This morning I was listening to a program on Radio National about Teens and Sex. It was very interesting, and it wasn't until the very last call that anyone mentioned the sacredness of love in action, and no-one spoke about "respect" which is at the base of BRAHMACHARYA.
They talked about pornography and music videos and how this formed the basis of what most teens think sex is all about - acrobatics, invention, flexibility, toys. All about the body. Thank goodness these music videos were not around so much when my children were growing up! I do think that parents have a responsibility in all of this, but with so much emphasis on the objectifation of women in every kind of television show and advert, the balance has gone.
If only children were given the opportunity to learn yoga and the yamas (or spirituality and the ten commandments). They need an option. Then need to understand the sacredness of sex, and how to remain centred in a community where marriage is temporary and children bring themselves up. I know this is a generalisation, but if your car had as much chance of crashing and burning that marriages today do, you wouldn't even ride in it to the local shops.
I love teaching the yamas. I love the discussions that come out of our teachings, especially around Brahmacharya - respect for all things. Make them the centre of your teachings, at home, at work everywhere. Take just one and work on it for a week, and then try the next. Patanjali said that they should be considered and practised at all times. (Our Yama booklet will be on the web next week).
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