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known as 1. Manogupti, 2. Vacan-gupti and 3. Kāya-gupti. 1. Mental Self-control (Manogupti) -
To withhold the violent thoughts of the mind and to direct them towards non-violence is mental self-restraint or Manogupti. For example, to think of causing harm to someone, to think of the means to cause such harm and to think of collecting such means and of proceeding to cause such harm are the stages of mental impropriety and to withhold such thoughts is mental selfcontrol. Mental self-control is of paramount importance for a spiritual aspirant as concentration and meditation both result from a controlled mind only. An out of control mind is like a stubborn horse with vice, which can only harass the rider. On the contrary, a restrained mind is like a well-trained horse that gives the rider immense riding-pleasure. It is said of the mind that it is the cause of all karmic bondage (Manaḥ eva manusyāņām karmabandhan- kārayoḥ) as well as liberation therefrom. The inappropriate thoughts can be withheld in two ways -- 1. By killing the thoughts and 2. By directing them in right direction. The first method results in resistance and revolt and many psychosomatic manifestations. It is the second method, which is positive and desirable. 2. Vocal Self-control (Vacan-gupti) –
Withholding inappropriate vocal activity is vocal selfcontrol or Vacan-gupti. The examples of restrained speech are - not to utter hurtful words, not to order violent activities, not to tell lies, not to gossip, not to back-bite, to observe periods of silence etc. Vocal self-restraint is highly important because the sword-wounds heal with time but word-wounds rankle forever. Also, the whole body and the soul suffer the harmful effects of a bad tongue. According to the Uttarādhyayanasūtra the Lord said to Ganadhar Gautam that by vocal self-restraint one can achieve the mental restraint as well.
ANAGĀRA VINAYA (THE MONASTIC CONDUCT): 301
