Foundations · Reading
Brahmacharya
Right use of energy, the fourth yama.
Awaiting subject reviewWritten from our source material and not yet checked by a teacher of this practice. Read it as reference, and learn the practice from someone who teaches it.
Philosophy
Brahmacharya, the fourth yama, means literally conduct in Brahman. For the student and the renunciate it has traditionally meant celibacy.
For householders, teachers commonly read it as moderation: not scattering one's vital energy in excess of any kind. Patanjali says that when it is established, vigour is gained.
Further reading
- Yoga Sutras 2.30
- Yoga Sutras 2.38
Ideas behind it
Sources and tradition
- YOG Union App Content Map, 2 November 2026, pp. 2–3
- Patanjali, Yoga Sutras, 2.30, 2.38