Desires and modern hindu youth-hinduism

Hi all namaste I’m new to this forum,
I’m a hindu youth in my mid 20’s and come from a staunch practicing hindu family. I currently live in the United States as I came here to do my masters education. In recent times i have started reading about our gurus and spiritual practice. I do however face deep conflicts with my day to day desires with regards to spiritual practice.
One of the main is sexual desires. Living in a country like the Unites States which has a pretty open culture, I have daily conflicts of my spiritual side and daily life. I have read about Brahmacharya,celibacy and advice from great masters, but living in today’s modern society and in a foreign land I struggle. I have a deep faith in the divine and our dharma and would like to be closer to god, at the same time my age plays havoc and hormones go crazy and do make me think of sexual desires and fantasies and self pleasure myself. Even though I convince myself it is just momentary pleasure, the urges goes strong. I feel that indulging in it is conflicting with my spiritual. My human side gives in as I’m no gnani or a enlightened guru. Looking forward to a open discussion.
Thanks all!

I think the key is to keep busy ... studies, exercise, going to temples, seva, and more. As a student you could 'adopt' some elders in your community, as these days the grandparents who come over often are bored, as their own children are too busy working to spend time with them. I'm sure an elderly couple would really appreciate that.

Best wishes. Welcome to this forum, and the Hindu DIR.

If you're interested in following Brahmacharya I would suggest, like Vinayaka did, that you go to temple and more importantly do seva. I'm not sure where you live but the whole COVID19 scare is in full affect and if going to temple isn't the best idea, I would suggest you find some good reads and try to spend more time learning. Also, I know you didn't mention it but don't be ashamed of these feelings, we are human, and all we can do is strive to be better.

Welcome and if you have any questions, we'll be happy to help.

TravisJC said:

If you're interested in following Brahmacharya I would suggest, like Vinayaka did, that you go to temple and more importantly do seva. I'm not sure where you live but the whole COVID19 scare is in full affect and if going to temple isn't the best idea, I would suggest you find some good reads and try to spend more time learning. Also, I know you didn't mention it but don't be ashamed of these feelings, we are human, and all we can do is strive to be better.

Welcome and if you have any questions, we'll be happy to help.

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Thanks a lot for your kind response sir. The conflict I mainly have is my day to day life, work, friends and spiritual life. I grew up with a diverse bunch of people and have lot of friends. From my understanding most of the people my age today are not much spiritually inclined and are more causal and materialistically motivated. But for me I realize that the almighty is the ultimate truth but at the same time my desires given in as I’m after all human. I want to strike the right balance as I’m not able to lead a completely satvic life as well taking into account todays world. I know our sanathan dharma is not a overly strict practise, but at the same time i would like to connect with god.

Hinduseeker said:

The conflict I mainly have is my day to day life, work, friends and spiritual life.

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I understand where you're coming from. I'm in my early 20s and most of people in my life are not spiritually or religiously inclined and thus it is hard to connect on that type of level/subject. I personally don't drink, so often I find myself at a bar with friends but not drinking and that type of sorts. We're so young we just need to find what is right for us.

Also, what day to day struggles bother you?

Hinduseeker said:

I know our sanathan dharma is not a overly strict practise, but at the same time i would like to connect with god.

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After years and questioning this and that, I've come to the conclusion that we decide our path. People can tell you this or that and give you advice but you ultimately decide what is best for you. We all have different views on 'connecting with god' and finding what is right for you is not something that comes easy.

Find time for physical exercises out of your busy schedule. Remember, an empty mind is a devil's workshop.

Namaste, Hinduseeker
Sri Krishna taught His disciple Arjuna the way to handle these sorts of things, and that is to offer EVERYTHING you do, say, think, eat and perform to Him--your works AND your pleasures--and he will absolve you of all so-called "sin." That's how you keep your eye trained on the Prize no matter what you're doing at the moment. More than that and thankfully, if you do offer all, that same merciful Lord will gradually transform you into the devotee He wants you to be. Self-surrender is the key to unlock that mystery.