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What Is The Path Of Self Control? – Sage Of Kanchi

By
Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji (20 May 1894 – 8 January 1994), or the Sage of Kanchi, was the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham - talks about the path of self control. 

Having told Arjuna that a Sthita Prajna is one with an unruffled mind, one who has completely overcome all desires and passions, Sri Bhagavan says to Arjuna that such a person withdraws his mind from external thoughts in order to contemplate the Atman within, which is Full and All-pervasive, in the same manner as a tortoise withdraws its limbs within its shell at the slightest sign of danger.
 
 We desire a thing because of a feeling of incompleteness without it. But when we realise that what we ordinarily understand as "We" is nothing but the Absolute Bliss, the illusive pleasures after which the senses go lose their charm. Fire can never be quenched by giving it more fuel; the more we feed it, the more it burns. Similarly, our desires only increase by enjoyment.

At the same time, Bhagavan points out to Arjuna, and through Arjuna to all of us, that the path of self control is not strewn with roses. It comes only out of constant practice. Failure should not deter us; we should try, try and try and again till we succeed.

While desire fulfilled leads to further desire, desire frustrated turns into anger, like the rebound of a ball thrown at a wall. A person in the grip of desire or anger loses his reasoning power and consequently all his actions will be in the wrong direction. When desires become subordinate to the mind, the mind begins to dwell upon the Atman undisturbed and a person steeped in the contemplation of the Atman realizes the Supreme.

Additional Teachings And Explanations:

The teaching  provided above is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, particularly in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedantic principles. It emphasizes the management of desires and emotions, and their connection to spiritual progress and inner peace. Here's an expanded exploration:

Expanded Meaning

  1. Desires and the Cycle of Suffering:

    • Desires, according to Hinduism, are a natural part of the human experience. However, unbridled desires lead to attachment (raaga) and aversion (dvesha), creating a cycle of dissatisfaction. When a desire is fulfilled, it breeds further desires, perpetuating a never-ending chain. Frustrated desires, on the other hand, lead to anger, resentment, and delusion (krodha and moha), causing harm to oneself and others.
    • Anger disrupts reasoning power and clarity, akin to a storm disturbing a calm lake. This is encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 62-63):

      “While contemplating objects of the senses, a person develops attachment to them; from attachment arises desire, from desire arises anger. From anger arises delusion; from delusion, confusion of memory; from confusion of memory, loss of reason; and from loss of reason, one is ruined.”

  2. The Symbolism of the Atman:

    • The Atman, or the inner Self, is a central concept in Hindu philosophy. It represents the eternal, unchanging essence within every being. When the mind is free from distractions caused by unchecked desires and emotions, it can focus on the Atman. This realization brings liberation (moksha), ultimate peace, and unity with the Supreme.

  3. Deep Symbolism:

    • The analogy of a ball rebounding off a wall is profound. It symbolizes how suppressed desires do not vanish but manifest as anger or frustration. This teaching underscores the importance of channeling desires constructively and gradually transcending them through self-discipline and mindfulness.

Universal Relevance

  • Past: Ancient sages recognized the destructive potential of unchecked desires. Societies across time have struggled with greed, lust, and anger, leading to wars, personal conflicts, and societal imbalances. Teachings like these served as guiding principles for self-control and harmony.
  • Present: Modern life, with its consumerist culture, encourages desire and instant gratification, exacerbating mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Learning to temper desires and emotions can restore balance.
  • Future: As humanity faces challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and ethical dilemmas posed by technology, managing desires becomes critical to sustainable living and collective well-being.

Influence on Modern Life

  1. Stress and Emotional Regulation:

    • This teaching offers tools for emotional regulation. Practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation—derived from Hindu philosophy—help individuals manage desires and anger, reducing stress.

  2. Mental Clarity and Decision-Making:

    • A calm mind fosters better decision-making, essential in both personal and professional life. Leaders who control their emotions are better equipped to inspire and guide.

  3. Sustainable Living:

    • The principle of reducing desires aligns with environmental consciousness and minimalism, promoting sustainable lifestyles.

  4. Conflict Resolution:

    • Understanding the root of anger and frustration can help in resolving interpersonal and societal conflicts with empathy and wisdom.

Lesser-Known Facts

  1. Desire as a Creative Force:

    • Hindu texts acknowledge that desires, when aligned with dharma (righteousness), can lead to constructive outcomes. For example, the desire to learn or serve others is considered sattvic (pure).

  2. Role of Anger in Mythology:

    • Hindu mythology provides examples where anger led to profound consequences. For instance, Sage Durvasa’s anger often caused havoc, but it also served as a tool for divine intervention and learning.

  3. Buddha and Desire:

    • Hinduism and Buddhism share similar teachings. The Buddha emphasized that desire is the root of suffering (dukkha) and proposed the Noble Eightfold Path to overcome it.

Stories and Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

  1. Bhagavad Gita (2:70):

    “As rivers flow into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is still, so the person who is not disturbed by desires can attain peace.”

  2. Story of Sage Vishwamitra:

    • Sage Vishwamitra’s journey from a king to a Brahmarshi illustrates the dangers of unbridled desires and the transformation possible through self-control and meditation.

  3. Ramayana:

    • Ravana’s downfall is a classic example of unbridled desire and ego. Despite his immense knowledge and power, his obsession with Sita led to his destruction.

  4. Mahabharata:

    • Duryodhana’s desires and anger clouded his judgment, causing the Kurukshetra war. On the other hand, Yudhishthira’s detachment and adherence to dharma made him an ideal leader.

Practical Application in Modern Problems

  1. Workplace Stress:

    • Anger and frustration often arise from unmet expectations. Applying this teaching can help individuals focus on effort rather than attachment to results.

  2. Relationship Conflicts:

    • Recognizing the role of desires in conflicts can foster understanding and compromise, strengthening relationships.

  3. Addiction:

    • Desires often manifest as addictions in modern times. Practices like mindfulness, inspired by these teachings, are used in therapy to break the cycle.


This teaching is universal because it addresses fundamental human tendencies and offers a path to transcend them. By understanding the dynamics of desire and anger and focusing on the Atman, individuals can cultivate a life of inner peace and harmony. Its relevance is timeless, providing wisdom for personal growth, societal well-being, and spiritual evolution. As the Gita states,

“He who has conquered his mind is a friend to himself; but he whose mind is uncontrolled will find it his greatest enemy” (6:6).