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Self-control

3 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on self-control. Explore teachings across 3 chapters.

All Verses

Chapter 12 • Verse 14 →The Yoga of Devotion
Santushṭaḥ satataṁ yogī yatātmā dṛiḍha-niśhchayaḥ, mayy arpita-mano-buddhir yo mad-bhaktaḥ sa me priyaḥ

Ever content, steadfast in meditation, self-controlled, and of firm resolve, with mind and intellect offered to Me—such devotees are very dear to Me.

  • •Contentment is a spiritual quality
  • •Self-control combined with devotion
  • •Firm resolve pleases God
contentmentsteadfastnessdevotiondear to God
Chapter 3 • Verse 43 →The Yoga of Action
Evam buddheh param buddhva samstabhyatmanam atmana, jahi shatrum maha-baho kama-rupam durasadam

Thus knowing the soul to be superior to the material intellect, O mighty-armed Arjuna, subdue the self by the self and conquer lust, the formidable enemy.

  • •Use higher self to control lower self
  • •Lust is the formidable enemy
  • •Self-mastery through self-knowledge
lustconquesthigher selfmastery
Chapter 17 • Verse 16 →The Yoga of Threefold Faith
Manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ, bhāva-saṁśhuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam uchyate

Serenity of thought, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of purpose—these are called austerity of the mind.

  • •Mental austerity through inner qualities
  • •Cultivate serenity and gentleness
  • •Self-control and purity of intent
austeritymindserenitypurity