Significance of Control of senses
Control of senses is a significant practice across various spiritual traditions, emphasizing the importance of discipline and mastery over one's sensory perceptions and desires. Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other philosophies advocate for this control as a means to achieve higher consciousness, self-discipline, and spiritual growth, often linking it to the restraint of impulses. This mastery is seen as essential for spiritual advancement, ethical living, and attaining tranquility, ultimately fostering a disciplined approach to life and enhancing spiritual awareness.
Synonyms: Sensory control, Self-discipline, Self-restraint, Temperance, Moderation, Self-control
In Dutch: Controle over de zintuigen
In Finnish: Aistien hallinta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Control of senses'
In Buddhism, Control of senses involves mastering one's sensory experiences to attain elevated consciousness and spiritual well-being while also managing these senses to avert mental defilements.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The practice of managing one's senses to prevent the occurrence of defilements.[1]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The practice of maintaining discipline and mastery over one's senses to achieve higher states of consciousness and spiritual health.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Control of senses'
Control of senses in Hinduism emphasizes self-discipline and the regulation of desires, vital for spiritual mastery, ethical living, and achieving higher consciousness, leading to liberation and a deeper connection with the Supreme Lord.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The practice of mastering one's desires and perceptions as part of spiritual development.[3] (2) Indicates self-discipline and mastery over one's impulses, a significant trait of the sons of Pandu.[4] (3) The ability to manage one's desires and urges, essential for attaining spiritual knowledge.[5] (4) The ability to manage one's desires and impulses, which is considered essential for maintaining a balanced and virtuous life.[6] (5) The practice of restraining sensory desires to attain higher states of consciousness and peace.[7]
From: Agni Purana
(1) This is identified as the second flower of gestures, representing self-discipline in worship practices.[8] (2) The ability to manage sensory input and reactions, essential for achieving mastery in yoga and spirituality.[9] (3) A discipline pertinent to self-mastery and spiritual practice, crucial for achieving higher knowledge and avoiding distractions.[10] (4) The practice of regulating one's desires and impulses in pursuit of spiritual growth or penance.[11] (5) The discipline required to manage desires and impulses for proper judgment.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The practice of regulating one's sensory inputs and desires to achieve a higher state of consciousness and spiritual awareness.[13] (2) The discipline required to manage sensory experiences that are influenced by the three gunas.[14] (3) The ability to manage sensory experiences to achieve spiritual growth and understanding.[15] (4) Dama; the discipline of managing one's sensory impulses and desires.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The practice of discipline over one's desires and sensory impulses as a form of righteousness.[17] (2) The practice of mastering one's desires and urges in order to live a righteous and disciplined life.[18] (3) A practice encouraged for maintaining discipline and governing one's subjects, involving restraint against sensual pleasures.[19]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The practice of curbing one's sense-organs which is considered a fundamental aspect of achieving spiritual growth and constitutes a form of Tapas.[20]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The practice of regulating one's sensory experiences and responses, which contributes to spiritual growth and liberation.[21]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A characteristic of a Brahmana that entails mastering one's desires and impulses.[22]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ability to regulate one's senses, leading to tranquility and energy in one's actions.[23]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The practice of regulating sensory inputs to enhance focus and awareness in spiritual practice.[24]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The practice of restraining one's sensory perceptions to avoid temptation and distractions from spiritual practice.[25]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Pratyahara, the fifth stage, emphasizes the restraint or moderation of senses and sensory organs.[26]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Budha had complete control of his sense organs, reflecting a high level of self-discipline and mastery.[27]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The ability to manage and regulate one's sensory perceptions and impulses.[28] (2) The ability to regulate one's own desires and actions, which is necessary to approach the Supreme Lord.[29] (3) A condition emphasized by Advaita Acarya, suggesting that one must have mastery over their senses to be qualified to appreciate the dance.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Lord's ability to oversee and govern the five senses, directing their experiences and interactions.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ability to regulate one's desires and actions, mentioned as essential for spiritual advancement and achieving immortality.[32] (2) The practice of regulating one's sensory perceptions and reactions to avoid overindulgence.[33] (3) The discipline of restraining one's senses to minimize distractions and focus on spiritual goals.[34]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The ability to restrain the activity of the senses and avoid distractions.[35]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The practice of mastering one's sensory perceptions and experience as a means to achieve spiritual goals.[36]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The ability to discipline and govern the sensory perceptions to achieve spiritual clarity.[37]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) The ability of an individual to manage their desires and impulses, leading to a higher state of awareness.[38]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) An essential requirement for achieving spiritual liberation, focusing on the discipline of one's perceptions and desires.[39]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The ability to regulate one's desires and impulses, significant during the pilgrimage.[40]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The practice of regulating one’s desires and impulses, as advised to the student for ethical living.[41]
Jain concept of 'Control of senses'
Control of senses in Jainism emphasizes subduing sensory perceptions and desires to avoid sin, maintain self-discipline, and achieve spiritual fulfillment. It is viewed as essential for personal growth and is a quality associated with Acaryas.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The practice of subduing one's senses to avoid sin and maintain self-discipline.[42] (2) The ability to manage and restrain one's desires and impulses, which is often touted as crucial for a fulfilled spiritual life.[43]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to the ability to manage the five senses, which is one of the qualities attributed to Acaryas.[44]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The practice of managing one's sensory perceptions and desires, linked to the broader themes of restraint and self-discipline.[45]