Srimad Bhagavatam — Ekadasha Skandha, Shloka 25
Varṇāśrama-dharma as a Path to Bhakti
Yuga-dharma Origins, Universal Virtues, Brahmacarya and Gṛhastha Duties
रेतो नावकिरेज्जातु ब्रह्मव्रतधर: स्वयम् । अवकीर्णेऽवगाह्याप्सु यतासुस्त्रिपदां जपेत् ॥ २५ ॥
reto nāvakirej jātu brahma-vrata-dharaḥ svayam avakīrṇe ’vagāhyāpsu yatāsus tri-padāṁ japet
Celui qui observe le brahma‑vrata du brahmacārī ne doit jamais laisser s’écouler le sperme. Si, par hasard, il s’écoule de lui‑même, qu’il se baigne aussitôt, maîtrise le souffle par le prāṇāyāma et récite en japa le mantra Gāyatrī.
FAQs
In 11.17.25, Lord Kṛṣṇa teaches that a brahmacārī should not intentionally discharge semen, and if it happens accidentally, he should purify himself by bathing, controlling the breath, and chanting the Gāyatrī mantra.
In the Uddhava Gītā (Canto 11), Kṛṣṇa instructs Uddhava on varṇāśrama-dharma and disciplined spiritual life; this verse gives a practical rule and remedial purification for those observing the brahmacarya vow.
Cultivate intentional self-control, avoid deliberate indulgence that weakens the mind, and if one slips unintentionally, respond with humility, purification practices (cleanliness, prayer/mantra), and renewed commitment rather than guilt.