Page 97 - Desire to Disaster

Although you need strength to grab something that you want
from a strong person who possesses it, it requires far more
strength and power to restrain yourself from grabbing that
thing, and developing a disclination towards it within yourself.
And it requires even more strength to give up the opportunity
to enjoy something that is easily accessible and well within
one’s power. To indulge in one’s desires, to enjoy whatever
is offered, or to plan to indulge oneself, all these diminish
one’s character.

In conclusion, it requires tremendous strength of character to
practise samyama, {self-control} rather than asamyama.

Different types of Samyama {self-control}
Samyama means stopping the natural inclination of the
senses to be attracted to objects that they desire. It means
to stop the feet from going in the direction of one’s object of
desire. To remain where one is, and to concentrate the mind
on something else. Similarly, to not laugh when someone is
saying something funny. To create pressure on oneself to do
so. For example,
If one has committed some misdeed in one’s life, to remember
the shame, embarrassment and regret one felt upon realising
the inappropriateness of that action.

Similarly, if there is a situation that would create anger
and irritation, to practise self-control by ensuring that your
facial expression, your tone, your language and your conduct
remain calm and that you do not plan revenge on the person
who has caused you the anger and irritation.

Other ways of practising self-control :

• Rasa-tyaaga {practising control of the taste-buds through
renouncing favourite foods}|
• Tanka-tyaaga {giving up one’s wealth}

Desire to Disaster 97