yahooyoga: Self control (brahmacharya)

Brahmacharya is the fourth yama. Brahmacharya means self-control or self-discipline. A disciplined student who studies the scriptures is called a Brahmachari. When one is established in Brahmacharya, one develops a fund of vitality and energy, a courageous mind and a powerful intellect so that one can fight any type of injustice. The Brahmachari will use the forces he generates wisely, he will utilize the physical ones for doing the work of the Lord, the mental for the spread of culture and the intellectual for the growth of spiritual life. Brahmacharya is the battery that sparks the torch of wisdom.

Sage Vyasa's son, Shuka, was a great Brahmachari. As a young boy, Shuka's father send him to study under sage Brihaspati. Shuka was a keen and intelligent student and mastered many subjects. When Shuka returned home he continued to study and pray. A few years passed, Sage Vyasa thought, "Shuka is now a young man. It is time for him to marry." Vyasa proposed that Shuka get married but he replied, "No, I want to become a Sanyasi and attain salvation."

The learned sage Vyasa taught his son many further philosophical scriptures. Still, Shuka thirsted for knowledge. Vyasa then advised his son, "Seek out Janaka, the king of Mithila, and study under him. He is the wisest man on earth." Shuka set off for the distant kingdom. He journeyed over mountains and through forests for two years. Finally, Shuka arrived at Janaka's palace. Through his yogic powers, King Janaka already knew of Shuka's arrival and the purpose of visit. He decided to test Shuka. He instructed the sentries not to honor or welcome Shuka at the palace gates. Shuka was made to wait for three days. He waited patiently, undisturbed by this unkind reception.

On the fourth day Janaka arrived at the gates, welcomed Shuka and led him to the guest room. There Shuka was provided with every comfort. He was bathed in perfumed water, dressed in silken robes and given delicious food. Shuka showed no greed or great delight at these luxuries. Instead he spent his days in meditation and prayer.

Because neither insults nor luxuries affected Shuka, King Janaka decided to put him to one final test. In the splendid court room filled with dazzling performers, King Janaka gave Shuka a bowl full of milk. "make seven rounds of this hall without spilling one drop of milk," said the King. Shuka accepted the bowl. He walked effortlessly around the great hall seven times, past the magnificent courtiers, the whirling dancing girls and the musicians, without spilling a single drop of milk.

King Janaka was delighted. "Shuka," he said "You are unequalled in your self-control and self-discipline. I have nothing to teach you. Continue your practices and you will attain the supreme enlightenment."