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SELF CONTROL
fixed codes of discipline are unavoidable for persons who take up some noble deed as their goal in life. The best example of this in recent times is that of Mahatma Gandhiji. In his life we could see restraint of a very high order, in matters of taste, clothes, food, sleep and celibacy.
In the realm of spiritual Sadhana, observance of self-control is considered to be fundamental. It is said by great sages, "Righteousness is the foremost of the religions (Dharmas)," "Character is the prime religion (Dharma)," and so on. All abundant knowledge without proper righteousness, is known by sages as a dry bookish knowledge in the realm of spiritual development.
SELF-CONTROL IN PRACTICAL LIFE The Sadhana of self-control can, in normal course, be classified into three stages : 1. In the first stage, all unjustifiable and antisocial activities will have to be renounced as a rule. In this renunciation are included particularly the avoidance of all forms of adultery and stealing of wealth of others. Indulgence in adultery is always indicative of an intensely lustful state; and this is not only against the rules of Dharma but also against the norms of society. Any physical relationship, except with one's own spouse, on any pretense is a form of adultery. A Sadhaka must therefore, abandon it.
Renunciation of wealth of others is also equally important. This is because its acceptance destroys virtues like contentment, love of truth and simplicity, while it instigates vices like greed and jealousy. It also disturbs the spiritual activity (Sadhana) of concentration of the mind. Thus desire for others' wealth involves the Sadhaka in various sinful instincts and his Sadhana fails to progress. In the same way other major addictions like intentional violence, hunting and others, should also be renounced. 2.In the second stage, voluntary limits are drawn even on justifiable methods of enjoyment. As a result of this, activities like non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity and limitation of one's belongings dawn. Limits are placed on all types of day to day activities involving lack of self-control and business and domestic activities are gradually minimized. The bonds of sinful acts get loosened and virtues dawn in life.
Since there is more spare time available, the mind can be SAMYAMA
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