To the Self-Conquered, the Self Becomes a Friend
To one who has conquered oneself, the self becomes a steadfast friend; but to one who has not, the self stands opposed, like an enemy.
In this verse I see the fruit of self-mastery.
Have I governed myself into a steadfast friend, or, ungoverned, am I at war with myself?
📝Reflection
In this verse I see the fruit of self-mastery. One who has conquered oneself becomes one's own steadiest ally, unshaken before anything. But ungoverned, the very thing that hinders me most turns out to be myself. Here is the Buddhist saying that conquering oneself is greater than conquering a thousand. Before fighting an outer enemy, I try to turn the inner voice that keeps sinking me into a friend.
🌱Apply It Today
If what hinders you today is not the outside but an inner habit or voice, consider one way to befriend it.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
