The man who wants to conquer his indriyas should live the life of an ordinary man: marry, breed children: and, at the same time, try to conquer his arch enemies. Once he has subdued them the perfect man can walk fearlessly in the midst of men.
In Hinduism, the concept of a person who has conquered his senses and realized his oneness with the Paramatman (Supreme Soul) is central to many spiritual teachings. This state is considered the pinnacle of human existence, where the individual transcends the illusion of duality and recognizes that their true essence is one with the divine. Such a person, often called a Jivanmukta (liberated while alive), is the ideal figure to live in the world and guide others toward spiritual emancipation.
Symbolism in Hinduism
The conquering of the senses (indriya nigraha) is symbolically associated with the process of self-mastery and control over the material desires and distractions that bind humans to the cycle of birth and death (samsara). The senses, when uncontrolled, are like wild horses, as described in the Kathopanishad:
"The Self is the rider, and the body is the chariot. The intellect is the charioteer, and the mind is the reins. The senses are the horses."
(Kathopanishad 1.3.3)
This metaphor illustrates that only when the senses are reined in by the disciplined mind and guided by the intellect, can one journey safely toward spiritual realization.
Stories from Hinduism
A famous story that illustrates the ideal of conquering the senses and self-realization is that of Raja Janaka, a king who ruled his kingdom while being fully enlightened. Despite his worldly duties as a ruler, Janaka remained detached from material possessions and desires. He lived among men, guiding them through his example of how to balance worldly duties with spiritual wisdom. The sage Ashtavakra, in the Ashtavakra Gita, praises Janaka, saying:
“The man of wisdom, who has found freedom in life, lives like an ordinary person. Outwardly, he may appear involved in the world, but inwardly, he is not attached to anything."
This story emphasizes that self-realization does not mean renouncing the world entirely; rather, it means living in it with detachment and inner freedom.
Importance of Realizing the Paramatman
The realization of the Paramatman—understanding that the individual soul (Atman) is not separate from the Supreme Soul—is a core teaching of Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic philosophy. This realization is believed to free one from the bondage of karma, the cycle of cause and effect that leads to rebirth.
One of the scriptures that expands on this theme is the Mundaka Upanishad, which says:
"Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the fruit, the other watches in silence. The first is the individual soul, consumed by the experiences of life; the second is the Universal Soul, witnessing all."
(Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.1)
This analogy points to the idea that the individual soul, caught up in worldly experiences, fails to recognize its own divinity, which is ever-present but often unobserved. Once the individual soul realizes that it is, in fact, the same as the Universal Soul, it attains liberation.
Practicality in Modern-Day Life
In today’s fast-paced, materialistic world, the relevance of conquering the senses and realizing one's true nature cannot be overstated. Amid distractions, stress, and the pursuit of external achievements, people often lose touch with their inner peace. The teachings of Hinduism remind us that true contentment does not come from external possessions or experiences, but from the realization of one’s divine essence.
While attaining the state of a Jivanmukta might seem difficult in the modern context, one can still practice elements of this ideal through:
Detachment in Action (Nishkama Karma): The Isha Upanishad encourages one to live a life of action without attachment to the fruits of the action:
"Performing work in this world, let man aspire to live a hundred years. Work does not bind a man who lives in this way."
(Isha Upanishad 2)This principle is highly relevant in modern professional life, where stress arises from the desire for outcomes and rewards. Learning to work diligently without becoming attached to success or failure can bring mental peace.
Mindfulness and Sense Control: Hindu practices like meditation, pranayama (breath control), and dhyana (focused concentration) help individuals gain control over their senses and emotions. By practicing these techniques regularly, one can avoid becoming overwhelmed by desires and distractions.
Selfless Service (Seva): Living as an ideal person in the world involves engaging in selfless service to others, a concept central to Hindu ethics. The Taittiriya Upanishad emphasizes the importance of giving without expectation:
"Give with faith, give with joy, give with modesty, give with the awareness that you are giving to yourself."
(Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.3)Selfless service not only benefits society but also fosters a sense of detachment from the ego, aligning with the ideal of living among men while being free from worldly attachments.
Lesser-Known Facts
Practical Detachment: A Jivanmukta may still participate in everyday activities but remains inwardly detached. This is different from asceticism, where one renounces the world completely. This nuanced understanding makes it practical for those leading a family life or professional careers to aspire to this ideal.
Chinmaya Mission: A modern-day example of spreading the ideal of self-realization is the Chinmaya Mission, founded by Swami Chinmayananda. It teaches Vedantic wisdom and shows how ancient principles can be applied to modern life, helping individuals navigate both spiritual growth and worldly responsibilities.
Real-Life Applications: Conquering the senses is not about suppressing desires but transforming them into a higher pursuit. In modern psychology, this is akin to mastering emotional intelligence, where self-awareness and self-regulation lead to more meaningful lives and healthier relationships.
Modern-Day Relevance
The ideal of a person who has conquered his senses and realized his oneness with the Supreme Soul is highly relevant in today’s world. With rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, people are searching for deeper meaning beyond material success. Living with detachment does not mean renouncing the world but finding balance within it.
For example, mindfulness and meditation, practices derived from Hindu teachings, are now globally recognized for their ability to improve mental health and focus. The concept of being detached from the outcomes of one's actions (Nishkama Karma) is now studied in leadership and management as a way to foster resilience and reduce burnout.
The ideal of a person who has conquered his senses and realized his oneness with the Paramatman is a timeless concept that continues to resonate in the modern world. Through stories, scriptures, and symbolic teachings, Hinduism provides a rich framework for understanding the path to self-realization. In practice, this wisdom can be applied in daily life through mindfulness, detachment, selfless service, and emotional mastery, guiding individuals toward a more meaningful and liberated existence.