Karmendriyani sanyamy ya aaste manasa smaran
Indriyarthanvimoodhatma mityacharah sa uchyate – Shrimad Bhagvad Gita (3:6)
Meaning: Only a dull-headed person outwardly controls all the senses stubbornly and inwardly, keeps thinking about the issues pertaining to the senses, which is called illusory, meaning arrogant.
Implied Meaning: This Shloka (couplet) fits today’s alleged saints and ascetics. Sporting a saffron robe, massive locks of hair and a big Tilak (sacred mark applied on the forehead), several impostors pretend to do Sadhana and they show as if they do not have any attachments and have become Jitendriyas (those who have acquired perfect control over their senses). Actually, those who outwardly act like saints without attaining sainthood bring maximum harm upon themselves. Vanquishing the senses cannot be achieved merely by taking Pravachans (discourses), wearing saffron robes, or by maintaining a distance outwardly. Till the time the senses are completely controlled, they can manifest themselves with full ferocity as different desires, or through the medium of Shadaripu (six enemies). For the complete subjugation of the senses, Manolay (dissolution of mind) is of paramount importance, mind is the cause of attachment as well as liberation and the primary workspace of the senses; hence, to control the senses, first of all Pratyahar (meaning withdrawal of mind from objects that disturb it) should be practiced. After this, one must practice, in isolation, which subjects are dominant and exercising discretion, continuous efforts must be made to win over that desire. When there are objects of indulgence but the mind gets focused on Yog (union), one must understand that control over the senses has started in real terms. The more you go against the mind, the more dissolution of the mind takes place, a seeker must behave, keeping this fundamental principle in mind; otherwise, mind and desires can never be controlled.