Shloka 1
Dhruva’s Humiliation, Sunīti’s Counsel, and Nārada’s Bhakti-Yoga Instruction
मैत्रेय उवाच सनकाद्या नारदश्च ऋभुर्हंसोऽरुणिर्यति: । नैते गृहान् ब्रह्मसुता ह्यावसन्नूर्ध्वरेतस: ॥ १ ॥
maitreya uvāca sanakādyā nāradaś ca ṛbhur haṁso ’ruṇir yatiḥ naite gṛhān brahma-sutā hy āvasann ūrdhva-retasaḥ
Maitreya said: The four Kumāras headed by Sanaka, as well as Nārada, Ṛbhu, Haṁsa, Aruṇi, and Yati—all sons of Brahmā—did not dwell at home, but became ūrdhva-retā, steadfast naiṣṭhika-brahmacārīs, pure celibates.
The system of brahmacarya has been current since the birth of Brahmā. A section of the population, especially male, did not marry at all. Instead of allowing their semen to be driven downwards, they used to lift the semen up to the brain. They are called ūrdhva-retasaḥ, those who lift up. Semen is so important that if, by the yogic process, one can lift the semen up to the brain, he can perform wonderful work — one’s memory is enabled to act very swiftly, and the duration of life is increased. Yogīs can thus perform all kinds of austerity with steadiness and be elevated to the highest perfectional stage, even to the spiritual world. Vivid examples of brahmacārīs who accepted this principle of life are the four sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanātana and Sanat-kumāra, as well as Nārada and others.
FAQs
In this verse, ūrdhva-retāḥ refers to sages who remain firmly celibate, redirecting their vital energy toward spiritual realization rather than household life.
Maitreya explains that these Brahmā-born sages were naturally renounced and dedicated to the brahmacarya path, focusing exclusively on spiritual knowledge and devotion.
Even without becoming renunciants, one can practice self-control, simplify life, and channel energy toward sādhana—hearing, chanting, and serving the Lord with steadiness.