Brahmacharya: Sense Control, Moderation and Discipline

At its best, moderation produces the highest individual vitality. Nothing is wanted by us if we seek to develop moderation in all things. Too much of anything results in problems. Too little may be inadequate.

~ Connie Desikachar Habash, “Mastery of Your Energies.”

Brahmacharya was historically interpreted by some as celibacy and many continue to carry on with this tradition.  However, “walking with god” or “prayerful conduct” also suggests discipline and moderation.  This could be attributed to sexuality, but may also include attention to food, alcohol, drugs, shopping, exercising, gossiping or other behaviours that become harmful when pushed to extremes. Sensory gratification should be restricted to maintain a healthy body and mind. Modifying our indulgences to reflect a satisfied appetite, without allowing our desires to run rampant, is pivotal in brahmacharya.  This contrast must be judiciously imposed to find our inner balance. As Ayurveda suggests, what is right for some may not be right for others.

Brahmacharya: the disciplined trader

In consideration to our trading strategies, we should adhere to a predefined set of principles that allow for the freedom of operating within our strategy. Without these parameters, we would undoubtedly fall prey to the senses’ insatiable desire for risk, opportunity and reward. By restricting desire to follow its own course, we will lose time and money while it searches for the fulfillment of its own agenda. This discipline may be said for all applicable knowledge. We should allow intuition to direct us on our chosen path, not the greed of the sense organs.