16. Taught Self-restraint (Brahmacharya)

Shri Swaminarayan emphasised the importance of celibacy -Brahmacharya and asked people to practice self-restraint. He was greatly concerned about the slackening of moral standards and widespread corruption. By asking men and women to discipline and sublimate their baser instincts, He protected their virtue and enhanced the image of Indian society and culture. By asking the monks to emulate the example of His untainted, disciplined and righteous disciples, He purified the order of Tyagashram (the order of Sadhus). By presenting an ideal of self-restraint before the licentious and fallen Dharmagurus (the preceptors), He re-established Brahmacharyashram.