Unbroken celibacy after thirty
Question
Dear Dhananjay,
If a man, who practises brahmacharya, marries after thirty and has intercourse with his wife only for progeny, is it then still possible for him to acquire the benefits of 12 years of unbroken celibacy (like becoming an urdhvareta)? Or is it better not to marry at all?
I have read that the period of 12 years of ubroken practice must not begin later than 32 if one wants to fully realize all the benefits. Does that mean that even intercourse for progeny only has to be avoided?
Thank you,
J.
Answer
1. The period of 12 years is ideally unbroken and continuous. If one is destined to beget a child, that is also the will of the Lord and one must comply.
2. None of these things are in one's hands. It has already been decided. Hence it suffices if one does his Dharma (to realize the self) and accept the will of the higher power.
2. When HE wills, things will take place as needed, to merge the Jiva into the self, be it before or after marriage.
ॐ तत् सत्
(That Supreme being is the absolute truth)