Brahmacarya, also spelled Brahmacharaya, the practice of sexual celibacy. Sexuality is sacred. Goswami Kriyananda says it’s the closest many humans ever get to God. Yet—or maybe because of this—it can have a huge impact on our life force and vibration. Compare a time when you sexually expressed deep love and connection with one that you expressed obligation. Or when you used sex as power, to gain something or withhold. It feels different, right?

One one level, Brahmacarya practice is one of reserving expression for moments of high vibration, and retaining sexual impulses at other times. How much? That’s up to you. We can extend this practice to include treating other cravings this same way—for food, screen time, buying things, etc.