“The Holy One said, ‘Without doubt, O thou of mighty arms the mind is difficult of subjugation and is restless. With practice, however, O son of Kunti, and with the abandonment of desire, it can be controlled. It is my belief that by him whose mind is not restrained, devotion is difficult of acquisition. But by one whose mind is restrained and who is assiduous, it is capable of acquisition with the aid of means.’Mbh 6.30.4 · Mahabharata · BHISHMA PARVA
Mbh 6.30.4
Mahabharata · translated by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Themes in this passage
Self-ControlAnxietyChildrenDesireDevotionDoubtFaithStrength
Self-Control in other traditions
The same theme, as Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.
In the body restraint is good, good is restraint in speech, in thought restraint is good, good is restraint in all things. A Bhikshu, restrained in all things, is freed from all pain.Dhp 25.361 · Dhammapada · The Bhikshu (Mendicant)
And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;2 Peter 1:6 · Bible · 2 Peter
But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust,Quran 79:40 · Quran
“Your noble vigour, O my friends, restrain; Nor weary out your generous strength in vain. Ye both have won: let others who excel, Now prove that prowess you have proved so well.”Iliad 23.54 · Iliad · 23
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