APA Dictionary of Psychology

brahmacharya

Updated on 04/19/2018

continence or chastity (Sanskrit). In the Hindu tradition (see Hinduism), the term signifies continence in thought, word, and deed, which is one of the five virtues of the first stage of Raja-Yoga. It is also used to denote an ordination ceremony for novice monks as well as the first of the four stages into which human life is divided according to Vedic tradition.
in Buddhism, holy conduct of life. The term signifies a life lived in harmony with Buddhist rules of discipline and is used to describe the chaste lifestyle of a Buddhist monk.

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