In the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment, it is essential for a man to cultivate self-control and discipline over his sexual urges. One effective way of achieving this is through the practice of Brahmacharya or Semen Retention. During the initial years of this practice, it is crucial for a man to abstain from all contact with women, as any exposure to sexual stimuli can rekindle old desires and impede spiritual progress.
This is because our causal bodies store past delusive actions associated with the opposite sex as sources of pleasure, creating strong tendencies that cannot be easily undone in just a few months of celibacy. Even in advanced celibates, the seeds of sexuality are still present in their full might, lying dormant and waiting for conditions favorable to their development. Therefore, leading a spotless life of chastity in thought, word, and deed for 12 years is advised to fully redeem oneself from the effects of lust and achieve self-realization.
It is important to note that abstinence and withdrawal from the senses only make these tendencies weaker and dormant, but do not eliminate them entirely. Any break in this practice resets the clock back to zero, and the individual must start over again. Wet dreams are often an indication of inconsistent efforts and serve as a reminder to strive harder and stay focused on the ultimate goal.
To keep dangerous tendencies in check, one must be ever-vigilant and never let sexual thoughts grow. The desire to look at a beautiful woman may seem harmless, but it eventually stirs up sexual feelings and disrupts spiritual progress. It is important to curb and nip these thoughts in the bud by diverting the mind into other domains, such as prayer, meditation, or other productive activities. With consistent effort, the right lifestyle, and prayer to God, success in the pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment is attainable.
