Brahmacharya - Derivation

Derivation

The word brahmacharya stems literally from two components:

1. Brahma, (shortened from brahman), the absolute, eternal, supreme God-head. (As opposed to Brahmā, the deity in the Hindu triad responsible for creation).
2. charya, which means "to follow". This is often translated as activity, mode of behaviour, a "virtuous" way of life.

So the word brahmacharya indicates a lifestyle adopted to enable one to attain the ultimate reality.