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Significance of Self-control

Self-control is a vital concept across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, emphasizing the regulation of one's impulses, emotions, and desires for ethical living and spiritual advancement. In Jainism, it is essential for achieving discipline and avoiding negative traits, as taught by influential figures like Mahavira and Candana. Similarly, Buddhism and Hinduism stress the importance of self-control as a means to attain enlightenment and moral integrity, highlighting its role in resisting temptations and maintaining focus on spiritual goals. Overall, self-control is deemed crucial for leading a virtuous life and reaching higher states of consciousness.1
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Synonyms: Willpower, Self-discipline, Self-regulation, Moderation, Discipline, Control, Temperance, Self-restraint, Sobriety, Self-governance

In Dutch: Zelfbeheersing; In Finnish: 滨迟蝉别丑颈濒濒颈苍迟盲; In Spanish: Autocontrol; In German: Selbstkontrolle; In Malay: Kawalan diri; In Swedish: 厂箩盲濒惫办辞苍迟谤辞濒濒; In French: Ma卯trise de soi

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Self-control'

Buddhism Books

Self-control in Buddhism is the capacity to regulate one's behavior, emotions, and impulses in alignment with ethical teachings, crucial for progress towards enlightenment, moral living, and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) Essential quality required for spiritual progress.[1] (2) The capacity to manage one's emotions and desires, crucial for maintaining focus on spiritual objectives.[2] (3) The ability to manage one's emotions and reactions, particularly in situations provoking anger.[3] (4) The ability to manage one's emotions, particularly anger, and refrain from harmful actions, considered a vital trait for spiritual growth.[4] (5) The ability to regulate one's thoughts, emotions, and actions, essential for achieving wisdom and resisting life's challenges.[5]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A virtue that emphasizes the ability to control one's impulses and emotions, contributing to success.[6] (2) The ability to manage one's impulses and emotions, crucial for achieving a peaceful and enlightened existence, as emphasized by the Bodhisatta.[7] (3) The ability to manage one's feelings and reactions, especially in the face of loss or grief.[8] (4) The practice of regulating one's emotions and behaviors; emphasized as a virtue among the sages in the hermitage.[9] (5) An important virtue mentioned that contributes to the safety of one's soul from death.[10]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) The ability to regulate one's mind, actions, and desires, which is fostered through the keeping of vows.[11] (2) The ability to regulate one's thoughts and actions, recognized as a high virtue in Buddhist practice.[12] (3) The ability to manage one's own mind and reactions, particularly in the face of temptations and minor faults.[13]

From: Patipada (path of practice)

(1) The practice of maintaining mastery over one's thoughts and actions, vital for progress along the path to enlightenment.[14] (2) Self-control refers to the ability to manage one's actions and thoughts effectively, especially in the context of meditation and walking practice.[15]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara

(1) The ability to regulate one's behavior and impulses in line with monastic teachings and ethics.[16]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) A quality that the prudent man should support in the upright men he chooses to dwell with.[17]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A critical aspect of the Buddhist path that Rahula is encouraged to maintain in order to attain nirvana.[18] (2) The mastery over desires and impulses that the wanderer describes as a reason for leaving home.[19] (3) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses.[20] (4) A vital aspect of the training and cultivation practiced by individuals seeking enlightenment, integral to developing virtue and wisdom.[21] (5) An important virtue exhibited by the mother of the Bodhisattva, reflecting the discipline necessary for attaining enlightenment.[22]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The ability to restrain one's desires and impulses, which is vital in spiritual cultivation.[23] (2) The ability to maintain composure and discipline, especially important when faced with temptations like intoxicants that impair judgment.[24]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The ability to regulate one's reactions, particularly against provocations, as a hallmark of the bodhisattva's character and practice.[25]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) The practice of regulating one's thoughts and actions to achieve spiritual goals and maintain compassion.[26]

From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]

(1) The letter teaches this, alongside generosity, vows, and discipline, while the meaning is the knowledge that these are the same in being without own-being.[27]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Self-control'

Hinduism Books

Self-control in Hinduism embodies the regulation of thoughts and actions for spiritual purity. It is vital for societal roles, moral conduct, and personal discipline, aiding spiritual advancement and liberation from worldly attachments.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The ability of an individual to regulate their emotions and impulses.[28] (2) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses.[29] (3) A quality attributed to a woman who maintains composure and discipline in her life.[30] (4) The ability to manage one's desires and passions, crucial for attaining spiritual progress.[31] (5) The ability to manage one鈥檚 impulses and desires in order to maintain the path of spiritual progression.[32]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) Practicing restraint and mastery over oneself, which is crucial for the spiritual advancement of a Bhikshu.[33] (2) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 emotions and desires, which is essential for virtuous living.[34] (3) A principle emphasized by Yajnavalkya as vital for leading a pious life and proper conduct.[35] (4) A practice recommended for the day of the thirteenth phase of the moon鈥檚 wane in preparation for the shivaratra Vrata.[36] (5) The practice of moderation and restraint over desires and impulses, considered a fundamental virtue.[37]

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) The ability to regulate one's emotions and actions, especially during spiritual practices.[38] (2) The ability to regulate one's emotions and desires, exemplified by Madhucchandas.[39] (3) The quality demonstrated by Vishvamitra while engaged in penance, indicative of his dedication and strength.[40] (4) The sages observed holy rites with self-control in preparation for worshipping the Water-god and Fire-god.[41] (5) A quality attributed to the wisest individuals, signifying mastery over one's thoughts and actions, crucial for attaining knowledge and spiritual success.[42]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The ability to manage one鈥檚 emotions, particularly anger, which is emphasized as an admirable quality in Hanuman's reflections.[43] (2) The virtue exhibited by the princesses that allowed them to resist Vayu's advances.[44] (3) One of the esteemed qualities of Prince Rama, highlighting his virtue and the moral dilemma created by his potential exile.[45] (4) One of the noble qualities attributed to Bharata, reflecting his virtuous character.[46] (5) The ability to manage one鈥檚 emotions and desires, crucial for the ascetic's powers to help the monkeys.[47]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The practice of regulating one's thoughts and actions to achieve spiritual purity and enlightenment.[48] (2) The ability to govern one's own mind as a means to navigate through the world's troubles and challenges.[49] (3) The only means of salvation, enabling a person to remain unattached to worldly elements.[50] (4) The ability to manage personal desires and actions, preventing distractions that obstruct true knowledge.[51]

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) The ability to govern one鈥檚 impulses and desires, crucial for maintaining purity and adhering to virtuous practices.[52] (2) A characteristic of the true hero, emphasized by Markandeya as crucial for real strength and valor.[53] (3) The ability of a king to restrain his desires and passions, essential for effective leadership.[54] (4) Control over one's own desires, actions, and attachments considered essential for final emancipation from existence.[55]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) A characteristic necessary for success in the arena, valued by wrestlers as critical for victory.[56] (2) An essential trait associated with Brahmanas and Rishis, denoting discipline and mastery over one's senses.[57] (3) The ability to regulate one's thoughts and actions, described as the greatest characteristic of the learned.[58]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) The term 'self-control' is a characteristic of Rama, indicating that he is able to restrain his impulses and exercise discipline.[59] (2) Angad questions if Sugriva has the ability to restrain his impulses and actions, suggesting a potential for impulsive or uncontrolled behavior.[60] (3) This describes the ability to restrain oneself, particularly in the context of a sage, indicating wisdom and discipline.[61]

From: Vishnu Purana

(1) A virtue associated with Kritaviryya, indicating his discipline and restraint in leadership.[62] (2) The mastery over one's desires seen as a pathway to liberation from existence.[63]

From: Anugita (English translation)

(1) The ability to regulate one's own emotions and behaviors, especially in the pursuit of spiritual goals.[64]

From: Bhagavadgita

(1) The ability to restrain one's desires and impulses, crucial for maintaining a steady mind.[65]

From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya

(1) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses, especially emphasized in spiritual practice.[66]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The ability to regulate one's experience of reality, encompassing both the transcendental and the phenomenal.[67] (2) The practice encouraged for the gods, emphasizing the need for purity and discipline to unite with Brahman.[68] (3) A necessary quality to perceive the Self, calling for withdrawal from external distractions.[69] (4) A necessary practice for realizing the Self, as stated by Shankara, essential for understanding one's true nature.[70] (5) An essential quality that enables one to practice brahmacarya and attain spiritual transformation.[71]

From: Vivekachudamani

(1) The ability to manage one's emotions and behaviors, which is essential for achieving happiness according to the provided text.[72] (2) Referred to as Dama, it involves turning the sense-organs away from sense-objects and placing them in their respective centres.[73] (3) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 impulses and desires, regarded as an important strength for achieving Liberation.[74] (4) The ability to regulate one's emotions and behaviors, a quality that is essential for personal discipline and progress on the spiritual path.[75]

From: Thirty minor Upanishads

(1) The mastery of one's impulses and desires, essential for achieving higher states of consciousness in yoga.[76] (2) The conscious regulation of one's desires and impulses to maintain spiritual discipline.[77] (3) Mastery over one's mind and senses, which allows a practitioner to remain focused on spiritual goals.[78]

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) A discipline that is essential for engaging in all meditations, indicating mastery over one's desires and impulses.[79] (2) The instruction given to the gods, denoted by the syllable 'Da', emphasizing the importance of controlling one's unruly nature.[80]

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The capacity to regulate or manage one's impulses and desires, facilitating the pursuit of liberation.[81]

From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) Refers to the disciplined practice required to attain spiritual bliss and knowledge.[82]

From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior, identified as a necessary quality for the pursuit of Knowledge.[83]

From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)

(1) The mastery over one's desires and actions, considered essential for attaining higher spiritual states.[84]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The ability to govern one's actions and emotions, which is a key virtue that allows an individual to win heaven according to the text.[85] (2) An essential quality for a king that enhances his image and effectiveness as a ruler, contributing to his success.[86] (3) The ability to regulate one's desires and impulses, contributing to personal discipline and spiritual advancement.[87] (4) The ability to regulate one's thoughts, emotions, and actions in accordance with prescribed duties and observances.[88] (5) Self-control is identified as a significant aspect of Austerity, highlighting the importance of managing one's desires and impulses.[89]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) A virtue emphasized in Dharmashila鈥檚 commitment to asceticism and rejection of worldly pleasures.[90] (2) The ability to manage one's emotions and reactions, notably lost by the Brahmans upon seeing Ummadanti.[91] (3) A virtue exemplified by the merchant's son, which ultimately brings him good fortune.[92] (4) A virtue depicted in Taravaloka's character, vital in maintaining his integrity amid trials.[93] (5) The resolution found by the King of Vatsa as he deals with his grief, reflecting the necessity of emotional strength amid turmoil.[94]

From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha

(1) The discipline and restraint exhibited by Nala, particularly in the practice of austerities.[95]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) The ability to restrain one's desires and passions; often contrasted with the gopis' abandonment of such restraint for love.[96] (2) The practice of regulating one's own actions and desires as part of the spiritual discipline.[97] (3) Effort to restrain one's senses, often perceived as superficial in the context of true devotion and bhakti.[98]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A crucial practice for jnani-sannyasis that involves regulating one's desires and actions.[99] (2) Also referred to as dhriti, it represents the conquest of bodily urges as part of spiritual practice.[100]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The ability to regulate one's impulses and desires, often emphasized in spiritual practices like austerity.[101]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses.[102]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) The ability to manage one's impulses and behavior, which is crucial for preventing instances of insanity.[103]

From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana

(1) The practice of regulating one鈥檚 own behavior and urges, significant for health maintenance.[104]

From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana

(1) The ability to regulate one's emotions and behaviors, important for achieving longevity.[105]

From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)

(1) The ability of a patient to manage their own health and treatment, which quacks sometimes misattribute to the patient as an explanation for treatment failure.[106]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)

(1) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 impulses and desires, regarded as pivotal for achieving happiness and moral integrity.[107] (2) The ability to regulate one鈥檚 thoughts and actions, celebrated as a virtuous trait.[108] (3) The ability to restrain oneself, an essential quality for effective leadership.[109]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of N膩r膩ya峁嘺):
Pancaratra Books

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) The exercise of restraint over one's impulses and desires, recognized as essential to the practice of Yoga.[110]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Significance in Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy):
Natyashastra Books

From: Natyashastra (English)

(1) A quality demonstrated by maintaining firmness and composure in all situations, especially concerning emotional reactions.[111]

Natyashastra refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya鈥攖heatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)

(1) The ability to manage and regulate one's impulses and desires for better mental and emotional health.[112]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Jain concept of 'Self-control'

Jainism Books

Self-control in Jainism emphasizes regulating thoughts, emotions, and actions to achieve spiritual growth and ethical living. It promotes discipline, moderation, and the ability to govern desires, essential for personal liberation and virtuous life.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A necessary quality for meaningful existence, mentioned in relation to the experience of devotion.[113] (2) A virtue encouraged by the Master, which the nuns strive for under Candana's leadership.[114] (3) The ability to govern one鈥檚 own actions and desires, particularly in the context of following the teachings of the Lord Jina.[115] (4) One of the tenfold dharma principles, emphasizing the importance of restraining one鈥檚 desires.[116] (5) A burden that Meghakumara feels as he struggles with his vow and resolves to become a mendicant.[117]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) The discipline or practice essential for a monk aiming for spiritual growth, particularly in the context of knowledge of living beings and things without life.[118] (2) An essential aspect of the monk's teachings, advocating for discipline and avoidance of evil actions.[119] (3) The ability to maintain discipline and focus, emphasized through the avoidance of distractions and negative thoughts.[120] (4) An essential quality emphasized by Nami as fundamental for achieving victory over oneself rather than external foes.[121] (5) The ability to regulate one's thoughts and desires as a crucial aspect of spiritual development.[122]

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) The practice of restraining one's desires and actions, which is emphasized for achieving enlightenment and liberation.[123] (2) An essential aspect of a monk's life, allowing them to avoid sinful actions and maintain virtue.[124] (3) The practice of restraining oneself, which is advised as a means to avoid the consequences of past wrongdoings.[125] (4) The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in accordance with ethical and spiritual principles.[126]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) The practice of restraint, observed by the householder to avoid harmful actions and maintain ethical conduct.[127] (2) Refers to the ability to maintain discipline and control over oneself, an important aspect of the utility associated with the projectable body.[128] (3) The ability to regulate one's actions and desires, which is significant for maintaining ethical conduct and stopping sin (samvara).[129]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) The ability of some men to govern their actions and resist harmful behavior.[130] (2) An important virtue that causes no danger and fosters a peaceful existence, as taught through the instruction of Mahavira.[131]

From: Naladiyar

(1) The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.[132] (2) The ability to regulate one's emotions and behaviors, considered highly valuable.[133]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) The practice of restraining one's own actions, particularly applied to the behavior of monks.[134]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Self-control in local and regional sources

History Books

Self-control is the ability to manage emotions, thoughts, and impulses, vital for personal growth and moral integrity. It is portrayed as a fundamental virtue across various cultural and philosophical contexts, emphasizing discipline and mastery over desires.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A virtue that V.S.S. practiced, considered essential to maintaining the integrity of his personality.[135] (2) Referencing the modern desire for discipline and structure in life, often contrasting with the chaotic nature of urban existence depicted in the poems.[136] (3) The ability to regulate one's emotions, thoughts, and behavior in the face of temptations and impulses.[137] (4) The capacity to regulate one's emotions and behavior despite external circumstances.[138] (5) The ability to restrain one's desires, particularly in the context of mourning someone beloved.[139]

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The ability to manage one's mind, essential for performing yogic practices as referenced in the context.[140]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) The man of self-control is described as sleeping where the world is awake, and waking where the world sleeps, highlighting a contrast in perspectives and priorities.[141]

The concept of Self-control in scientific sources

Science Books

Self-control is defined as the ability to manage emotions, behaviors, and impulses effectively. It is crucial for mental health, dietary choices, and lifestyle habits, enhanced through practices like yoga and meditation, promoting overall well-being.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) The ability to manage one鈥檚 emotions, impulses, and behaviors, which plays a significant role in reducing job stress.[142]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.