Brahmacharya (celibacy)—Preserve vital force (Veerya) very very carefully. Veerya is all power. Veerya is all money. Veerya is the essence of life. —Sri Swami Sivananda 

Commentary:

Brahmacharya, in simple words, is your chastity until you are married. Veerya is the gross biological force in human system. When it is conserved, it becomes a subtle force in the form of a subtle energy or a subtle radiant force in you, called Ojas or spiritual power. Then the mind also becomes subtle. A mind which is not subtle is a gross mind. With a gross mind you cannot have a good grasp of knowledge which you are acquiring in your schools. Knowledge acquired by a gross mind cannot stay permanently. The subtle energy or force helps you concentrate on your studies and Japa (repetition of the Divine Name) or practise meditation with calm and steady mind.

After marriage Veerya can be used for the purpose of procreation. If it is used by you for any purpose other than this, you will be losing all that is precious in your life.

A most effective method to preserve Veerya is this — if you are a boy, think that all women are your mothers or sisters and if you are a girl, think that all men are your fathers or brothers. They are not merely male or female persons; they are not merely physical bodies. They should be regarded in terms of the above-mentioned human relationship.

Brahmacharya is also the purity of thought, purity of action , purity of company and purity of reading. The idea of purity is linked with two things — always remembering God as a Controller of your life and always be mindful of the greatest good of the greatest number. All impurities should be discarded immediately and sternly.

Brahmacharya is a key to success in all walks of your life. It will help you attain God.

To know more about the concept of Brahmacharya, you should read the book “Practice of Brahmacharya”, written by Swami Sivananda.