If You Want Security, Keep The Instincts Of Sex And Palate Under Control – Ancient Hindu Wisdom – Modern Day Relevance
The ancient Hindu wisdom that advises keeping the instincts of sex and palate (desires for physical pleasure and food) under control in order to attain security reflects the profound understanding of human nature in Hindu philosophy. In Hinduism, these instincts are seen as essential aspects of life, but they must be regulated in order to lead a balanced and secure life. This teaching has deep roots in various Hindu scriptures, philosophical schools, and traditions, and continues to have significant relevance in the modern world.
Symbolism of Instincts in Hindu Philosophy
The instincts of sex and palate correspond to two of the fundamental desires in human life: Kama (desire, including sexual desire) and Ahara (the desire for food). While Hinduism acknowledges the importance of fulfilling natural human desires, it emphasizes the need for discipline to avoid being dominated by them.
Sex (Kama): In the context of Hinduism, Kama is one of the Purusharthas or goals of human life, which includes enjoyment, love, and sexual desire. While it is important, Hindu philosophy teaches that unchecked desire can lead to distraction, attachment, and suffering. Overindulgence in sexual desire is seen as a hindrance to spiritual growth. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna warns Arjuna about the dangers of being controlled by desires:
“Desire and anger, arising from the nature of passion, are insatiable and sinful; know these two as the true enemies here on earth” (Bhagavad Gita 3:37).Palate (Ahara): Food is necessary for survival, but the uncontrolled indulgence in it can lead to health problems and distraction from higher pursuits. The scriptures advise moderation. The Chandogya Upanishad says, “When the food is pure, the mind becomes pure; when the mind is pure, the memory becomes strong, and when the memory becomes strong, all ties are loosened” (Chandogya Upanishad 7.26.2). This suggests that control over one's diet leads to clarity of mind and spiritual liberation.
Stories and Symbolism from Hindu Scriptures
Story of Vishwamitra and Menaka: Vishwamitra was a powerful sage who sought spiritual mastery through intense penance. However, his penance was disturbed when Indra, the king of gods, sent the celestial nymph Menaka to seduce him. Vishwamitra fell for Menaka's beauty and lost years of penance. This story highlights the importance of controlling sexual desires, especially for those pursuing spiritual progress.
The Story of King Yayati: Another well-known story is that of King Yayati, who was cursed by Sage Shukracharya to old age because of his uncontrollable sexual desires. He exchanged his old age with his son for some time and indulged in sensual pleasures, but eventually realized that desires are insatiable and endless. He gave up worldly pleasures and returned to a life of renunciation, showing the futility of seeking security through sensual indulgence.
The Tapas of Sage Narada: In many stories, Sage Narada is depicted as someone who controls his desires and dedicates himself to devotion (bhakti) and knowledge (jnana). Through his strict adherence to control over sexual instincts and eating habits, he is able to travel across the three worlds, symbolizing the freedom and security that comes from self-control.
Importance of Control Over Instincts in Achieving Security
In Hindu philosophy, the real sense of security comes not from external circumstances but from internal mastery. The Bhagavad Gita (6:5-6) teaches:
“Let a man lift himself by his own self; let him not lower himself; for he alone is the friend of himself, he alone is the enemy of himself.”
Self-control is seen as the path to freedom from the bondage of desires and the cycle of birth and death. When the instincts for sex and palate are uncontrolled, a person is bound to the material world and suffers from the consequences of excess, such as anxiety, fear, and loss of peace. On the other hand, control over these instincts leads to Moksha (liberation) and inner security.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today's world, where instant gratification, consumerism, and indulgence are highly promoted, the ancient wisdom of controlling desires is more relevant than ever.
Mental Health and Well-being: Excessive indulgence in food and sexual pleasures can lead to a variety of mental and physical health problems, such as obesity, anxiety, and depression. Maintaining discipline and moderation leads to better health and mental peace, which aligns with modern research on well-being.
Mindfulness and Self-Control: Practices such as Yoga and Meditation, which are rooted in Hindu philosophy, emphasize control over bodily desires, mindfulness, and awareness. They help in controlling cravings and impulses, thus leading to a more balanced and secure life.
Minimalism and Sustainability: The excessive consumption of resources in modern society is unsustainable, both for the individual and the environment. Hindu teachings on Ahimsa (non-harming) and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) emphasize a life of minimalism and simplicity, which is in line with modern sustainability movements.
Lesser-Known Facts and Insights
Ayurveda and Diet: In Ayurveda, the science of life, diet is considered crucial to maintaining physical, mental, and spiritual balance. It teaches the importance of Sattvic food (pure, vegetarian, and balanced food) to keep the mind calm and focused, promoting self-control and spiritual growth.
Hindu Asceticism (Sannyasa): The practice of Sannyasa, where an individual renounces worldly pleasures, including sexual and dietary indulgences, is seen as the highest path to spiritual liberation. This path teaches that true security lies in detachment from sensory pleasures.
Manusmriti on Moderation: The ancient legal text Manu Smriti advises, “He who has controlled his palate, has controlled his senses; he who has controlled his senses has achieved self-control.” This highlights the importance of dietary discipline as a foundation for broader self-control.
The Hindu wisdom on controlling the instincts of sex and palate to achieve security is timeless and holds deep significance even in the modern world. It teaches that while desires are natural, unchecked indulgence leads to insecurity, instability, and suffering. By mastering these instincts, one can find true security within oneself, leading to both spiritual liberation and practical well-being in everyday life. This ancient principle echoes in modern movements that value mindfulness, sustainability, and well-being, reminding us that true security comes from within.