Bhagavad Gita Methods for Controlling Lust in Daily Life
The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most revered texts in Hindu philosophy, offers profound wisdom on controlling one’s desires and impulses, particularly lust. As a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, this sacred scripture provides timeless guidance on mastering the mind and senses. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve deep into the Gita’s teachings on lust control, examining its philosophical underpinnings, practical techniques, and transformative potential for modern practitioners.
Understanding the Nature of Lust in the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita identifies lust (kama) as one of the primary obstacles to spiritual growth. In Chapter Three, verse 40, Krishna explains that lust is the eternal enemy of the wise, residing in the senses, mind, and intellect. This powerful desire can delude even the most knowledgeable person, leading them astray from their spiritual path.
Lust, according to the Gita, is not merely sexual desire but encompasses all forms of craving and attachment. It represents the insatiable hunger for sensory pleasures that binds the soul to the cycle of birth and death. Krishna describes lust as a fire that is never satisfied, consuming one’s wisdom and leading to further entanglement in material existence.
The Gita presents lust as a manifestation of Rajas, one of the three modes of material nature. Rajas represents passion, desire, and restless activity. When this mode dominates, it fuels lust and creates an unquenchable thirst for enjoyment. Understanding this psychological framework is essential for developing effective strategies to control lust.
In Chapter Two, verses 62-63, Krishna describes the progression of how lust develops: “While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them, and from such attachment lust develops, and from lust anger arises. From anger, delusion arises, and from delusion bewilderment of memory. When memory is bewildered, intelligence is lost, and when intelligence is lost, one falls down again into the material pool.”
This analysis reveals that lust is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a chain reaction that begins with attachment to sensory objects. By understanding this process, we can intervene at various points to prevent the development of lust and its destructive consequences.
The Philosophical Foundation for Lust Control
Before exploring specific techniques, it is crucial to understand the philosophical foundation upon which the Gita’s approach to lust control rests. The text presents a comprehensive worldview that explains the nature of reality, the self, and the purpose of human existence.
According to the Gita, our true nature is not the body or mind but the eternal soul (atman), which is distinct from the physical form. The soul is described as unchanging, indestructible, and inherently blissful. Lust arises when we mistakenly identify with the body and seek fulfillment through sensory pleasures, forgetting our spiritual nature.
In Chapter Two, Krishna explains to Arjuna: “As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.” This understanding of our eternal nature provides a solid foundation for transcending lust and other temporary desires.
The concept of the three gunas (modes of material nature) is central to understanding lust. Sattva (goodness), Rajas (passion), and Tamas (ignorance) influence our thoughts, actions, and desires. Lust primarily operates in the mode of Rajas, which creates insatiable craving and attachment. By cultivating Sattva through spiritual practices, we can gradually weaken the influence of Rajas and gain control over lust.
The Gita also introduces the concept of dharma (righteous duty) as a guiding principle for life. When we focus on fulfilling our dharma without attachment to results, we naturally become less susceptible to lustful desires. This shift in perspective from personal gratification to selfless service is fundamental to overcoming lust.
Another key philosophical concept in the Gita is the distinction between the field (kshetra) and the knower of the field (kshetrajna). The field represents the body, mind, and senses, while the knower of the field is the eternal soul. By understanding this distinction, we can observe lustful impulses without identifying with them, creating space for conscious choice rather than reactive behavior.
Practical Methods for Controlling Lust
The Bhagavad Gita offers numerous practical methods for controlling lust, ranging from mental discipline to physical practices. These techniques are designed to purify the mind, strengthen the will, and elevate consciousness beyond the grip of sensual desires.
Self-Discipline and Sense Control
One of the primary methods recommended in the Gita is the practice of self-discipline, particularly control over the senses. Krishna advises Arjuna in Chapter Two, verses 60-62, that the senses are so powerful that they can carry away the mind of even a wise person. Therefore, one must practice sense control through conscious effort and determination.
The Gita suggests withdrawing the senses from their objects, much like a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell. This does not mean complete sensory deprivation but rather developing the ability to engage the senses without being controlled by them. Through regular practice, one can develop the strength to resist lustful impulses when they arise.
Krishna explains in Chapter Three, verse 41: “Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bharatas, first control the senses and then kill this sinful desire, which is the destroyer of knowledge and self-realization.” This verse emphasizes the importance of sense control as a preliminary step in conquering lust.
Practical techniques for sense control include:
- Pratyahara: The yogic practice of withdrawing the senses from external objects and redirecting attention inward.
- Moderation: Engaging the senses in a balanced way without excess or deprivation.
- Discrimination: Using intelligence to distinguish between helpful and harmful sensory inputs.
- Timing: Being mindful of when and how we engage our senses, avoiding situations that trigger lustful thoughts.
Meditation and Mindfulness
Meditation is another powerful tool recommended in the Gita for controlling lust. By calming the mind through meditation, we can observe our thoughts and desires without being swept away by them. Krishna describes the process of meditation in detail in Chapter Six, emphasizing the importance of finding a quiet place, sitting in a proper posture, and focusing the mind.
In Chapter Six, verses 6-7, Krishna states: “For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy. For one who has mastered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquility. To such a man happiness and distress, heat and cold, honor and dishonor are all the same.”
This teaching highlights the importance of mind mastery through meditation. By developing a calm, focused mind, we can observe lustful thoughts without being controlled by them, gradually weakening their influence.
Mindfulness, the practice of being present in the moment without judgment, is also effective for lust control. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts and feelings as they arise, we can recognize lustful impulses before they gain momentum and choose how to respond to them consciously.
Practical meditation techniques for lust control include:
- Breath awareness: Focusing on the breath to calm the mind and develop present-moment awareness.
- Mantra meditation: Repeating sacred sounds or names of the Divine to purify consciousness.
- Visualization: Creating mental images of spiritual truths or ideals to elevate consciousness.
- Self-inquiry: Questioning the nature of lustful thoughts and their source to dissolve their power.
Cultivation of Opposite Qualities
The Gita suggests cultivating qualities opposite to lust as a means of overcoming it. These include purity, detachment, and devotion to the Divine. By consciously focusing on these higher qualities, we create a mental environment that is less conducive to lustful thoughts.
Krishna emphasizes the importance of purity in thought, word, and deed. This includes avoiding stimulating environments, conversations, and media that trigger lustful thoughts. Instead, one should seek the company of spiritually-minded people and engage in activities that elevate consciousness.
In Chapter Ten, Krishna describes the various divine qualities that can be cultivated: “Fearlessness, purification of one’s existence, cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, performance of sacrifice, study of the Vedas, austerity, simplicity, nonviolence, truthfulness, freedom from anger, renunciation, tranquility, aversion to fault-finding, compassion for all living entities, freedom from covetousness, gentleness, modesty, steady determination, vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, and freedom from envy and the passion for honor—these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature.”
By consciously cultivating these divine qualities, we create a powerful counterforce to lust and other negative tendencies.
Practical methods for cultivating opposite qualities include:
- Satsang: Associating with spiritually-minded people who embody the qualities we wish to develop.
- Study of scripture: Regular reading and contemplation of sacred texts that inspire higher values.
- Self-reflection: Examining our thoughts and actions to identify areas needing improvement.
- Intentional practice: Consciously choosing thoughts and actions that reflect the qualities we wish to cultivate.
Yoga and Physical Discipline
The practice of yoga, as described in the Gita, is not merely physical exercise but a comprehensive system for harmonizing body, mind, and spirit. Through asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), and other yogic techniques, one can channel and transform sexual energy into spiritual vitality.
In Chapter Six, Krishna describes the process of yoga: “A person is said to be established in self-realization and is called a yogi when he is fully satisfied by virtue of acquired knowledge and realization. Such a person is situated in transcendence and is self-controlled. He sees everything—whether it be pebbles, stones, or gold—as the same.”
Physical discipline, including moderation in diet and sleep, is also emphasized. The Gita recommends a balanced lifestyle that neither indulges the senses nor tortures the body unnecessarily. By maintaining physical health and energy, we strengthen our capacity to resist lustful temptations.
Practical yogic techniques for lust control include:
- Asana practice: Physical postures that help balance the body’s energies and channel sexual energy upward.
- Pranayama: Breath control exercises that regulate the life force and calm the mind.
- Brahmacharya: Moderation in sexual activity, including conservation of sexual energy for spiritual purposes.
- Sattvic lifestyle: Living in harmony with natural rhythms, including appropriate diet, sleep, and activity.
Knowledge and Discrimination
The Gita places great emphasis on knowledge (jnana) and discrimination (viveka) as tools for controlling lust. By understanding the transient nature of sensory pleasures and the lasting fulfillment of spiritual realization, we can develop the wisdom to choose the higher over the lower.
Krishna teaches that lust arises from ignorance of our true nature as spiritual beings. Through study of scripture, reflection, and guidance from a qualified teacher, we can dispel this ignorance and weaken the hold of lust on our consciousness.
In Chapter Four, Krishna explains the importance of knowledge: “As a fire burns dry grass to ashes, so the fire of knowledge burns to ashes all reactions to material activities. In this world, there is nothing so sublime and pure as transcendental knowledge. Such knowledge is the mature fruit of all mysticism. And one who has achieved this enjoys the self within himself in due course of time.”
This knowledge is not merely intellectual but experiential, arising from direct realization of spiritual truths. By cultivating such knowledge, we naturally turn away from lust and other material desires.
Practical methods for developing knowledge and discrimination include:
- Scriptural study: Regular reading and contemplation of sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita.
- Self-inquiry: Questioning the nature of reality and the self to dispel ignorance.
- Guidance from a teacher: Learning from those who have realized the truths we seek to understand.
- Contemplation: Reflecting deeply on spiritual principles to integrate them into our consciousness.
Devotion and Surrender
Perhaps the most powerful method recommended in the Gita for controlling lust is devotion to the Divine. Krishna repeatedly emphasizes the importance of surrendering all actions and desires to Him. By cultivating love and devotion for God, the heart naturally turns away from worldly lusts and seeks fulfillment in the spiritual realm.
The path of bhakti (devotion) is described as particularly effective in the current age. Through chanting the holy names, worship, prayer, and service to the Divine, one can purify the heart and mind of lustful desires.
In Chapter Twelve, Krishna describes the qualities of a devotee: “One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady mind. One who is unaffected by whatever good or evil he may obtain, neither praising it nor despising it, is firmly fixed in perfect knowledge.”
By cultivating such devotion and surrender, we naturally transcend lust and other material desires, finding fulfillment in our relationship with the Divine.
Practical devotional practices for lust control include:
- Chanting: Reciting sacred names or mantras to purify consciousness and connect with the Divine.
- Worship: Engaging in rituals and ceremonies that honor the Divine and elevate consciousness.
- Prayer: Communicating with the Divine through heartfelt words and intentions.
- Service: Offering one’s actions and the results thereof to the Divine as an act of devotion.
The Role of Detachment in Lust Control
