Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
Brahmacharya, or celibacy, held a vital place in Gandhi’s moral and spiritual life. He interpreted it not merely as sexual abstinence but as a holistic practice of self-control, purity, and discipline in thought, word, and deed. Gandhi began practicing Brahmacharya from 1906 and considered it essential for personal transformation and societal service.
In Gandhian thought, Brahmacharya was linked with truth (satya) and non-violence (ahimsa). It was a way to conserve energy, overcome desires, and focus on higher moral and spiritual goals. Gandhi believed that controlling one’s passions enabled clarity of mind and strength of character.
He also applied Brahmacharya to social reform. For Gandhi, practicing celibacy was crucial for leaders and activists who needed to serve society selflessly. Thus, Brahmacharya was both a personal vow and a social ideal in his philosophy.