Significance of Self-restraints
Self-restraint is a key concept across various philosophical and spiritual traditions, referring to the ability to control desires and impulses. In Buddhism, it is essential for achieving inner peace and escaping the cycle of birth and death. Jainism emphasizes self-restraint as crucial for spiritual discipline and is linked to achieving emancipation. Other traditions like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta regard self-restraint as foundational for personal development, ethical behavior, and spiritual growth, highlighting its universal importance in fostering discipline and moral conduct.
Synonyms: Self-control, Discipline, Abstinence, Moderation, Willpower, Temperance, Suppression
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-restraints'
Self-restraint in Buddhism involves controlling desires and impulses to maintain ethical behavior, achieve tranquility, and promote moral conduct, essential for spiritual growth and mindfulness, as demonstrated by figures like Prince Dighavu.
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]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The ability to hold back desires and impulses for a greater good.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Self-restraints'
Self-restraint in Hinduism encompasses control over desires and impulses, fostering discipline and morality. It is essential for spiritual growth, character development, and the attainment of higher understanding, benefitting both individuals and leaders in governance.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ability to control one's impulses, crucial in virtuous practice.[13] (2) The ability to control one’s desires and impulses, which is essential for spiritual advancement according to the text.[14] (3) The ability to control one's desires and impulses, a critical trait for a king to maintain good behavior and governance.[15] (4) The ability to control one’s emotions and actions, praised in Yudhishthira's character.[16] (5) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, particularly emphasized for brahmanas.[17]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses.[18] (2) The ability to control one’s impulses and desires to maintain focus on devotion.[19] (3) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, which is crucial for the attainment of devotion.[20] (4) The ability to control one's senses and desires to achieve peace and understanding.[21]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The practice of controlling one's sense-organs, essential for someone staying near a Tirtha.[22] (2) The practice of controlling one's impulses and desires in accordance with spiritual teachings.[23] (3) The practice of controlling one's impulses and desires, viewed as virtuous and essential for spiritual growth.[24]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ability to control one’s impulses and desires.[25] (2) The practice of controlling one's senses and desires through discipline.[26] (3) The ability to control one's impulses and desires in pursuit of a higher moral ground.[27]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, especially in the context of spiritual and moral conduct.[28] (2) A practice adopted by the king to control his impulses in order to please the gods.[29] (3) A quality expected of Dama and associated with nobility, suggesting control over one's desires.[30]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The practice of limiting one's indulgences, particularly in food and pleasures, to achieve spiritual merits during Kartika.[31] (2) The practice of controlling one's actions and desires, seen as essential for a disciplined approach to worship and spirituality.[32]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Dama; the control of one's senses to achieve higher spiritual states.[33] (2) A necessary practice for attaining spiritual growth and freedom from worldly attachments.[34]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) One of the key religious practices recommended for all varnas, focusing on control over one's desires and impulses.[35] (2) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, essential in the life of a Sannyasin.[36]
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.[37]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A religious observance and disciplined practice aimed at controlling desires and focusing on meditation and devotion.[38]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Another of Ila's virtues praised by Mitra and Varuna, indicating her discipline and strength of character.[39]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The ability to control one's desires and impulses, essential for spiritual growth.[40]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The practice of controlling oneself, often emphasized in the context of Yoga in the Matsyapurana.[41]
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.[42]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A foundational principle in achieving any goal, emphasizing control over one's impulses and desires.[43] (2) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, particularly those related to food, drink, and sensory experiences.[44] (3) The practice of controlling one's impulses and desires, crucial in the context of brahmacarya as it enables spiritual growth and development.[45]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Control over one's desires, thoughts, and actions to lead a life aligned with spiritual goals.[46]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The practice of controlling one’s impulses and desires, which aids in the pursuit of knowledge.[47]
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.[48]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses in pursuit of greater wisdom and understanding.[49] (2) The strategy advised by Yaugandharayana to Queen Vasavadatta in order to maintain the King’s affection and avoid conflict.[50]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The exercise of control over one's desires and impulses, seen as lacking in the current social landscape.[51] (2) The control over one's desires and impulses, which is lost through infatuation with material wealth and power.[52]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The practice of controlling one's emotions and desires for a clearer perspective on life.[53]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The ability to control one’s desires and actions, viewed as a fundamental aspect of personal development.[54]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A disciplined practice where individuals control their urges and desires as part of their spiritual sacrifice.[55] (2) The ability to control oneself and one’s practices in accordance with spiritual and ethical guidelines.[56]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses to maintain virility and improve quality of life.[57]
From: Hanuman Nataka (critical study)
(1) Dasharatha's ability to control his desires and impulses, aligning with his role as a wise and just ruler.[58]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The practice of controlling one’s impulses and desires to cultivate a disciplined and focused mind.[59]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, forming a foundational practice in Yoga.[60]
Jain concept of 'Self-restraints'
Self-restraint in Jainism emphasizes consciously controlling thoughts, actions, and emotions to reduce activity and foster spiritual development. By practicing self-control, individuals achieve higher virtues crucial for liberation and spiritual perfection.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, facilitating a path toward higher spiritual practices.[61] (2) A practice that reflects control over one's impulses and desires, crucial for the descriptions and differentiation of the types of saints.[62] (3) The practice of controlling one's desires and impulses as an essential virtue.[63] (4) A foundational aspect of achieving both telepathy and perfect knowledge, highlighting the importance of discipline in spiritual pursuits.[64]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) The three self-restraints (tri-gupti) that govern behavior in Jainism to aid in spiritual development.[65] (2) The act of regulating one’s desires and impulses, described as crucial in Jainism for maintaining spiritual discipline.[66] (3) Three specific practices in Jainism intended to control the mind, speech, and body, and to prevent idleness and spiritual lethargy, thus forming an essential part of samyamayoga.[67] (4) The practice of controlling one's actions, thoughts, and feelings, emphasized in Jainism for spiritual development.[68]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A disciplined practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, viewed as essential for achieving emancipation.[69] (2) A practice of controlling one's desires and impulses, reflecting a key element in the spiritual journey of the characters.[70] (3) The disciplined practice that Meghanada observes while undergoing penance, reflecting his commitment to spiritual growth.[71]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The ability to control one's desires and impulses, identified as a key virtue in achieving perfection.[72] (2) A practice advised by Bala that involves abstaining from sinful actions and maintaining control over oneself.[73]
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.[74]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The ability to control one's emotions and impulses.[75]
The concept of Self-restraints in local and regional sources
Self-restraint encompasses discipline in arts, impulse control, and moderation, serving as a cultural virtue in India. It fosters personal growth, garners admiration, and is essential in creativity, politics, and personal conduct, reflecting Gandhi's teachings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ability to control one's impulses and adhere to moral principles, regarded as an essential quality for those aspiring to Brahmana status.[76] (2) The ability of the Maharaja to control his impulses and act through others rather than asserting his authority personally.[77] (3) The ability to control one's impulses and desires, a crucial element of Gandhi's teachings on personal conduct and public life.[78] (4) The ability to control one's expressions and thoughts, which aided Rajaji in conveying his ideas accurately.[79] (5) A cultural value upheld by Rajaji, emphasizing the importance of discipline and moderation in behavior.[80]
From: Formal Education System in Ancient India
(1) A vital attribute that fosters discipline and control in behavior, necessary for effective education and personal development.[81]