Per some Hindu texts, masturbation is a sin, and atonements are suggested if someone does it. Masturbation is bad not only for your mind but also for your health. The Hindu sages advise preserving Virya as much as possible because it is the vital energy in one’s body. Hinduism recommends sex for reproduction mainly as sex is the highest form of pleasure in life and should be done responsibly.

What is Masturbation?

It is the act of stimulating one’s sexual organs to the stage of orgasm. It is also known as self-pleasure, self-gratification, self-stimulation, etc.

Which Hindu Scriptures Talk About Masturbation?

Parashara Smriti, Manu Smriti, Baudhayana Dharmasutra, and Gautama Smriti are the texts (that I am aware of) that talk about masturbation.

Parashara Smriti 12.63:

“If a householder willingly causes the discharge of his virile seed otherwise than in sexual intercourse, he should recite the Gayathri verse one thousand times, and should perform three Pranayamas.”

While Parashara Smriti talks about the householders, Manu Smriti talks about students.

Manu Smriti 2.180:

Let him always sleep alone, let him never waste his manhood; for he who voluntarily wastes his manhood, breaks his vow.

Gautama Smriti 25.7:

He who has been guilty of cheating, of calumniating, of acting contrary to the rule of conduct, of eating or drinking things forbidden, of ejaculating inside a Shudra woman or in any place other than the vagina, and even of performing magic rites with intent (to harm his enemies), shall bathe and sprinkle himself with water, reciting the texts addressed to the Waters, or those addressed to Varuna, or other purificatory texts.

Baudhayana Dharmasutra (Baudhayana Dharmasutra, Praśna III, Adhyāya 7):

A man who ejaculates his semen in any place other than the vagina becomes equal to a thief and to a murderer of a Brahmin.

Christian View on Masturbation:

The Bible does not directly talk about masturbation, but it speaks against having lustful thoughts and considers it sinful. Therefore, it implies that masturbation is a sin because it is nearly impossible to do it without lustful thoughts.

Islamic View on Masturbation:

Masturbation is generally considered haram in Islam but is permissible under certain conditions, such as if someone has uncontrolled sexual desire and is about to commit fornication. It is considered less sinful than having an illicit relationship. There are different opinions among scholars about the topic but in general, it is considered sinful.

Does This Apply to the Present Time?

Smritis are less authoritative than Shruti texts, like Vedas, and they also change with time. Therefore, the question arises whether these things apply to the current time because times have changed and the lifestyles of people have also changed. In olden times, boys and girls were married at younger ages, and they used to be with each other as soon as they attained puberty. Therefore, they had a partner when they needed, and there was no need for masturbation.

During that time, interaction between men and women was limited. Women mostly spent their time inside the house. People were God-fearing, and there was less “distraction”. There was no pornography.

But nowadays, things have changed. Boys and girls are getting married very late. So, how are they supposed to control their feelings? Libido is something that even sages find it hard to control. How can we expect this from common people?

This is a valid argument, but some laws of nature do not change. In current times, many of our activities are against nature. If we are waiting for long years to get married, then it is our fault.

Why is Masturbation a Sin?

There are three major types of sins in Hinduism, viz. Kaayik (Physical), Vaachik (verbal), and Maanasik (mental).

Mental and Physical Sin:

In general, we think that if we do not harm anyone, then we are not doing any sin. E.g., People drinking alcohol argue that it is not a sin because they are not hurting anyone. If it is affecting their health, then it is their problem. But drinking alcohol is one of the five biggest sins in Hinduism.

Per Hindu philosophy, if you sin mentally, then also it is a sin. It is called Maanasik Papa (mental sin).

When someone masturbates, most of the time he/she thinks about having sex with someone. Most of the time person involved is not the spouse of the person. Therefore, he/she is committing a mental sin by having illicit desires.

Lustful Thoughts Might Lead to Harmful Consequences:

“Thought is the seed of action, but action is as much its second form as thought as its first.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

When we sin, most of the time it all starts first with a thought. A seed of thoughtful sin sown in our mind, can become a big tree of sin and ruin our entire life. Therefore, if you want to stay away from sins, then you must stop sinful thoughts from coming into your mind.

Pleasure Comes with Responsibility:

Physical Sin:

Sexual pleasure is perhaps the highest form of physical pleasure. It is also very alluring. Many animals and even humans fight over it and even give away their lives. When God created this pleasure of such a high form, he associated some responsibilities with it; otherwise, it would have been misused.

Many Hindu yogis advocate that sex should be mainly for reproduction so that the doer will bear the responsibility for the outcome. When someone masturbates, there is no responsibility associated with it. It is done purely for physical pleasure.

Excessive Masturbation is Harmful for Health:

Ayurveda gives utmost importance to Virya. In Sanskrit, Virya means energy, courage, manliness, etc. According to Ayurveda, one drop of semen is made from 80 drops of blood (although modern science does not agree with this point of view).

It is the essence of the body and is not only responsible for reproduction, but also is a vital nutrient in nourishing our body. Hence, one should never waste it.

How is Virya Formed Per Ayurveda?

“According to Ayurveda, semen is the last dhatu that is formed out of food. Out of food is manufactured chyle. Out of chyle comes blood. Flesh comes out of blood. Out of flesh comes fat. Out of fat comes bone. Marrow comes out of bone. Out of marrow comes semen. These are the sapta dhatus or the seven dhatus that support this life and body.”

Ref: https://ocoy.org/monastic-life/practice-of-brahmacharya/chapter-six-value-semen/

Ill-Effects of Masturbation:

Per Ayurveda, Masturbation can cause fatigue, difficulty in concentrating, low sperm count, addiction, and weakness. Although modern science does not agree with it fully, it agrees with the fact that excessive masturbation can cause some physical harm in a long time.

Masturbation is Addictive:

The amount of pleasure one gets from self-stimulation is tremendous, and our body wants it more and more. Also, to get this pleasure, you need no external equipment (in most cases). Therefore, it is very easy to get. Hence, once a person starts doing it, it is very difficult to control the urge. The habit might continue for life. Some people masturbate even after marriage.

Conclusion:

Most of the religions consider masturbation a sinful act. From an Ayurvedic point of view, it is harmful to our health also. The lustful thoughts might lead to harmful consequences. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from it.