Significance of Self-restraint
Self-restraint is a fundamental concept across various philosophies and religions, emphasizing the ability to control one's desires and impulses as essential for personal and spiritual development. In Buddhism, it involves moderating desires to achieve tranquility, while Jainism identifies it as crucial for emancipation and spiritual growth. Other traditions, including Yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedanta, highlight self-restraint as foundational for achieving higher states of being and moral conduct. This practice fosters discipline and inner peace, ultimately aiding individuals in their pursuit of wisdom and liberation.
Synonyms: Self-discipline, Self-control, Moderation, Willpower, Temperance, Discretion, Prudence, Forbearance, Patience
In Dutch: Zelfbeheersing; In Finnish: ±õ³Ù²õ±ð³ó¾±±ô±ô¾±²Ô³Ùää; In Spanish: Autocontrol; In German: Selbstbeherrschung; In Malay: Kekangan diri; In Swedish: ³§Âáä±ô±¹²ú±ð³óä°ù²õ°ì²Ô¾±²Ô²µ; In French: La maîtrise 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-restraint'
Self-restraint in Buddhism encompasses controlling emotions, desires, and impulses to maintain inner peace, ethical behavior, and spiritual growth. It involves moderating reactions, avoiding impulsive actions, and prioritizing a disciplined life for achieving tranquility and moral standards.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The ability to control one's desires and impulses.[1] (2) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, particularly in pursuit of moral or spiritual goals.[2] (3) The practice of controlling one's impulses, here referred to by Sakka as a means to avoid loss of wealth through almsgiving.[3] (4) A values-based concept emphasized in defining who is deemed 'moral' by society.[4] (5) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, seen as essential for spiritual growth.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The principle illustrated by Prince Dighavu's decision not to act on his wrath even when confronted with his parents' murder.[6]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The ability to control one’s desires and impulses, essential for developing mindfulness and practicing Dhamma.[7]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A disciplined life choice to avoid indulgence in worldly pleasures, important for achieving spiritual goals.[8]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The practice of controlling desires and impulses, considered the best form of conduct.[9]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The ability to control one's desires and emotions to maintain inner peace.[10] (2) The practice of moderating desires to achieve tranquility and escape from the cycle of birth and death.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Self-restraint'
Self-restraint in Hinduism emphasizes controlling emotions and desires to achieve spiritual growth, inner peace, and ethical conduct. It is essential for spiritual advancement, virtuous living, and is valued across various societal roles, including Brahmanas and kings.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ability to control one's impulses, crucial in virtuous practice.[12] (2) The ability to control one’s desires and impulses, which is essential for spiritual advancement according to the text.[13] (3) The ability to control one's desires and impulses, a critical trait for a king to maintain good behavior and governance.[14] (4) The ability to control one’s emotions and actions, praised in Yudhishthira's character.[15] (5) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, particularly emphasized for brahmanas.[16]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses.[17] (2) The ability to control one’s impulses and desires to maintain focus on devotion.[18] (3) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, which is crucial for the attainment of devotion.[19] (4) The ability to control one's senses and desires to achieve peace and understanding.[20]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ability to control one’s impulses and desires.[21] (2) The practice of controlling one's senses and desires through discipline.[22] (3) The ability to control one's impulses and desires in pursuit of a higher moral ground.[23]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, especially in the context of spiritual and moral conduct.[24] (2) A practice adopted by the king to control his impulses in order to please the gods.[25] (3) A quality expected of Dama and associated with nobility, suggesting control over one's desires.[26]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses as part of the path to spiritual enlightenment.[27]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A religious observance and disciplined practice aimed at controlling desires and focusing on meditation and devotion.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Another of Ila's virtues praised by Mitra and Varuna, indicating her discipline and strength of character.[29]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A quality essential for forgiveness and overcoming one’s passions, as discussed in the context of human emotions and behavior.[30]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A foundational principle in achieving any goal, emphasizing control over one's impulses and desires.[31] (2) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, particularly those related to food, drink, and sensory experiences.[32] (3) The practice of controlling one's impulses and desires, crucial in the context of brahmacarya as it enables spiritual growth and development.[33]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Control over one's desires, thoughts, and actions to lead a life aligned with spiritual goals.[34]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The practice of controlling one’s impulses and desires, which aids in the pursuit of knowledge.[35]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ability to control one's desires and actions, leading to a state that is above praise and external formalities.[36]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses in pursuit of greater wisdom and understanding.[37] (2) The strategy advised by Yaugandharayana to Queen Vasavadatta in order to maintain the King’s affection and avoid conflict.[38]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The exercise of control over one's desires and impulses, seen as lacking in the current social landscape.[39] (2) The control over one's desires and impulses, which is lost through infatuation with material wealth and power.[40]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The practice of controlling one's emotions and desires for a clearer perspective on life.[41]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The ability to control one’s desires and actions, viewed as a fundamental aspect of personal development.[42]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A disciplined practice where individuals control their urges and desires as part of their spiritual sacrifice.[43] (2) The ability to control oneself and one’s practices in accordance with spiritual and ethical guidelines.[44]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses to maintain virility and improve quality of life.[45]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, forming a foundational practice in Yoga.[46]
Jain concept of 'Self-restraint'
Self-restraint in Jainism encompasses controlling emotions, impulses, and desires through tri-gupti practices for spiritual development. It emphasizes disciplined action over thoughts, speech, and bodily behavior, essential for achieving emancipation and higher spiritual states.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, facilitating a path toward higher spiritual practices.[47] (2) A practice that reflects control over one's impulses and desires, crucial for the descriptions and differentiation of the types of saints.[48] (3) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses as an essential virtue.[49] (4) A foundational aspect of achieving both telepathy and perfect knowledge, highlighting the importance of discipline in spiritual pursuits.[50]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A disciplined practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, viewed as essential for achieving emancipation.[51] (2) A practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, reflecting a key element in the spiritual journey of the characters.[52] (3) The disciplined practice that Meghanada observes while undergoing penance, reflecting his commitment to spiritual growth.[53]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The ability to control one's desires and impulses, identified as a key virtue in achieving perfection.[54] (2) A practice advised by Bala that involves abstaining from sinful actions and maintaining control over oneself.[55]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The action of a living being consciously controlling and restraining their thoughts, bodily actions, and speech, leading to a reduction in activity.[56]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The ability to control one's emotions and impulses.[57]
The concept of Self-restraint in local and regional sources
Self-restraint is the ability to control impulses and desires, integral to Gandhi's teachings and admired in figures like Rajaji. It fosters discipline, moderation, and moral integrity, essential for personal development and cultural values in Indian society.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The discipline required in relationships to navigate emotions and impulses, ensuring a healthy balance in love.[58] (2) The ability to control one's impulses and adhere to moral principles, regarded as an essential quality for those aspiring to Brahmana status.[59] (3) The ability of the Maharaja to control his impulses and act through others rather than asserting his authority personally.[60] (4) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, a crucial element of Gandhi's teachings on personal conduct and public life.[61] (5) The ability to control one's expressions and thoughts, which aided Rajaji in conveying his ideas accurately.[62]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is a quality that is mentioned as part of the martial spirit, indicating the need to serve and obey, alongside the willingness to sacrifice oneself for others.[63] (2) This, along with self-denial, is necessary for the immense possibilities of divine realization in the soul to be actualized, requiring struggle and practice.[64]