Self-control

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.

Sarva-karmani manasa sannyasyaste sukham vashi, nava-dvare pure dehi naiva kurvan na karayan

Mentally renouncing all actions, the self-controlled embodied soul rests happily in the nine-gated city (the body), neither acting nor causing others to act. The true sannyasi is one who is inwardly free, not one who has merely abandoned outer duties.

Yogi yunjita satatam atmanam rahasi sthitah, ekaki yata-cittatma nirashir aparigrahah

Let the yogi constantly engage the self in meditation, dwelling in solitude, alone, with mind and self controlled, free from desire and possessiveness. These are the outer and inner conditions Krishna recommends for meditation practice: solitude, aloneness, self-control, and non-possessiveness.

Asanyathatmana yogo dusprapa iti me matih, vashyatmana tu yatata shakyo 'vaptum upayatah

Yoga is difficult to attain for one of uncontrolled self — this is my view; but for the self-controlled person who strives with the right means, it is attainable. Krishna affirms both the difficulty of yoga for the undisciplined and the assured attainability for those who bring the right effort.

Athaitad apy aśhakto 'si kartuṁ mad-yogam āśhritaḥ, sarva-karma-phala-tyāgaṁ tataḥ kuru yatātmavān

If even this is beyond your capacity, then, taking refuge in My yoga, with self-control, renounce the fruits of all actions.

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.

Amanitvam adambhitvam ahimsa kshantirarjavam, acharyopasanam shaucham sthairyam atma-vinigrahah

Humility, pridelessness, nonviolence, tolerance, simplicity, approaching a genuine teacher, cleanliness, steadiness, and self-control — these constitute the beginning of the twenty qualities of knowledge. Cultivating these virtues purifies the heart for higher realization.

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.

dhritya yaya dharayate manah-pranendriya-kriyah yogenavyabhicarinya dhriti sa partha sattviki

The steadiness by which one holds the functions of mind, life-force, and senses in check through unwavering yoga — that steadiness is sattvic, O Arjuna. Sattvic dhriti is the unshakeable inner strength of a disciplined yogi.

buddhya visuddhaya yukto dhritya 'tmanam niyamya ca sabdadin visayams tyaktva raga-dvesau vyudasya ca

United with pure intellect, firmly controlling oneself with steadiness, abandoning the objects of sound and other senses, casting aside attraction and repulsion — this begins the description of the qualifications for attaining Brahman.