Abstract:
This research examines the concept and practice of brahmacariya in Theravāda
Buddhism. Brahamacariya means good and moral living; higher religious life in
taming the body, mind, and thoughts. The opposite of brahmacariya is
abrahmacariya (immoral living) and kāmesumicchācāra (sexual misconduct).
People indulged in kāmesumicchācāra and abrahmacariya create many social
problems and violate moral ethics. To solve this problem, kāmesumicchācāra and
abrahmacariya must be avoided. Abstaining from kāmesumicchācāra is refraining
from sexual misconduct with other wives, sons, and daughters; but in a legal
marriage, there can be sex between the husband and wife. Abrahmacariya means to
refrain from sexual misconduct in not only molesting children and wives of others,
but also one’s own spouse. Avoiding abrahmacariya in the whole life without
marriage is recognised as komāribrahmacariya. The Dhammika Sutta of the
Suttanipāta suggests that one should refrain from sexual intercourse. Inciting,
approving, and praising wrongdoers should also be avoided. Although others shall
perform abrahmacārī, we shall cultivate brahmacārī. In Buddhist monastic life,
monks must constantly refrain from the act of sexual intercourse (methūnadhamma),
as described in the Pārājika pāli. If methūnadhamma is engaged, the status of
monkhood could be lost. Hence, to be brahmacārī and cultivate good moralities, the
avoidances of kāmesumicchācāra and abrahmacariya are indispensable. Besides,
according to the Brahmacariya Sutta of the Aṅguttara-Nikāya, brahmacariya is not
practised for the welfare of deceiving people (na janakuhanatthaṃ), but for
eradicating defilements. The mode of brahmacariya also involves noble search
(ariyā-pariyesanā). Bodhisatta and noble seekers renounced their wealth, became
hermits or monks, and followed brahmacariya practice for liberation from dukkha.
Threefold training: morality, concentration, and wisdom are recognised as
brahmacariya-dhamma. Buddha’s disciples are encouraged to follow brahmacariya
practice for eliminating lust, hatred, and delusion. Accordingly, we could say that
the practice of brahmacariya is important for a seeker who is searching for
liberation. This noble practice is undoubtedly the ideal religious life and Buddhist
way towards the cessation of dukkha.