1. The virtue of self-restraint is
very rare in the universe. The block-headed person, who gives up
self-restraint on attaining once this virtue, roams in the universe in
various states in this cycle of old age and death.
2. Self-restraint is achieved by
subduing the five senses. Self-restraint is the outcome of freedom from
passion. Self- restraint is the outcome of freedom from passions. Self-
restraint is attained by performing severe penance and it is cultivated by
giving up the craving for tastes and through constant meditation.
3. Self-restraint is attained by
keeping long fasts; it is obtained by controlling the mind from loitering
and going astray; it is achieved by self imposed bodily torture; and it is
attained by renouncing home and the worldly possessions.
4. Self-restraint comes by
defending the tras (five sensed living beings). Self-restraint is
attained by examining carefully the seven 'tattvas' (realities).
These tattvas
are termed as follows:
i) Jiva - living substance.
ii) Ajiva - matter or
non-living substance.
iii) Asrava - the influx of
karmic matter into the soul.
iv) Bandha - bondage of soul by
karmic matter.
v) Samvara - the stopping of
Asrava.
vi) Nirjara - the gradual removal
of karmic matter.
vii) Moksha - the attainment of
perfect liberation of soul.
Self-restraint is achieved by
controlling the bodily activities, and by discarding too much walking.
5. Practicing compassion attains
self-restraint; it is achieved by nourishing the desire of salvation over
and again. Self-restraint paves the way to Perfect Belief or Faith.
Self-restraint is the sole path to salvation.
6. Devoid of self-restraint human
life is meaningless. In the absence of self-restraint this living being as
a rule takes birth in a lower state of life. Do not waste even a single
moment of your life for want of self-restraint.
7. 'Self-restraint can be the only
shelter in this birth and the next birth' - says Lord Jinendra. It is just
like the scorching rays of the sun to dry the pond of miserable existence.
Self-restraint alone resolves the complex problem of migration from world
to world.
Hence, O Mortal Man! Practice
self-restraint, practice self-restraint and practice self-restraint to
obtain true bliss; for one 'who has subdued his self becomes happy in this
world as well as in the next'. Always keep in mind: 'A man might give by
way of charity, thousands and thousands of cows every month; but far
better than him will be a man, who may give nothing in charity, but only
observes perfect self- control.'
Indeed, the self-restrained persons
deserve all our reverence; for they are the torchbearers of humanity and
lead mankind to pinnacle of glory.
Complexity of
affairs does not perplex a man, who can keep his mind composed in all the
possible combinations of untoward circumstances. The center of a wheel
never moves with it; the self-centered man is always unmoved. No
commotion, however violent, can stir him.
