SWAMI TURIYANANDA: Continence is the essence of spiritual life. ‘Of all austerities, the practice of continence is supreme. He who practices it is verily a god, not a man.’ The illumined knowledge of Brahman comes naturally to a person who practices continence for thirty-two years. He who wastes this energy falls from the spiritual path and becomes dissipated.

Vivekananda - a symbol of Brahmacharya

 THE PRACTICE OF BRAHMACHARYA
 

Quotes on celibacy

• A man who wants to be a perfect Yogi must give up the sex idea. The soul has no sex; why should it degrade itself with sex ideas? - Swami Vivekananda
• By the establishment of continence energy is gained. -Patanjali
• The chaste brain has tremendous energy and gigantic willpower. Without chastity there can be no spiritual strength. Continence gives wonderful control over mankind. The spiritual leaders of men have been very continent, and this is what gave them power. Therefore the Yogi must be continent. - Vivekananda
• Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring- never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's reputation. - Franklin