A study of the great spiritual treatises reveals that the soul, defined as the microcosm of the macrocosm (God), in its pure state is a source of bliss, which is an unipolar state beyond happiness. This inherent state of freedom and contentment is present in every creature, whether human or animal, and requires no external factors to maintain it.
However, as soon as the soul descends into matter and becomes encased in a physical body, the coverings of ignorance or ‘maya’ start to obscure the soul’s true nature. This results in a feeling of scarcity of the soul’s innate bliss, leading the individual to seek external sources of pleasure.
Sensual pleasure, obtained through the five senses, is not true pleasure but rather a stimulation of nerves that ultimately leads to pain. After repeated indulgence in sensual activities, the individual’s psyche begins to associate this nerve stimulation with pleasure, having forgotten the original state of soul bliss. This is where Brahmacharya, or celibacy, comes in as a means of breaking free from this cycle of delusion and rediscovering the soul’s true nature.
Through the practice of celibacy and self-realization, the individual can attain a state of contentment within the self and no longer seek external sources for happiness. In the beginning, the individual may struggle with doubts about the worth of celibacy, but with time, effort, and grace, the path becomes easier. After a year of consistent celibacy, the individual will experience a newfound bliss and have a strong desire to maintain this state of unbroken celibacy. Lustful thoughts will cause pain and guilt, and the focus will be on driving them away in order to maintain celibacy in thought, word, and deed
