The significance of chastity in thought, word, and deed cannot be overstated, as mere physical chastity provides limited benefits. The Hindu scriptures view semen or the seed in a man as the seventh and final tissue element of digestion, possessing the remarkable ability to create life. According to Hindu scriptures, this process of digestion and creation begins with food converting into chyle, then into blood, then into flesh, fat, bone, marrow, and finally semen.
According to Ayurveda, the ancient Hindu medical science, conversion of each element at every step takes five days. Thus, semen is the last element that is formed out of food. It takes approximately 30 days and 4 hours to complete this cycle. Scientists believe that an intake of 32kg (70 pounds) of food produces 800g of blood, which forms only 20g of semen. Now, you can see how precious semen is! and all of this nearly gets lost in a single ejaculation!
The shift from a lifestyle of “seminal wastage” to one of “seminal conservation” has significant benefits. By conserving semen, the body conserves a large amount of energy that was previously used to produce and replenish lost semen reserves. This conserved energy provides increased energy and vitality, a noticeable benefit in the early stages of seminal conservation. However, simply refraining from sexual activity or masturbation is not enough to sustain long-term seminal conservation. To achieve this, it’s necessary to maintain chastity in thought, word, and deed. This holistic approach, which involves not just physical restraint, but also a pure and chaste mind through creative work and meditation, helps to prevent the loss of semen through nightfall or wet dreams. Semen has three main functions, according to ancient Hindu scriptures:
- Rejuvenating and revitalizing the physical body.
- Developing a keen intellect.
- Aiding in spiritual pursuits and realizing one’s self.
For a man who wants to reap the benefits of conserving and transmuting his semen, it is crucial to engage in a well-rounded regimen. This includes physical activity or sports, intellectual pursuits, and spiritual practices. Any shortfall in these areas can result in the loss of semen through wet dreams. Maintaining chastity not only counteracts the effects of aging but also enhances one’s charisma and overall happiness. According to spiritual texts, successfully conserving and transmuting semen for 12 consecutive years can lead to exceptional benefits. This underscores the significance of the practice of Brahmacharya.
