It allows
the adolescent or young adult to use his vital
energies to prepare for a rewarding life, to
develop his mind and talents for his chosen
vocation. The first of the four stages, or
ashramas, of life is actually called the
brahmacharya ashrama. Love, including sex, is
one of the legitimate four goals of life, according
to our religion. Sex is not bad. Its place, however,
is properly within the confines of a sanctified
marriage. Nor are sex drives unnatural. The goal
of the brahmachari and brahmacharini is not to
become fearful of sex, but to understand sex and
the sexual impulses in a balanced way. During the
time of brahmacharya, the goal is to control the
sex urges and transmute those vital energies into
the brain to gain a great mental and spiritual
strength. Yes, this vital life force must be
focused on studies and spiritual pursuits.
Brahmacharya maintained until marriage, and
faithfulness thereafter, helps enable the devotee
to merit a good wife or husband, a happy, stable
marriage and secure, well-adjusted children.