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Mahavira & Spiritual Discipline / 21
10. Self Restraint
Just as a tortoise draws its limbs into its own shell, a wise man should withdraw his senses from evil by spiritual exertion. When a wrong deed is committed consciously or otherwise, the aspirant should immediately desist from that and never repeat it. Just as a horse can be controlled by a bridle, the sensual pleasures and passions can be overcome by knowledge, meditation and power of penance. How can one discipline others, when he is unable to discipline his own self. Continence is four-fold of mind, body, speech and possessions. A well controlled horse that gallops fast reaches his destination safely. Protect your-self by controlling the senses. If a man is unable to practice restraint the problem of violence is bound to intensify. The unending thirst of man to accumulate luxuries is the main reason for increasing disturbances. It is very difficult to realize the soul, only with sufferings, the soul is realized. When the soul becomes free from karmas, it becomes the supreme soul.
