TEXT 42
savitram prajapatyam ca
brahmam catha brhat tatha
varta sancaya-salina-
siloncha iti vai grhe
SYNONYMS
savitramthe thread ceremony of the twice-born; prajapatyamto execute the vow for one year; caand; brahmamacceptance of the Vedas; caand; athaalso; brhatcomplete abstinence from sex life; tathathen; vartavocation in terms of Vedic sanction; sancayaprofessional duty; salinalivelihood without asking anyone for cooperation; sila-unchahpicking up rejected grains; itithus; vaieven though; grhein household life.
TRANSLATION
Then the thread ceremony for the twice-born was inaugurated, as were the rules to be followed for at least one year after acceptance of the Vedas, rules for observing complete abstinence from sex life, vocations in terms of Vedic injunctions, various professional duties in household life, and the method of maintaining a livelihood without anyones cooperation by picking up rejected grains.
PURPORT
During student life the brahmacaris were given full instructions about the importance of the human form of life. Thus the basic education was designed to encourage the student in becoming free from family encumbrances. Only students unable to accept such a vow in life were allowed to go home and marry a suitable wife. Otherwise, the student would remain a permanent brahmacari, observing complete abstinence from sex life for his whole life. It all depended on the quality of the students training. We had the opportunity to meet an avowed brahmacari in the personality of our spiritual master, Om Visnupada Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Gosvami Maharaja. Such a great soul is called a naisthika-brahmacari.

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