
Admittedly, it is hard for me to speak completely authentically about brahmacharya (lack of excess) today after just returning from the most amazing vacation in Thailand, especially since there was some excess involved! The food was amazing so there may have been some overeating, there were lovely hotels and perhaps some Thai beer. There was certainly exuberance of mood, but perhaps that is not in direct opposition of brahmacharya?
Most Thai people practice some form of Buddhism, and we learned about their adherence to the Five Precepts of Buddhism. These precepts are similar to the yamas, guidelines for moral behavior and are: abstention from killing, stealing, adultery (sexual misconduct), lying and intoxication. Our Thai friends explained that like in most “rules of religion”, there is some bending of these rules, particularly around some moderate imbibing.

The trip exposed us to many spiritual places, with 90% of Thailand’s population being Buddhist, it is hard to go anywhere without passing a temple (or two or three).
So, while this was not a religious pilgrimage but a sightseeing and bike riding tour (more on that another time), there was a feeling of spirituality that fell over us at times during the visit. I took some time on my own to read more about Buddhism throughout the trip, fascinated by the daily life and work of the monks and the nuns; at each holy spot I took a pause and gave thanks. I rolled out my mat whenever I found some time, returning to my practice to yes, stretch, but to also meditate on the gratitude I had for the opportunity to be there. It was amazing and the fulfillment of a 15 year old wish!
Meditation on Brahmacharya – Lack of Excess

This week we focus on the fourth Yama, Brahmacharya. It has many definitions ranging from the most traditional translation of Patanjali's Sutras of celibacy, to the generally more current definition of moderation or lack of excess. When I started teacher training and heard the traditional definition I was thinking darn, did I read the fine print on what I signed up for? Kidding. Keep in mind even yogis Iyengar and Desikachar talked more about being a true and honest partner in a monogamous relationship than literal celibacy (they had families themselves).
Brahmacharya is a term based on the spiritual practices of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Derived from two Sanskrit words, "Brahma," meaning the divine or supreme consciousness, and "Charya," representing conduct or practice, it simply means living in line with spiritual principles. Brahmacharya teaches us to concentrate within ourselves, practicing self-control or lack of excess.
Non-excess is not the same as celibacy or denial, rather the awareness of what is “enough”. There is no need for more; when we are satisfied (full, content) we know how to pause or stop. Having found this state of rightness, we can enjoy it and be in the moment with it, aware of the simplicity and joy of just enough.
If we spend some time quietly turning our mind inward through our yoga practice (moving meditation), walking in nature (walking meditation) or some other contemplative practice, we may find a sense of moderation or lack of excess. For some it may be spending less time on social media, less alcohol or unhealthy eating habits. It could be the avoidance of activities that drain our energy in unproductive ways like books or movies or unhealthy relationships.
While I was in Thailand, one of the local Thai guides was talking about some aspect of Buddhism and pointed out that the Buddhas often were depicted with two large ears (better for listening) and one mouth; the emphasis being on less talking and more listening, and Buddha is obviously a good role model. When I think of brahmacharya, I think about being a better listener.
I like the following article from Rishikesh Yogkulam:
"Moderation. Small helpings. Sample a little bit of everything. These are the secrets of happiness and good health." - Julia Child
"The person who knows that enough is enough will always have enough" - Lao Tzu
If you don't have enough you won't be happy. Neither are you happy if you have too much. It is those who have enough but not too much who are the happiest." - Peace Pilgrim
Our Practice – Child’s Pose - Balasana

Let’s practice child’s pose, Balasana, to invoke brahmacharya. As we come into the child’s pose that feels the most restorative to us (use props), we can rest and breathe, absorbing the completeness of our day, our life, our being. There is no need for more, no need for excess. This pose helps us find our “enough”. We allow ourselves to be “just right”. We do not need more, there is no need for excess, right, here, and right now all is good. We will incorporate the prana mudra which is associated with Brahmacharya. This gesture represents the vitality that resides within our prana, or life force.
Stretch your arms forward with your hands resting upturned shoulder width apart.
Softly bring your thumb, ring, and pinky fingers to touch, with your thumb on top; lengthen your index and middle fingers.
This Prana Mudra brings forth the vitality that resides within your prana, your life force.
Child’s pose is restorative and restful, it also gently stretches the hips, thighs and ankles. The pose can also be calming and help relieve stress and fatigue.
For more on the prana mudra:
Nurturing with Food - Pad Thai (Of Course)


While in Thailand we took a cooking class on Pad Thai, some friends joked that Peter could teach it! We did, indeed, learn some twists that we will incorporate, including an egg wrap (not pictured) and some new ingredients that we had not formerly incorporated.
The recipe attached is Peter's version, stay tuned for some future modifications. I think of Pad Thai as Thai comfort food, not spicy, warm and homey....perfect for a cold winter night.
See you on the mat,
Namaste,
Julia Anne
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