Self-control

[Ms Tercy Lonan]

Self-control
You must have perfect self-control or self-mastery. Self-control implies both control of the
body and control of the mind. Self-control does not mean self-torture. You must lead a
well-regulated and disciplined life. You must keep all the senses under your perfect control. The
senses are like turbulent and wild horses. This body is like a chariot. Mind is the reins. Intellect is
the driver. The Atman is the Lord of the chariot. If the senses are not kept under proper control, they
will throw this chariot into a deep abyss. You will come to ruin. He who keeps the reins firm and
drives this chariot intelligently by controlling the horses (senses), will reach the destination
(Moksha or the Abode of Eternal Bliss) safely.
Self-control implies self-sacrifice, annihilation of egoism, patience, endurance, forbearance
and humility. Overcome Raga or attachment by Vairagya or dispassion. Dispassion will dawn in
your mind if you look into the defects of sensual life such as birth, death, disease, old age, pain,
sorrow, etc. (Mithya-Drishti and Dosha-Drishti). Overcome anger and hatred by Kshama or
forgiveness, love and selfless service. Overcome evil by good. Return good for evil. Overcome lust
by the practice of Brahmacharya and regular Japa and meditation. Conquer greed by charity,
generosity and disinterested actions. Conquer pride by humility and delusion by discrimination and
enquiry. Overcome jealousy by magnanimity, Atma-bhava and nobility. Conquer egoism by
self-sacrifice, self-surrender, self-abnegation and meditation on the non-dual, eternal,
self-luminous Brahman, the innermost Self, the Inner Ruler, the Immortal.
May you all attain eternal bliss and immortality through the practice of the cardinal virtues
or the fundamental Dharma.