended) reasoning is a Service (SEVA) Workshop sponsored by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (iayt.org) wherein Jon Kabat Zin a premier yoga therapist, meditation and wellness expert provides information, required reading for anyone applying for the SEVAward. Other requirements included the aforementioned workshop taught by a yoga therapist in a wheelchair. My understanding, per instructional intention (sankalpa) is the Earth (see also Earthing), ground, floor and other supportive surfaces provide relief.

Relief is a feeling of reassurance and relaxation following release from anxiety or distress. An assistance, ... given to those in special need or difficulty. The alleviation of pain, discomfort or distress. Beneficial effects from relief vary from person to person; a person feels comfort, ease and pleasure as needed.

In yoga therapy at Yoga Training (Touch) sentient feeling sensations can be awakened see also "YT(T) Energy Facilitation". Following the felt relief from supine Stretching in a YT(T) Physical Rehabilitation Session and or program is Stabilizing, occurring in the form of hand or foot balances and next is Strengthening. Pose (asana) addressing kinetic chain "stacking" can provide 'lift' as inner holds known as bandhas support the body's frame subtly enhancing to 'lift' holding, think of feeling secure and comforted by a hug only your own body's where-with-all from within. Participating in YT(T)'s Physical Rehabilitation optimizes, notice "om", "opti" (perceptions) and "optimistic" word correlations to optimization, where form follows function and vie-a-vie as function follows form! 

Resist [Brahmac(h)arya], A Lifestyle Habit

Let us begin intending (sankalpa) to celebrate life, wage peace and harmonize responsibilities of Classic-practice (Ashtanga), values of Sentient-plexi (chakras) and principles of a Bio-enviro-psychi-socio-philisophical (panache-maya-kosha) model of care! Integral responsibilities include civil (yama), polite (niyama), posture (asana), breath (pranayama), holding-tension (Pratyahara), attention (dharana), meditation (dhyana) and living-meditation (samadhi). Indispensable values are 1.) Earth/coccygeal plexus (muladhara) 2.) water/sacral plexus (swadishtahana) 3.) fire/solar plexus (manipura) 4.) air/cardiac-pulmonary plexus (anahatha) 5.) sound/brachial-pharyngeal plexus (visshuddha) 6.) light/cavernous-cerebral plexus (Jana) 7.) ether/coronal plexus (sahasrara) - into the recycle system - 8.) space/above 9.) metal/beyond 10.) electrical/connection 11.) gas/around & 12.) wooded/grounds. Inspiring principles include longevity, vitality, mentality, intellectuality & spirituality. The pleasure (sukha) of harmonizing holistic health is an intensive self-care known as Lifestyle Medicine!

The responsibilities of ashtanga consider the yamas, civil societal norms or social-restraints, one of those being Brahmacharya important to Lifestyle Medicine/Management. The specific responsibility of brahmacharya can be translated as, 'without touching' or more broadly as, 'resisting', other translations include without controlling, without addiction and celibacy, possibly accounting for the prevention of nymphomania and rape. The book, The Language of Yoga, translates brahmacharya as, "appropriate use of one's vital energy". Remembering civil codes of honor (yamas) like brahmacharya may be helpful to resisting for nothing less than safe, consentual, compassionate care!

Lifestyle medicine inclusive of brahmacharya can improve the safety of populations helpfully reducing incidents of disease. Social Distancing (brahmacharya) and coverings are protective norms in some cultures which Eastern religious (Islamic) women, during outings, utilize. Yoga Sessions helpful to acquiring a lifestyle of playful equanimity throughout the day can progress interests periodizing teachable moments when loving to learn yamas, like brahmacharya, can readily occur keeping students attentive (Dharana). Brahmacharya is a helpful teaching tool during Classic Physical (Hatha), Knowledgable (Jnana), Cultivated (Raja), Causative (Karma) and Reverent (Bhakti) Practices in learning to work/live (Samadhi) for world-peace (shanti)! 

Brahmacharya a loyal lifestyle including a habit of self-care reduces symptoms of disease (dukha) increasing outcomes of ease (sukha) when pleasurable trustworthy (satya) feelings can accumulate. Research compiled by Dean Ornish's Lifestyle Medicine indicates 1.) marriage without a person's marital partner being their confidant is more successful for longevity then 2.) no marriage and no confidant while 3.) a loving monogamous relationship ultimately bound by marital confidence indicates the highest rates of longevity. Possibly a form of brahmacharya, healthy lifestyle choices and practices are encouraged such as safely holding your orgasmic plasma or that of your marital partner during coitus. Whereas marriage is normally a good sign of a loving relationship for feeling safe together, appreciating a no more than once daily practice, where-in Berkeley Health reported from WebMD stating, the happiest people are having sex once every two weeks! 

Sentience paired with sapience (ojas~bindu) holding ovum/semen at the pelvic floor/perineum (mullah bandha) during orgasm without expelling or exchanging during intercourse requires a cohesive biological systematic "autonomic" functioning for longevity a biologically proficient physical body sustained by whole plant foods optimized by postures (asana). Correlating Brahmacharya with the anahatha chakra value four within the pancha-maya-kosha principles can improve civilized capillary exchange for energy (prana) begetting energy metabolizing nutrients as climaxing/exercising opens sensorineural pathways and a vie-a-vie integration for vitality (prana-maya-kosha) in an environment of subtle emotional energy sustained by air optimized by breaths enhancing power holistically. Mentality (mana-maya-kosha) sustained by thoughts (chitta) which are optimized by holding-tension (Pratyahara) cessating (unwanted) thoughts (chitta vritti nirodaha) whereby peace of mind often includes Yamas such as brahmacharya enhancing a psychologically wealthy mature mind protecting (Kosha) intellectuality (vijnana-maya-kosha). Therefore, keeping in mind brahmacharya while loving, correlating to the fourth value, is "the wealth to love and be loved, a maturity without taking anything personally and without taking anything for granted, a mindful equanimity" protects (Kosha) intellectuality, "the wisdom of freedom, the intelligence of responsible ways and the intuition of understanding" a social science sustained by hypothesis/theories optimized by attention (Dharana) to research/meta-analysis 

Brahamacharya may be a warning, hopeful sign, healthy habit, moderate key and or other inclination. Yet, for spirituality sustained by prayer, talking to the universe and everything, correlating the fourth value japa known at Yoga Training (Touch) as, "an attitude of gratitude and generosity, graciously thankful to lead and follow the heart while soul searching for True-self arising (brahmin, atman, parusha)" is loving. Optimized by meditation (dhyana), listening to the universe and everything, brahmacharya as well as other classic practice responsibilities can enhance a philosophically and or theologically happy blissful spirit. Affirming the fourth chakra value within pancha-maya-kosha the modern mantra summary is, "Air Alive Live Love Survive Thrive"!

Classic Practice (Ashtanga): Civility (Yama); Fidelity (Brahmacharya)

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Imagine, if you will, branches on a proverbial Tree of Life and a Hindi Icon with multiple arms and legs having Classic Eight-Limbs (Ashtanga) symbolic of a yoga therapist's responsibilities allowing therapists to provide sharing blooms and gestures (mudras) of knowledge pertaining to best practices¹. One limb accommodates civility, ethics and restraints (yamas) likened to living with safe rules (vrata) that protect S/society and therefore S/self. Brahmacharya one branch/digit included on the yama limb can be known as, without being limited to, monogamy without promiscuity, civil union without addictions, loyalty without controlling that may be especially helpful when without a lifepartner for a lifestyle. Brahmacharya is literally translated as “walking in the light of God” as mentioned in The Yamas & Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice². In Tantric Practices when thinking about brahmacharya as a way to resist by appropriating the intellect (bindu) to perform (ojas) the gift of life³. 

Research compiled by Dean Ornish's Lifestyle Medicine⁴ for when a person has experienced trauma found comparable longevity between marital partners and people who are one another’s confidants. Furthermore, longevity connected as a biological aspect to Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-philosophical (pancha-maya-kosha) principles decreases when a person is not married and is without a life partner - that is when having sex is as unsafe as living a life without intimacy. Practicing brahmacharya works for people who are not married and do not have a confidant in helping mitigate infection and morbidity rates by replacing intercourse with a chaste active lifestyle, not discluding an intimate no more than once daily routine for the Western Law of ‘what is in motion stays in motion’⁵ whereas energy begets energy. Engaging in sex is healthy to partners in marital bliss where as brahmacharya is effective for practitioners of self-care during abstention.

Albeit, tactile reassurance (touch) has its place while brahmacharya translated as 'without touching’, ‘hands to yourself’ and ‘safe space' is a respectful direction/redirection furthering civility. In the article, “14 Reasons You Should Have Sex Now”, as published on WebMD⁶ it states having sex one time per week lowers risk of illness, and sexual intercourse no more than once every two weeks improves happiness, while a sexual connection improves memory, but only for married people. Even the National Institute of Health (NIH), where research matters, carries the popular story, “Viagra (pharmaceutical that improves erectile function) associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease”⁷. In the U.S. and around the world marriage is the gold standard, without infidelity (brahmacharya) being a safe lifestyle choice, normally a good sign of a healthy loving relationship and a way people feel safe together as coitus is a celebration of peace.

Brahmacharya is similar to without raping or pilaging the environment of natural resources when thinking (and symbolic) of the Sky [God, male, man, zest energy (ha)] and Earth [Goddess, female, woman, zen energy (ta)] as givers and sustainers of cosm. Nature teaches that when animals are safe they evenly space and spawn without bunches to graze and reproduce peacefully. Social distancing (brahmacharya) and mandates from the World Health Organization (WHO)⁸ likened to blooms and hand gestures (mudras) on symbolic limbs are wonderful best practices for civic responsibility during pandemics, like COVID-19. Holistic Health is informed by safe (vrata) practices inspired by civility (yama); noticing nature’s goodness can be a Living-meditation (Samadhi) wherein best practices, specifically inspired by brahmacharya, naturally occur.

Corresponding ashtanga responsibilities specific to the branch/digit of brahmacharya and generally to any ashtanga practice can improve awareness (samadhi). A Oneness may be more noticeable when chakra value correlations connect panchamayakosha principles to integrate, adjust and unify. The book The Language of Yoga by Niccoli Bachman lists the Ashtanga yamas, with five known examples, the fourth listed example known as brahmacharya is, “appropriate use of one’s vital energy”⁹; there is not necessarily an order to the Limbs (Ashtanga) or branches/digits as placement can occur in any order specific to a book, author and processes furthering Individual & Ultimate Truth (Vidya). Brahmacharya, as with all Ashtanga practices, is a responsibility known to correlate through Sentient-plexi (Chakra) values and connect Bio-enviro-psycho-socio-philosophical (Pancha-maya-kosha) principles.

Understanding through Chakra¹⁰/¹¹ values as well as adjusting/connecting to Pancha-maya-kosha¹² principles, Classic practice [Physical (Hatha), Mental (Jnana), Cultivation (Rajas), Causative (Karma) and Revered (Bhakti)] Ashtanga responsibilities like brahmacharya can branch or gesticulate enlightenment. A renowned psychologist/philosopher has said, “...resting in unity…can honor diversity”¹³ able to inform a multitude of best practices for honoring individual spirituality while respecting world religions revealing anandamayakosha, whereas a general ease (sukha) of responsibilities (ashtanga) cultivating (rajas) embodiment through values (chakras) and adjusting to principles (panchamayakosha) emanates, in the case of brahmacharya from an influential intermediary place, as an aura between macro and microcosms. Brahmacharya may be most relevantly correlated to the values from the bottom up, of the First Coccygeal-plexus (Muladhara chakra) the color red, Fourth Cardiopulmonary-plexus (Anahata-chakra) the color green and Seventh Coronal-plexus (Sahasrara-chakra) and the color white or clear. Brahmacharya can be understood as within an intermediary auric-field to panchamaykosha benefiting the soul source, force and essence sometimes known as veils or sheaths protecting inner bliss (anandamayakosha)¹⁴. 

Brahmacharya, generally corresponds to Muladhara, the 1st chakra value correlating civil-societal-norms (yamas) and connected aurically. The Anahata 4th chakra value, specifically corresponding to brahmacharya when thought to be the 4th yama, generally adjusts from vitality for an environment of subtle emotional energy (prana-mayakosha). Sahasrara the 7th Chakra specifically correlates to the literal translation of brahmacharya adjusting deep within pancamayakosha, and outermost, to philosophical and or theological principles for protection from illusion (ananada-mayakosha) corresponding more generally to the Ashtanga limb of meditating (dhyana) upon a happy blissful spirit¹⁵. Keeping brahmacharya in mind during Modern Mantra¹⁶ dhyana through a summation to the values of 1.) Generous Genuine Gifted Gracious Grateful-groups 4.) Alive Breath (Pranayama) Live Love Survive-thrive and 7.) Recuperative Rejuvenative Restorative Tranquil Transcendent-transformation can enliven life (samadhi).

Observing the civility (yama) of brahmacharya within a polite (niyama) atmosphere unveiling anandamayakosha utilizing a string of affirmations (japa) can make an excellent meditation (dhyana). For example, without necessarily occurring in any particular order, align (asana), breathe (pranayama), withdraw-tension (pratyahara) and visualize (dharana). Imagine a beautiful red color at the first coccygeal plexus (muladhara chakra), utilizing a 1:4 ratio breath (pranayama) inhaling one second exhaling four seconds affirming (japa), “Have ahimsa, without harm, share the joy”. At the 4th cardiac-pulmonary plexus (anahata chakra) visualize the color green, inhale four counts exhale sixteen counts affirm, “Gracefully thankful for an attitude of gratitude and generosity while soul searching for True-Self-Arise (Brahmin, Atman, Parusha, Id)”. Finally utilizing a 7:28 breath count visualize clear/white at the 7th coronal plexus (sahasrara chakra) with the japa, “Dare to dream, peace is possible (shanti)”. Best practices bloom and hold forth from examples like brahmacharya realizing ways to celebrate peace for harmonizing responsibilities, values and principles whereas awareness (samadhi) keeps Azt(h)anga relevant and people/practitioners (w)holistically healthy!

Works Cited

1. Jaya Kumar, Swamee Sree. Classic Asthanga With Applied Yogic Sciences. Pranava Dhama Trust, Education, Research and Therapy Centre, Mysore India, 2009.

2. Adele, Deborah. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice. On-Word Bound Books, 2009.

3. Mukitbodhananda. Hatha Yoga Pradipika. Yoga Publications Trust, Munger, Bihar, India, 2000.

4. Dean Ornish, MD. Lifestyle reverses heart disease lecture. Global Yoga Therapy Conference, Virtual Lecture, International, 2021.

5. Isaac Newton (1643-1727). Western Science theory states that an object in motion stays in motion https://ei.lehigh.edu/learners/energy/readings/people_energy.pdf 

6. Medically Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on August 31, 2020

7. National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nih.gov/

8. World Health Organization (Director-General 2017-present) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as seen on YouTube https://www.who.int. Yoga Training (Touch), ”Holistic Health: Energy System Correlations; Lifestyle, Metabolic Immune Function” by Kathryn A. Campbell C-IAYT, YA-CEP, ERYT500 

9. Bachman, Nicolai. The Language of Yoga: Complete A-To-Y Guide to Āsana Names, Sanskrit Terms, & Chants. Sounds True, 2020.

10. Judith, Anodea, and Selene Vega. The Sevenfold Journey: Reclaiming Mind, Body & Spirit through the Chakras. Crossing Press, 1993. 

11. Dale, Cyndi, and Richard Wehrman. The Subtle Body: an Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy. Sounds True, 2009.

12. Sat Bir Sing Khalsa, Lorenzo Cohen, Timothy McCall, Shirley Telles et al. The Principles and Practices of Yoga In Healthcare. Handsprings Publishing, Pencaitland, East Lothian, UK, 2016.

13. Ram Das, Harvard Psychologist. The Love Serve Remember Foundation Founder Philosopher. RamDas.org

14. Weisenberg, Marit. Yoga Mind Body. Kindersley, Dorling, London, UK, 1996.

15. Sri Swami Satchidananda. The Yoga Sutras of Pitanjali. Integral Yoga Publications, Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, Buckingham, Virginia 23921, 1978/2008, www.iyiva.org

16. Kathryn Campbell Global Yoga Therapy Conference. Virtual Silent Meditation, Modern Mantra. Internationally provided From United States, Hosted From Australia, 2021.

WildThing (Camatkarasana)~UpwardBow (Urdhva-Dhanurasana)