Many of us give in to fleeting desires, leading to personal degradation
Swami Vivekananda was approached by a young Western woman wanting to marry him. He asked her reason. Then, he gave a very witty answer and excused himself. Similarly, a young and pretty woman approached a famous scientist. She wanted a child with his intelligence and her looks. He excused himself by stating that there is a possibility that the child may be born with his looks and her intelligence. We remember them because showing such restraint is very uncommon. Rather, it is common that people seek opportunities to cheat on their spouses; they make many efforts, never mind being offered on a platter.
The result is punishment beginning with the degradation of the person. We have ten senses. There are five knowledge-gathering senses, which are eyes, ears, nose, skin and tongue. Then, there are five working senses, which are speech, hands, legs, genital and anus. I will detail how and why restraint should be practiced. Beginning with the eyes, what do our eyes wish to see most? Something very beautiful. This is fine as long as it is something like a beautiful flower, lake or mountain. When it degrades like seeing nudity, it must be avoided. Unfortunately, the mind is very unhelpful in this regard; it pulls us down.
Tongue is another offending sense; it leans towards tastier foods, which may harm. How do you explain eating too much salt or sugar, which benefits little and harms plenty? What is the explanation for eating harmful meat preparations, except for their taste when plenty of choices are available in vegetarian dishes? Here again, the mind is the culprit. Additionally, material intelligence justifies. Restraint is considered foolish. What we do wish to listen to most is? Sorry, dirty jokes.
Then, people love to have friendships with those who will appreciate the moon for some pecuniary benefit. Even in songs, some people strangely prefer to hear sad songs, or which titillate. People do realise that habituated thus we condemn ourselves to the next life also.
Long Krishna warns, “The ear, the eye, the touch sense, the tongue and the nose go to the next body with the mind.” (15.7) We are more restrained in the matter of the nose: foul smell repels. But some people eat stale foods; they are under the mode of darkness. (18.10) Skin is generally a friend of all; we like cool comforts in the summer and warm surroundings in the winter.
Turning to the working senses, speech is the worst offender of all. What do you think causes the maximum harm? It is very easy to guess; it is something spoken inappropriately or in anger.
What is the explanation for abusing when the reaction is bound to be severe? But people do not control themselves. Even the best of men have weak moments when they slip up. Lord Krishna has counselled, “One who is not agitated by others and who doesn’t get agitated by others, he is dear to Me.” (12.15) Genitals give the maximum trouble unless controlled from an early age.
It is so easy to abuse oneself, but it is so harmful. Restraint is required, which is why ‘brahmacharya’(celibacy) is highly recommended. God has allowed sex enjoyment, which is not against ‘dharma’ (within moral principles). (7.11) Why not be restrained and enjoy a superior feeling!
(The writer is a spiritual leader; views expressed are personal)