brahmacharya

or brah·ma·cār·ya

[ brah-muh-chahr-yuh ]

noun

, Hinduism.

1. the stage of life of the student, entailing study of the Vedas and complete celibacy, usually lasting for twelve years.

Word History and Origins

Origin of brahmacharya¹

From the Sanskrit word brahmacarya

Example Sentences

He even went public with his sexual life — and the negation of it through brahmacharya, or chastity.

From New York Times

The second section that will provoke controversy tackles an even more sensitive subject: Gandhi’s notorious brahmacharya experiments, beginning in 1946.

From New York Times

They were there as a temptation: if he wasn’t aroused by their presence, he could be reassured he’d achieved brahmacharya, a Hindu concept of celibate self-control.

From The Guardian

His vow of brahmacharya, or self-imposed celibacy, taken in 1906, was to become the foundation of his moral authority in the eyes of the Indian masses.

From New York Times

An aspirant to a godly life must observe the Hindu practice of Brahmacharya, or celibacy, as a means of self-control and a way to devote all energy to public service.

From Time Magazine Archive