View source for It Is Imperative for Humans to Control Their Senses

The foundation of spiritual life and true civilization lies in the ability to control the senses. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the senses are naturally restless, constantly dragging the living entity toward material enjoyment. Unlike the animal kingdom, where instinct rules, human life offers the unique opportunity to master these impulses. This article explores the necessity of sense control, the specific danger of the tongue, the importance of early training, and the ultimate perfection found in engaging the senses in the service of the Lord.

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=== The Definition of Civilized Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that the distinction between human life and animal life is the capacity for restraint. He teaches that a human being is meant to inquire into the Absolute Truth, a pursuit that is impossible without controlling the senses (''indriya-saṁyama''). One who remains a servant of their urges is termed a ''go-dāsa'', while one who masters them is a ''gosvāmī''.

* [[Vaniquotes:Human life is meant for controlling the senses, for uncontrolled senses are the cause of material bondage. But for fools sense enjoyment is the pivot of life's activities|Human life is meant for controlling the senses, for uncontrolled senses are the cause of material bondage. But for fools sense enjoyment is the pivot of life's activities.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One must learn how to control. Controlling the senses, this is civilization. To become cats and dogs, that is not civilization. Dog civilization, cat civilization, hog civilization, camel civilization, this is going on|One must learn how to control. Controlling the senses, this is civilization. To become cats and dogs, that is not civilization. Dog civilization, cat civilization, hog civilization, camel civilization, this is going on.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:We should know that sense gratification is meant for animals, and that sense control is for human beings. By tapasya, penance, we can purify ourselves and regain our eternal life|We should know that sense gratification is meant for animals, and that sense control is for human beings. By tapasya, penance, we can purify ourselves and regain our eternal life.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The so-called civilization, so-called unrestricted sense gratification allowed in the name of freedom, that is disastrous. One must learn how to control. Controlling the senses, this is civilization|The so-called civilization, so-called unrestricted sense gratification allowed in the name of freedom, that is disastrous. One must learn how to control. Controlling the senses, this is civilization.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Vedic civilization is different. Their aim is different. The whole scheme is controlling the senses, especially sex, because if we become too much addicted to sex life, then our life is spoiled. This is this|Vedic civilization is different. Their aim is different. The whole scheme is controlling the senses, especially sex, because if we become too much addicted to sex life, then our life is spoiled. This is this.]]

=== The Essential Training in Brahmacarya ===

According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the modern educational system is flawed because it neglects the primary necessity of character building. He argues that real education must begin with ''brahmacarya'', where students are trained within the ''gurukula'' system to master their senses before entering the complexities of adult life.

* [[Vaniquotes:A brahmacari should live in the gurukula for the following purposes. The first is that he should be trained up how to control the senses. So that, if you teach any child from the childhood, he'll be trained up|A brahmacari should live in the gurukula for the following purposes. The first is that he should be trained up how to control the senses. So that, if you teach any child from the childhood, he'll be trained up.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The real education is life. The gurukula means it is a way of life training. It is said that brahmacari gurukule vasan danta. This is the way of life: how to learn controlling the senses|The real education is life. The gurukula means it is a way of life training. It is said that brahmacari gurukule vasan danta. This is the way of life: how to learn controlling the senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Tapasya begins with brahmacari life, learning to control the senses - that is the beginning of life. Not "A-B-C-D" learning|Tapasya begins with brahmacari life, learning to control the senses - that is the beginning of life. Not "A-B-C-D" learning.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:From the very beginning of life, those who cannot control their senses, are educated only for sense gratification. Thus the entire duration of a life is wasted and misused, and at the time of death one transmigrates to another body, which may not be human|From the very beginning of life, those who cannot control their senses, are educated only for sense gratification. Thus the entire duration of a life is wasted and misused, and at the time of death one transmigrates to another body, which may not be human.]]

=== Sense Control in Household Life ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that marriage is not a license for unrestricted sense gratification but a concession for regulation. He explains that even within the ''gṛhastha-āśrama'' (household life), one must practice control; otherwise, family life becomes a dark well of material entanglement.

* [[Vaniquotes:Marriage is a concession for people who are unable to control their senses. Raghunatha, being an advanced devotee of Krsna, naturally had no desire for sense gratification. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised him not to enter the bondage of marriage|Marriage is a concession for people who are unable to control their senses. Raghunatha, being an advanced devotee of Krsna, naturally had no desire for sense gratification. Therefore Caitanya Mahaprabhu advised him not to enter the bondage of marriage.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:For the intelligent men, controlling the senses is the most essential qualification. It is the basis of morality. Sex indulgence even with a legitimate wife must also be controlled, and thereby family control will automatically follow|For the intelligent men, controlling the senses is the most essential qualification. It is the basis of morality. Sex indulgence even with a legitimate wife must also be controlled, and thereby family control will automatically follow.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:So these three items, namely charity, sense control and performance of sacrifice, are meant for the householder. BG 1972 purports|So these three items, namely charity, sense control and performance of sacrifice, are meant for the householder.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:A person who is actually advanced in self-realization protects his energy by controlling the senses|A person who is actually advanced in self-realization protects his energy by controlling the senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Because of his deep family affection, a man forgets his main duty of controlling the senses and improving his spiritual consciousness|Because of his deep family affection, a man forgets his main duty of controlling the senses and improving his spiritual consciousness.]]

=== The Hierarchy of the Senses: The Tongue ===

In his teachings, Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies the tongue as the most formidable and strategic of all the senses. He explains that the tongue is the leader; if one yields to its demands for palatable but unauthorized food, the belly and genitals inevitably become agitated. Therefore, spiritual discipline begins with the tongue.

* [[Vaniquotes:The most important and uncontrollable sense is the tongue. If one can control the tongue, then there is every possibility of controlling the other senses. BG 1972 purports|The most important and uncontrollable sense is the tongue. If one can control the tongue, then there is every possibility of controlling the other senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:As soon as the tongue is controlled, naturally all other senses are controlled automatically|As soon as the tongue is controlled, naturally all other senses are controlled automatically.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Of course, everyone must eat to keep the body fit for the Lord's service, but when one cannot control the senses, he falls victim to the dictations of the tongue and the belly. Naturally, genital agitation follows, and one seeks illicit sex|Of course, everyone must eat to keep the body fit for the Lord's service, but when one cannot control the senses, he falls victim to the dictations of the tongue and the belly. Naturally, genital agitation follows, and one seeks illicit sex.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:If one can control the tongue, he can easily control the other senses. The tongue can be controlled only by eating prasada offered to the Deity|If one can control the tongue, he can easily control the other senses. The tongue can be controlled only by eating prasada offered to the Deity.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The controlling of the senses begins from the tongue. If you allow the tongue to eat anything in the restaurant or anywhere, then you cannot become the jitendriya|The controlling of the senses begins from the tongue. If you allow the tongue to eat anything in the restaurant or anywhere, then you cannot become the jitendriya.]]

=== The Failure of Artificial Repression ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda warns against the path of artificial repression, often practiced by mystic ''yogis'' who try to stop the senses by force. He cites historical examples, such as Viśvāmitra Muni, to demonstrate that without a higher taste, the mind will eventually seek sense gratification, causing even advanced ascetics to fall.

* [[Vaniquotes:One who is not in Krsna consciousness, however powerful he may be in controlling the senses by artificial repression, is sure ultimately to fail, for the slightest thought of sense pleasure will agitate him to gratify his desires. BG 1972 purports|One who is not in Krsna consciousness, however powerful he may be in controlling the senses by artificial repression, is sure ultimately to fail, for the slightest thought of sense pleasure will agitate him to gratify his desires.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Visvamitra Muni controlled the senses by yogic trance, but when he happened to meet Menaka (a heavenly society woman), he became a victim of sex, and the artificial way of controlling the senses failed|Visvamitra Muni controlled the senses by yogic trance, but when he happened to meet Menaka (a heavenly society woman), he became a victim of sex, and the artificial way of controlling the senses failed.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Philosophical speculations and artificial attempts to control the senses by the so-called practice of yogic postures can never help a man toward spiritual life. He must be trained in Krsna consciousness by higher intelligence. BG 1972 purports|Philosophical speculations and artificial attempts to control the senses by the so-called practice of yogic postures can never help a man toward spiritual life. He must be trained in Krsna consciousness by higher intelligence.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Even the advanced yogi Visvamitra broke his mystic practice to unite with Menaka and beget a child known as Sakuntala. The practice of mystic yoga, therefore, is not sufficiently strong to control the senses|Even the advanced yogi Visvamitra broke his mystic practice to unite with Menaka and beget a child known as Sakuntala. The practice of mystic yoga, therefore, is not sufficiently strong to control the senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Rules and regulations must be followed very strictly. Simply to make a show of gymnastics is not perfection of yoga. Yoga means control of the senses. If you indulge your senses unrestrictedly but make a show of yoga practice, you will never be successful|Rules and regulations must be followed very strictly. Simply to make a show of gymnastics is not perfection of yoga. Yoga means control of the senses. If you indulge your senses unrestrictedly but make a show of yoga practice, you will never be successful.]]

=== The Role of the Mind ===

According to Śrīla Prabhupāda, the mind is the central controlling factor of the senses. He explains that the ''yoga'' system is primarily meant to train the mind, for if the mind is not controlled and fixed on the Supreme, the senses will act like venomous serpents, dragging the soul to hellish conditions.

* [[Vaniquotes:Yoga practice is essentially meant for controlling the senses. The central controlling factor of all the senses is the mind; therefore one first has to practice controlling the mind by engaging it in Krsna consciousness|Yoga practice is essentially meant for controlling the senses. The central controlling factor of all the senses is the mind; therefore one first has to practice controlling the mind by engaging it in Krsna consciousness.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:In all spiritual affairs, one's first duty is to control his mind and senses. Unless one controls his mind and senses, one cannot make any advancement in spiritual life|In all spiritual affairs, one's first duty is to control his mind and senses. Unless one controls his mind and senses, one cannot make any advancement in spiritual life.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Adanta-gobhir visatam tamisram. If your senses are not controlled, then your senses will drag you to the darkest region of hell. That is another problem|Adanta-gobhir visatam tamisram. If your senses are not controlled, then your senses will drag you to the darkest region of hell. That is another problem.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Due to a restless mind, even a very advanced yogi can fall down. The mind is so restless that it induces even a perfect yogi to be controlled by the senses|Due to a restless mind, even a very advanced yogi can fall down. The mind is so restless that it induces even a perfect yogi to be controlled by the senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:One who controls the mind, therefore the senses as well, is called gosvami or svami. One who is controlled by the mind is called go-dasa, or the servant of the senses|One who controls the mind, therefore the senses as well, is called gosvami or svami. One who is controlled by the mind is called go-dasa, or the servant of the senses.]]

=== Leadership and Spiritual Qualification ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda asserts that one is only qualified to lead society or teach spiritual truths if they have mastered their own senses. Whether one is a king, a ''brāhmaṇa'', or a ''guru'', the title is meaningless without the practical ability to control the mind and senses.

* [[Vaniquotes:A king controls and rules in various ways among citizens; similarly, one who can control his senses is the king of his senses. He is a svami or gosvami. The svamis and gosvamis are therefore sometimes addressed as maharaja, or king|A king controls and rules in various ways among citizens; similarly, one who can control his senses is the king of his senses. He is a svami or gosvami. The svamis and gosvamis are therefore sometimes addressed as maharaja, or king.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Without becoming a gosvami one can become neither a disciple nor a spiritual master. The so-called spiritual master without sense control is certainly the cheater, and the disciple of such a so-called spiritual master is the cheated|Without becoming a gosvami one can become neither a disciple nor a spiritual master. The so-called spiritual master without sense control is certainly the cheater, and the disciple of such a so-called spiritual master is the cheated.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Brahmana means one who has acquired these qualifications, satya sama damo titiksa. The first qualification of brahmana is to become truthful. He'll never speak lies. That is the first qualification. Satya sama, then controlling the senses|Brahmana means one who has acquired these qualifications, satya sama damo titiksa. The first qualification of brahmana is to become truthful. He'll never speak lies. That is the first qualification. Satya sama, then controlling the senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Real education means that he is self-controlled - controlling the mind, controlling the senses, truthful. He will speak truth in any circumstances. Even to his enemy he will speak the truth|Real education means that he is self-controlled - controlling the mind, controlling the senses, truthful. He will speak truth in any circumstances. Even to his enemy he will speak the truth.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Only one who is a bona fide spiritual master expanding the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Krsna consciousness movement, and who is in full control of his senses can be addressed as a gosvami|Only one who is a bona fide spiritual master expanding the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Krsna consciousness movement, and who is in full control of his senses can be addressed as a gosvami.]]

=== Perfection through Service to Hṛṣīkeśa ===

The ultimate solution, as presented by Śrīla Prabhupāda, is not to stop the senses but to engage them in the service of the Master of the Senses, Kṛṣṇa (Hṛṣīkeśa). He explains that when the senses are fully occupied in the Lord's service—the ears in hearing His glories, the eyes in seeing His form, the tongue in tasting His ''prasādam''—they are automatically controlled and purified.

* [[Vaniquotes:A mystic yogi is especially concerned with controlling the senses, but because the senses of a devotee are engaged in the service of the God (hrsikena hrsikesa-sevanam bhaktir ucyate (CC Madhya 19.170)) there is no need for separate control of the senses|A mystic yogi is especially concerned with controlling the senses, but because the senses of a devotee are engaged in the service of the God (hrsikena hrsikesa-sevanam bhaktir ucyate (CC Madhya 19.170)) there is no need for separate control of the senses.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Controlling the senses means engaging them in the transcendental service of the Lord|Controlling the senses means engaging them in the transcendental service of the Lord.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:It is best, therefore, to practice controlling the senses by performing bhakti-yoga, engaging in the service of Madana-mohana|It is best, therefore, to practice controlling the senses by performing bhakti-yoga, engaging in the service of Madana-mohana.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:That is the position of a pure devotee. He can wind up the senses, whenever he likes and he can exhibit the senses whenever he likes. On the whole, the senses are under his control. He is not under the control of the senses as are the ordinary persons|That is the position of a pure devotee. He can wind up the senses, whenever he likes and he can exhibit the senses whenever he likes. On the whole, the senses are under his control. He is not under the control of the senses as are the ordinary persons.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:The devotee does not need to practice the hatha-yoga system to control the mind and senses; his mind and senses are automatically controlled because of unalloyed devotional service to the Lord|The devotee does not need to practice the haṭha-yoga system to control the mind and senses; his mind and senses are automatically controlled because of unalloyed devotional service to the Lord.]]
* [[Vaniquotes:Sense control is the perfection of the yoga principle, and one's liberation begins immediately as soon as he engages himself in the service of the Lord|Sense control is the perfection of the yoga principle, and one's liberation begins immediately as soon as he engages himself in the service of the Lord.]]

=== Conclusion ===

The imperative to control the senses is not merely a moral restriction but the gateway to spiritual freedom. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while the unbridled senses lead to the darkest regions of ignorance, controlled senses serve as instruments for self-realization. By rejecting the difficult and often futile path of artificial repression and instead embracing the path of devotional service, one achieves the state of a true ''gosvāmī''. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, simply by engaging the tongue in chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa and honoring ''prasādam'', the entire network of senses is conquered, and the soul is situated in its constitutional position of eternal service.

=== Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani ===

Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category [[Vaniquotes:Category:Control_the_Senses|Control the Senses]]. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience his teachings in their direct, verbatim form.

(See our [[Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles|Vanipedia:Methodology for AI-Assisted Articles]])
[[Category:Vanipedia Gemini - Articles]]
[[Category:Vanipedia Articles - The Mind, Intelligence, and Senses]]
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