Category:Able to Control the Senses

Theme Analysis

Śrīla Prabhupāda establishes that the ability to control the senses is the defining qualification of a civilized human being, specifically a brāhmaṇa or gosvāmī. While the common man is often unable to control the senses, a person situated in knowledge (jñāna) or devotion (bhakti) achieves this mastery. The strategy for control begins with the tongue; if one indulges the tongue, other senses become uncontrollable. However, the easiest method is Kṛṣṇa consciousness: by fixing the mind on Kṛṣṇa and engaging the senses in His service, one naturally becomes a master (svāmī) rather than a servant (godāsa) of the senses. This control is not an end in itself but a prerequisite for attaining God's mercy and benediction.

• The Definition of a Master: A gosvāmī or svāmī is one who is able to control the forces of the senses (talk, anger, mind, stomach, genitals, tongue).
• The Tongue as the Key: The secret to controlling all senses lies in controlling the tongue first. Giving privilege to the tongue makes other senses impossible to control.
• Brāhmaṇical Culture: A first-class man (brāhmaṇa) is characterized by truthfulness and the ability to control the mind (śama) and senses (dama).
• The Role of Devotion: For a devotee, sense control is automatically achieved. By serving Kṛṣṇa, one transcends the material platform where senses dictate behavior.
• The Necessity for Salvation: Unless one controls the senses and engages them in the service of Mukunda, there is no possibility of salvation or liberation.
• Explore the synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Qualification to Control the Senses.