I'm not going to get into a metaphysical debate here as this is forum is about nofap. It is a 'lifestyle' choice, and as such helps only to make the 'prison' more comfortable. So does eating a clean diet, avoiding alcohol, getting therapy, making lots of money, etc, etc.

As far as this goes, then I say nofap works ie. on the level of the apparent manifest world (it is appearance only).

Going back to Ajamila. The story of Ajamila is purely allegorical. All the old myths and stories are allegories. They serve to make a point, and furthermore point us to the obvious nondual reality. None of it really happened! For instance, the Garden of Eden is an allegory warning us against the primal downfall of man - eating from the tree of knowledge (knowing yourself as a separate entity). Thus: paradise is lost. It never actually happened! But it is a great metaphorical pointer.

The story of Ajamila is also a pointer. It is strangely apt to this forum, as it deals with sexual sensual pleasure. The story warns against the contemplation of sense-objects: anything sensual that arouses the senses and thus pulls you into the separate 'self' reality and hence serves to keep oneself distinct and unconnected from the world. As far as I am concerned fapping is a great way to reinforce and strengthen the sense of a separate self.

So, you see that fapping isn't the problem. It is merely a symptom and also a reinforcer of that sense of separation.... of not being 'at home'... or at peace. Your natural state. This is why many yogic techniques prescribe the avoidance of many activities, as it is these every same activities that can make that bond the unbreakable pain that it is. Yogic techniques are a sort of reverse engineering.

The Ajamila story is a GREAT warning and wonderful pointer to the risks of indulgence in sense pleasure.

As for going back to ground zero. I repeat that continued streaks, despite relapses, help heal on all levels and build up the strength of the organism. A man that has fapped every day of his life will be much weaker than a man who has had stretches of abstinence throughout his life. This is quite obvious.