To make human life smooth, meaningful and pleasant, many qualities are required such as integrity (honesty), compassion and sensitivity, self-control (control over emotions like anger, greed, jealousy), patience, hard work, discipline, gratitude (appreciating what has been received and staying away from ego), cooperative spirit, respect and humility and positive thinking etc., but restraint is considered to be the best and most effective quality among them. It has been said about restraint in very beautiful words in Sanskrit that – ‘Samyamah Sarvasadhunam Bhushanam Param Smritam. The meaning is that restraint is the ultimate ornament of all gentlemen. Learned people are successful in all their work only on the basis of self-control. What is really needed here is to know and understand what restraint means. Actually, restraint means ‘living life in a balanced manner by controlling your thoughts, desires, emotions and behavior. In simple words, it is actually the ability in which a person maintains peace, prudence and dignity even in difficult situations, anger, greed, lust or any impulse. -Sunil Kumar Mahala, freelance writer, columnist and young litterateur, Uttarakhand.
Restraint is the name of self-control, balance and prudent conduct in life. Restraint does not only mean suppressing desires, but also controlling one’s mind, words and actions according to the circumstances. Only the person who can control his emotions, anger, greed, speech and behavior truly walks on the path of maturity. A patient person maintains patience in every situation in life. In difficult times he does not panic, but takes decisions wisely. This is why such people are more successful in life, because hasty and impulsive decisions often cause harm. A controlled mind is capable of thinking, understanding and choosing the right direction. Success kisses the feet of only those whose thoughts are controlled and whose attention remains focused on the goal. The person who always remains in control, his accomplishment and success are certain. It has been mentioned through a verse in Sanskrit that – Yah sanyamam na jahati dukhasamye’pi dooratah. Tan nityambhijananti devah sadhuvaram naram.’ That is, the person who does not lose patience even in sorrow or crisis, even the gods consider him to be a great person. In fact, restraint strengthens a person from within. This is such a quality, which gives right direction to a person in every situation and brings him respect and success. It is restraint that increases the ability to take right decisions and brings mental peace and stability. Remember that a person who has patience does not get upset over small things. The mind remains stable and stress is reduced.
Restraint keeps our communication balanced and makes relationships stronger. This means that it brings sweetness in our relationships. To achieve great achievements in life, patience and consistency are required. Restraint keeps the person from getting distracted and keeps him towards the goal. Restraint gives self-control over eating, drinking, spending, speaking, expressing emotions etc., which makes life disciplined. The truth is that a sober person is considered mature, reliable and balanced. This is the best quality of personality. Restraint creates spiritual peace within a person. He doesn’t react unnecessarily to what others say, doesn’t get upset over small things. That is why he never becomes very sad, because the main reason for sadness is our uncontrolled reactions. Restraint teaches us that it is not necessary to react to everything, sometimes silence and patience are wise. A person who lives a restrained life understands the feelings of others, respects them and stays away from disputes. There is dignity and humility in his behavior, which increases his respect in the society. In today’s fast-paced life where stress, competition and uncertainty accompany every step, the importance of restraint increases even more. Samyama teaches us balance, stability and positivity. Therefore, a person who knows how to maintain self-control is not only successful but also remains mentally happy. Restraint is the real ornament of life, which leads us towards the right direction and a prosperous life.