STORY - Passion’s hold over man’s mind. Socrates and his disciple

One of the disciples of Socrates asked his teacher, “My venerable master, kindly instruct
me how many times a householder can visit his legal wife.” Socrates replied, “Only once in his
lifetime.”

The disciple said, “Oh my Lord! This is absolutely impossible for worldly men. Passion
is dreadful and troublesome. This world is full of temptations and distractions. Householders
have not a strong will to resist temptations. Their Indriyas are very revolting and powerful. The
mind is filled with passion. Thou art a philosopher and Yogi. You can control. Pray, kindly
prescribe an easy path for the men of the world.” Then Socrates said, “ A householder can have
copulation once in a year.”
The disciple replied, “O venerable sir, this is also a hard job for them. You must
prescribe an easier course.” Socrates then replied, “Well, my dear disciple, once in a month. This
is suitable. This is quite easy. I think you are satisfied now.”
The disciple said, “This also is impossible, my revered master. Householders are very
fickle-minded. Their minds are full of sexual Samskaras and Vasanas. They cannot remain even
for a single day without sexual intercourse. You have no idea of their mentality.”
Then Socrates said, “Well said, my dear child. Do one thing now. Go directly to the
burial ground now. Dig a grave and purchase a coffin and winding sheet for the corpse before
hand. Now you can spoil yourself any number of times you like. This is my final advice to you.”
This last advice pierced the heart of the disciple. He felt it keenly. He thought over the matter
seriously and understood the importance and glory of Brahmacharya. He took to spiritual
Sadhana in right earnest. He took a vow of strict unbroken celibacy for life. He became an
Oordhvareta Yogi and had Self-realization. He became one of the favourite disciples of
Socrates.