Steady the Self by the Self, and Conquer Desire
Knowing the self that lies beyond reason, steady yourself by your own self, and so overcome desire, that enemy so hard to conquer.
In this verse I learn the method of self-mastery.
Do I merely force myself to suppress desire, or do I lean on a deeper self to govern it?
📝Reflection
In this verse I learn the method of self-mastery. The strength to overcome desire comes not from gritted force but from rooting in a self deeper than sensation and mood. Pit the shallow self against shallow desire and I tire; lean on the deeper self and I can steady myself unshaken. It meets exactly the Buddhist saying that one who conquers oneself is greater than one who conquers a thousand. When desire shakes me, rather than forcing suppression, I return a moment to the deeper self and find my center there.
🌱Apply It Today
When a strong impulse rises today, before forcing it down, close your eyes a moment and return to the 'deeper self.'
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
