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Indriya Nigraha – Control Of Senses In Hinduism

Indriya Nigraha is the most important prerequisite for spiritual development in Hinduism. Indriya Nigraha means the control of the senses. How to perform Indriya Nigraha; and why it is mandatory is mentioned Hindu scriptures like Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and Yogasutra of Patanjali. It is one of the basic requirements for a peaceful and prosperous life on earth.


Indriya Nigraha involves the control of both internal and external senses.

The internal senses arise in the mind and are due to false identification of the soul, ignorance and lack of proper guidance. The internal senses are desire, lust, anger, egotism, strength and pride. Sama is the control of these senses.

The external senses are hearing, sight, touch, taste and smell. Dama is the control of these senses.
As per the Bhagavad Gita, the tendency of the mind to waver makes the controlling of the senses difficult.

Constant practice and detachment are the ways to control the senses.

The person who has achieved the control of senses is firmly resolved, restrained, peaceful and is a yogi.