A young man in a nice park

[Guest guest]

Because the body has genitals, when the living entity attains the right age-be

he man or woman-he becomes agitated by the sex impulse. As long as one remains

a child, he is not agitated by seeing a beautiful woman. Although the sense

organs are present, unless the age is ripe there is no sex impulse. The

favorable conditions surrounding the sex impulse are compared here to a garden

or a nice solitary park. When one sees the opposite sex, naturally the sex

impulse increases. It is said that if a man in a solitary place does not become

agitated upon seeing a woman, he is to be considered a brahmacari. But this

practice is almost impossible. The sex impulse is so strong that even by

seeing, touching or talking, coming into contact with, or even thinking of the

opposite sex-even in so many subtle ways-one becomes sexually impelled.

Consequently, a brahmacari or sannyasi is prohibited to associate with women,

especially in a secret place. The sastras enjoin that one should not even talk

to a woman in a secret place, even if she happens to be one's own daughter,

sister or mother. The sex impulse is so strong that even if one is very

learned, he becomes agitated in such circumstances. If this is the case, how

can a young man in a nice park remain calm and quiet after seeing a beautiful

young woman? (SB 4.25.17)