weight loss
Question
Hello Dhananjay,
Many thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge with all, and for your detailed answers.
Iam a bachelor and practice brahmacharya.
Iam having good success at brahmacharya in the last 1-2 years. During this period, I notice gradual weight loss. My body has become wiry and taut. My energy levels are quite ok, and my immune system is probably still quite strong because apart from occurance of cold once, i haven't got any other ailment in last 1-2 years. I think brahmacharya has increased my resistance power. My appetite has decreased, in the sense that i still feel hungry on time but lesser amount of food is enough to satisfy the hunger. Iam definitely eating lesser now a days compared to two years ago.
Questions:
1. Could the weight loss be related to brahmacharya ? I have read somewhere that the "heat" (tapas) of brahmacharya reduces fat/weight. any thoughts on this ? Although losing excess fat is good, i think one should also maitain healthy weight. Any thoughts on building some muscle/weight ? Any foods ? I take soaked almonds and milk+dates now and then.
2. Could my body be needing lesser food than before because "energy" is being conserved ? energy conserved within = needs lesser food input from outside ?
thanks,
Ananth
Answer
Hello Ananth,
Good to know of your efforts at Brahmacharya. Coming to the answers,
The results and changes that you mention are a result of the good health, lack of degeneration and establishment of vitality that the body gets surcharged with further to resorption of semen through Brahmacharya.
The body of the true Brahmachari eventually gets wiry, taut and firm with the reduction of fat. The skin becomes lustrous, radiant and free from wrinkles/sagging resulting in a clear complexion and youthful appearance. Since semen is the 'Saptha Dhâtu' or the seventh and final tissue element of digestion, its conservation and transmutation results in a lesser need for food.The resorption of semen back into the blood stimulates the release of certain hormones that send signals to the body against 'cell multiplication' (The main cause of old age and increase in fat and girth).
One of the functions of semen other than reproduction is to revitalize and recharge the body with potency, strength and health. The heat produced by Brahmacharya/meditation sublimates the semen into 'Ojas'- A vapor like subtle substance that gives 'Tejas' or luster to the entire body and especially the face. The increase in blood count (Red blood corpuscles or RBC in the blood)and the heat of Yoga -'Yogâgni' results in a reddish hue to the face of the Brahmachari.
As long as the true Brahmachari takes moderate amounts of nutritious food in the form of proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals and required quantities of fat, he need not worry about his weight and health as they are automatically regulated and maintained.
A Yogi is advised to take many small meals instead of a single large meal. This is to ensure that the stomach is not kept totally empty at any given time (as keeping the stomach fully empty makes the gastric fire consume his vitality, leading to weakness and ill health). The consumption of limited quantities of dry fruits, honey, lemon, fresh fruits and raw vegetables along with wheat products, milk, ghee and cereal does well to maintain the required balance.
God bless and have a nice day :-)
Dhananjay