Sexual restraint (brahmacharya)

A man who always keeps himself detached from women is said to gain a better complexion, a body without wrinkles, strength of mind, long life, good sight that does not grow dim, lustre and firmness of the limbs, and great vigour.

The introduction says mental health is maintained by brahmacarya and mental restraint, especially restraint over all the objects of the senses. Śukra dhātu, ojas and param ojas are the body's chief powers and remain firmly in the body through brahmacarya; because ojas greatly increases intelligence and memory and gives strength, brahmacarya makes the intellect brighter, keeps the memory sharp and gives excellent strength and lustre, so that such a person is valiant and brave. It says what the Ārya scriptures teach about the importance of brahmacarya is true.

It says brahmacarya should be kept even after marriage: according to the scriptures one should approach one's wife only with the wish for a son, to continue a righteous line, and attachment merely to satisfy sensual desire is called misconduct (vyabhicāra). The Jain ācāryas, in teaching the vow of contentment with one's own wife (svadārasantoṣa-vrata), forbid excessive attachment even to one's own wife. Keeping this aim in view makes body and mind very healthy and strong, and in sum proper diet, conduct and brahmacarya bring lifelong health and long life.