The third upastambha is brahmacharya, which has a broad range of meanings in Indian culture. Brahmacharya is the first stage of Hindu life, during which a person focuses on education and religious study. In Ashtanga Yoga, brahmacharya is included as one of the moral prerequisites for further yogic study. It is included under the first of eight stages called yama and basically refers to celibacy. In Ayurveda, the word has a broader meaning. It refers to two things-

1) control over the sense organs
2) acquiring knowledge of Brahman (Paramatma- Supreme Being)

Control of the sense organs implies the proper utilization of them. Here, we are not only considering the five special senses (sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste). We must also consider the 5 karmendriyas, organs of action- hands, feet, and organs of speech, reproduction, and excretion). These 10 indriyas must be utilized for the right purpose and in the correct manner. Excess utilization, under utilization, and perverted utilization of the sense organs leads to physical and mental imbalance. Thus they should be avoided.

For example, let's consider the sense of sight- chakshu indriya. Excess utilzation of this sense organ would be staring at anything for too long, especially bright objects- the sun. Under utilization would be sleeping or meditating for long hours, wherein the eyes are not being used enough. Perverted utilization is anything from watching horror movies, pornography, to anything else that has the potential to disturb the mind. Similarly, one can elaborate examples for the other indriyas.

Control of the senses implies a certain degree of austerity as well. This type of thinking seems completely out of place in the 21st century, as most of us are accustomed to instant gratification. Have you ever wanted a cookie or pastry at a grocery store and eaten it before you got to the check out? That's what I mean by instant gratification. We have grown so used to immediately satisfying our fleeting desires that just as one is satisfied another creeps up. This is where we should use some restraint. I'm not advocating renunciation or strict vows- just a little bit of patience and restraint. Next time you feel an intense desire to do something, see something, eat something, just observe your feelings. If you observe long enough, many times the desire just floats away. This type of restraint will be useful to check the desires that once gratified, make us feel guilty later- having one drink or dessert too many, saying something in a state of anger or sadness, etc.

Acquiring knowledge of Brahman is the other aspect of Brahmacharya. This illustrates that Ayurveda is as much about the spirit and mind as it is about the body. Spiritual growth and understanding are essential for healthy living. While living in this world, we must also be aware of what is beyond this material experience. This is the only knowledge that can free a person from the cycle of birth, disease, old age, and death.

There are many methods to acquire knowledge of Brahman. The most basic are explained under "Sadvritta" in Ayurveda. Sadvritta means good conduct or right living. Chapter 8 of Charaka's Sutrasthana is completely dedicated to explaining sadvritta. Here are a few examples:

1)Pay respect to Gods, elders, teachers, and spiritually advanced people
2)Be envious of the means and not the result (insted of being jealous of someone's riches, be envious of the way in which she acquired the wealth)
3)Speak timely, measured, and sweet words
4)Reconcile the angry, console the frightened, be merciful to the poor
5)Speak the truth
6)Do not commit sin, even against someone who is a sinner
7)Do not criticize others or disclose the secrets of others
8)Do not eat without offering food to Gods, ancestors, poor; without washing hands and face; with a disturbed mind
9)Do not postpone things or indulge in anything without proper examination of the pros and cons
10)Always be well dressed, have a pleasant disposition, and maintain hygiene.

As you can see, Charaka explained conduct that ranges from the mundane- clothing - to the philosophical. Our conduct determines our state of mind and it is only with a balanced, healthy state of mind can we acquire knowledge of Brahman, Jesus, Allah, Buddha, etc. Thus morality is part and parcel of spiritual practice. While prayer, yoga, meditation, fasting, pilgrimage, and religious ceremonies are all very powerful practices, they are essentially useless if the person doing them does not practice sadvritta, or right living.

In conclusion, the three upastambhas or sub pillars of life, aahara, nidra, and brahmacharya, have been explained in brief. Think about how they affect your life and how you can work towards employing them to maintain a healthy body and mind.