Brahmā’s Instruction on Brahmacarya, Vānaprastha, and the Aliṅga Path
Ethics of Non-attachment
मेखला च भवेन्मौज्जी जटी नित्योदकस्तथा । यज्ञोपवीती स्वाध्यायी अलुब्धो नियतव्रत:
mekhalā ca bhavenmaujī jaṭī nityodakastathā | yajñopavītī svādhyāyī alubdho niyatavrataḥ ||
伐由宣示持戒梵行者(brahmacārin)之标志:“当系以茅草(muñja)所成之腰带,常留结发(jaṭā),日日沐浴,佩戴圣线(yajñopavīta),专勤于吠陀自习(svādhyāya);又当离贪,依戒守誓,以恒常节制而行。”
वायुदेव उवाच
True brahmacarya is defined by disciplined external observances (muñja-girdle, sacred thread, daily bathing, ascetic appearance) grounded in inner virtues—especially steady vows, commitment to Vedic study, and freedom from greed.
Vāyu-deva is instructing about the proper conduct and identifying marks of a brahmacārin, listing the practices and qualities that constitute regulated student-life and dharmic restraint.