Self-mastery

Yoga-sannyasta-karmanam jnana-sanchinna-samsayam, atma-vantam na karmani nibadhnanti dhananjaya

One who has renounced action through yoga, whose doubts have been cut asunder by knowledge, and who is self-possessed — actions do not bind that person, O Dhananjaya.

Yoga-yukto vishuddhatma vijithatma jitendriyah, sarva-bhutatma-bhutatma kurvann api na lipyate

The one united in yoga, with a purified self, mastered mind, and conquered senses, whose very self has become the Self of all beings — though acting, that person is never bound. This is the hallmark of the true karma yogi: action without bondage.

Shaknothaiva yah sodhum prak sharira-vimokshanat, kama-krodhodbhavam vegam sa yuktah sa sukhi narah

One who is able to withstand the impulse of desire and anger even before giving up the body — that person is a yogi and is happy. The capacity to endure these powerful inner forces without being swept away is the very definition of yogic mastery.

Labhante brahma-nirvanam rishayah kshina-kalmashah, chinna-dvaidha yatatmanah sarva-bhuta-hite ratah

The sages who have destroyed their sins, cut through their doubts, mastered themselves, and are devoted to the welfare of all beings — they attain Brahman-nirvana. Liberation is not for the solitary seeker alone but for those who radiate care for all creation.

Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah

Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself. The mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.

Asakta-buddhih sarvatra jitatma vigata-sprihah, naishkarmya-siddhim paramam sannyasenadhigacchati

Those whose intellect is unattached everywhere, who have mastered the self and are free from desires, attain through renunciation the supreme state of freedom from action.