Plans for Personal Purity
(PART V of "Guarding the Fort")
Just like one determines to fast on Ekadasi, planning gives determination in controlling the senses. Srila Prabhupäda says, "If you are serious, you can keep yourself pure anywhere... But you must know how to keep yourself purified. That's all", and "Krsna will help you."
Here are important elements in this regard:
HEARING AND CHANTING
Before reading any further, my own experience has been: "There is no other way, there is no other way, there is no other way" to control the raging mind and senses "than to chant the holy name", especially with the blessings of the Vaisnavas. It doesn't matter how long one has been a devotee, how many austerities we have performed, how much deity worship, fasts, etc., chanting the holy name of Krishna is the greatest protection. Hearing about Krishna in the association of devotees every day is just as important. Transcendental association is there in Prabhupada's books. By hearing from pure devotees as well as about their activities, our consciousness becomes purified, the basis of all other purification. Thus, these two processes along with the support of the Vaisnava are the most essential.
THE PATH OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE:
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop". Conversely, keeping very busy gives little time for maya. And the best, safest business is Krishna's service. All the senses can be kept satisfied in this way.
"By discharge of devotional service one feels transcendental satisfaction as the mind becomes detached from material objectives. It is something like curing a disease by expert treatment and appropriate diet. Hearing of the transcendental activities of Lord Krishna is therefore expert treatment for the mad mind, and eating the foodstuff offered to Krishna is the appropriate diet for the suffering patient. This treatment is the process of Krishna consciousness." -Bg 6.35p
"Artificially stopping a mischievous child is not the real remedy. The child must be given some better engagement so that he will automatically stop causing mischief. In the same way, the mischievous activities of the senses can be stopped only by better engagement in relation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. "--SB 3.17.13p
"This uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy of the living entity. If one neglects it or gives it a chance, it will grow more and more powerful and will become victorious. Although it is not factual, it is very strong. It covers the constitutional position of the soul. O King, please try to conquer this mind by the weapon of service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master and of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Do this with great care." - 5.11.17
ACCEPTING A BONA FIDE SPIRITUAL MASTER
"Another bona fide process is to abide strictly by the orders of the spiritual master and engage in the Lord's service. Then the mind will be automatically controlled." SB 5.11.17p
A bona fide spiritual master is essential in many ways. He gives an inspiring example by his own life; he trains his disciples in a service attitude; by following his orders the mind is controlled; (SB 5.11.17) and in direct line from Lord Krishna via disciplic succession he gives transcendental knowledge by which we can rise above the challenges. For example, we will understand that the opposite sex belongs to Krsna, and that our own bodies also belong to Krsna and are therefore meant for His service. We will see that the reason we are attracted to material energy is because it is Krsna's energy and thus by surrendering to Him we can overcome its influence (Bg 7.14). The spiritual master also teaches practically that desire cannot be stopped, but by engagement in Krishna's service it can become purified. In these ways we learn the difference between sense gratification and devotional service and begin to disentangle ourselves, encouraged by tangible results.
KNOWING THE ENEMY
To conquer an enemy we first have to know the enemy and how the enemy is situated. Bhagavad gita describes lust as the eternal enemy of the soul which covers our real knowledge; the hierarchy of the body and their functions; the nature of lust; where lust is situated in the body; how to become free from lust; the law of progression and why the mind must be controlled or it, too, becomes our greatest enemy.
Krsna says that lust can be controlled by regulating the senses. This point was touched on previously.
UNDERSTANDING THE LAW OF PROGRESSION
Bhagavad gita 2.62 describes what happens when we contemplate sense objects and develop attachment for them. The heart is like a hot bed for the seedlings of desire or thoughts that arise. Yet, thoughts can't hurt us; it's what we do with them that counts. Prabhupada wrote a helpful letter in this regard:
"Regarding your question about thinking about sex: is that also one form of illicit sex or against our four principles? Yes, even thinking sex is the same as illicit sex, but one who is not advanced cannot avoid it. But that does not disturb our regular procedure. We should strongly follow all the regulations and principles and chant and these thoughts will come and go away. Thinking will come; even saintly persons like Lord Siva are not free of thoughts that come, so what to speak of you. So we must say that such thinking is no offense because you are accustomed to this habit. But beyond thinking are feeling and willing. So even thoughts of sex connection may come—that is difficult even for saintly persons to avoid—still, in the further stages of feeling and willing we can easily conquer over this sex urge. Willing should be avoided and acting stopped, or else there is the offense of breaking this basic prohibition of illicit sex life. “Because thinking comes I shall give it practical shape”: that is nonsense, but because it is an old habit we are unable to check it unless we can understand the nature of feeling, willing and then action, and how by proper use of intelligence we can prevent thoughts which must come from maturing into actions. That is the practical application of Krishna Conscious regulative principles. Even Lord Caitanya Himself said that sometimes when 1 see a wooden form of a woman, my mind becomes agitated. But that does not mean that we should give it practical shape; that is intelligence. One must be convinced that sex; life without exception means trouble; therefore he is able to stop it at the thinking stage by not allowing it to be felt, much less willed and acted." -letter, 2/28/72
Unlawful thoughts may continue to come, therefore, but they can also go; because of the superior taste of Krsna consciousness, we will accept only what is favorable for Krsna's service and reject whatever is unfavorable. Situated in transcendental happiness on the spiritual platform of the soul, our bodily identification decreases, and proportionately our tolerance of the urges of the senses and the mind's demands increases.
"There were some waves of dissatisfaction in the mind of Jada Bharata due to his being insulted by King Rahugana, who made him carry his palanquin, but Jada Bharata neglected this, and his heart again became calm and quiet like an ocean."--SB 5.13.24
"There is one easy weapon with which the mind can be conquered—neglect. The mind is always telling us to do this or that; therefore we should be very expert in disobeying the mind's orders. Gradually the mind should be trained to obey the orders of the soul. It is not that one should obey the orders of the mind. Srila Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvati Thäkura used to say that to control the mind one should beat it with shoes many times just after awakening and again before going to sleep. In this way one can control the mind. This is the instruction of all the sästras. If one does not do so, one is doomed to follow the dictations of the mind." SB 5.11.17p
The reason the mind especially has to be dealt with in the morning and at night is because during the day we are usually occupied with our duties. It is afterwards, when we are more relaxed that the mind is certainly apt to wander, and the other problem is in the morning when we'd rather be lying in bed that the mind gives trouble. Therefore we have been given both a Krishna conscious morning and evening program for beating the mind. This should be taken advantage of, because not only is devotional service the best form of recreation and best way to remove all fatigue, it is our only weapon to conquer the crazy mind.
NO CHEATING
There are many yogis who make an outward show but contemplate sense gratification from within (BG 3.6). This may seem impossible to avoid at times, especially in the beginning, but we don't ever have to give up trying, and soon we'll notice that engaging in devotional service, especially by hearing and chanting about Krishna, brings immediate relief and superior pleasure. Otherwise, indulging in sinful thoughts is not possible to remain hidden. Reactions will always come in some form or another such as overeating, masturbation or falldowns of other sorts. Much anger and frustration also is generated as a natural part of the progression of contemplation, attachment and lust.
“One should not even think of intimate sexual relationships, nor should one daydream of acquiring a prestigious position. Otherwise, one’s determination to strictly practice Krishna consciousness will be lost... One must control the mind, senses and speech by higher intelligence so that one’s life will be successful.”--SB 11.16.43 purport
PREACHING TO THE MIND
The use of purified intelligence to stop unfavorable mental contemplation is very helpful. In his prayer, Vaisnave Ke?, Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Thakur says, "My dear mind, what kind of Vaisnava are you?" He sets an example for us how to preach to the mind. This comes about naturally, the more we continue to hear from authorized sources. A similar example is by Prabodhananda Sarasvati:
"O heart, with great longings of love, please worship the beautiful land of Vrndavana, made a glorious place of amorous pastimes by graceful limbs of wonderful youthful beauty, made eternally wonderful by a charming flutist and its ten directions filled by waves of golden splendor...."
The heart becomes filled with such Krishna conscious thought and prayer, and sincere determination to control the mind and senses becomes easy.
ASSOCIATION
Once the senses become agitated, it is very difficult to control them, so we have to become cautious about what situations we put ourselves into, what agitates our senses unnecessarily. It is especially important is to avoid unnecessary contact with the opposite sex along with bad association. Bad association generally includes things like television, the Internet, movies and even intimate connection with materialistic devotees or devotees not so fired up about devotional service.
Srimad Bhagavatam advises "Because the mind is not disturbed by that which is neither seen nor heard, the mind of a person who restricts the material senses will automatically be checked in its material activities and become pacified." -SB 11.26.23
"'Alas, for a person who is seriously desiring to cross the material ocean and engage in the transcendental loving service of the Lord without material motives, seeing a materialist engaged in sense gratification or seeing a woman who is similarly interested is more abominable than drinking poison willingly.' (CC Madhya 11.8) One who is serious about going back home, back to Godhead, should not contemplate the attractive features of women and the opulence of rich men. Such contemplation will check one's advancement in spiritual life. Once a devotee is fixed in Krishna consciousness, however, these attractions will not agitate his mind." --SB 5.2.6p/ CC Madhya 11.8
"One should avoid the association of a materialistic person even if such a person is outwardly chanting the holy names of Krishna...One may mentally offer respect to any living entity who is chanting the holy name of Krishna, but one should avoid intimate association with materialistic persons, especially those attached to sex enjoyment... by such association one will surely go to hell."-SB 11.3.23p
TONGUE CONTROL
Fasting on prescribed days and eating only prasadam is also very important. By tolerating hunger and thirst, fasting teaches us how temporary these things are. This in turn increases our tolerance whenever sex agitation arises. Also it takes more effort to talk (unless the topics are about Krsna!). Less talk means less mental agitation. Tongue control is super important, therefore, to help harness the mind.
Besides that, the tongue, belly and genitals form a straight line, so when the tongue is controlled, automatically there is belly and genital control. By fasting, gradually over time our eating can be reduced without discomfort. By avoiding overeating or overindulgence in rich or unnecessary foods, we can give up lethargy and daydreaming. Eating lightly in the evening or not at all also helps, as well as not eating too much foods that heat the body. The best food before bedtime is a cup of sweetened hot milk which ultimately acts to cool the body, nourish the brain and help one get to sleep.
"The tongue (jihvä) can be controlled if one chants the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra, does not speak of any subjects other than those concerning Krishna and does not taste anything not offered to Krishna. If one can control the tongue in this way, brahmacarya and other purifying processes will automatically follow." -SB 6.1.13-14p
GOOD HEALTH HABITS
It's amazing also how peaceful the mind can be when one's living arrangement is neat and clean, one eats right and gets enough exercise, fresh air and so on. Another important help in the matter of sense control is to keep the intelligence in good order. Intelligence works best by getting sufficient and proper rest.
"Sleep is also necessary to keep the intelligence in working order. If there is no sleep, the brain cannot work nicely." SB 3.26.30
"There is no possibility of one's becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough." Bg 6.16
Before sleeping, it is advised to empty the bladder to avoid agitation. Other very important rules are: Don't sleep past 4AM (!) Also things like take cold baths are a great help. There are good books available for much further information such as the "Brahmacarya in Krishna Consciousness", a must-read by HH Bhaktivikasa Swami (ACBSP).
ADVICE FROM JAGADANANDA PANDITA (NOI 1/Prema Vivarta)
Do no listen to talk about worldy things.
Do not talk about worldly things when you meet with others.
Do not think of the opposite sex, even in dreams.
Always remember the incident of Chota Haridasa.
Do not eat luxurious dishes.
Or dress in fine garments.
Always remain humble and serve the Lord.
FOLLOWING THE FOUR REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES
Maya has two powers, to throw and to cover, or in other words, to distract us from this path of Krsna consciousness by material allurements, and then to envelope us in ignorance and material entanglement by forgetfulness of our actual position. (Bg 3.40) Furthermore, the uncontrolled mind is always hankering or lamenting. It hankers for maya's distractions, hoping for happiness or some relief from the lamentation caused by the pain of material existence. These distractions appear in various forms of sense enjoyment such as prajalpa (including television), unecessary eating and sleeping, illicit sex, drugs.... By taking a vow to the spiritual master to give up the four pillars of maya (illicit sex, intoxication, meat eating and gambling) a devotee learns to take shelter of Krsna alone. By such austerity one becomes very sober. A sober person can tolerate the itching of sense desires and does not become bewildered by the ever changing material energy.
PATIENCE
Lusty desire is like a fever. If we patiently let it run its course, doing nothing to aggravate the condition, we will see for certain that it will pass (Bg 5.22). The desire will evaporate and then we can see it for what it really is.
This is a very important point. Astrology also shows how various planetary influences may cause agitation. Knowledge of such can increase tolerance; knowing that the modes of nature continuously change.
Besides that, we've been conditioned to identify with matter since time immemorial, so it usually takes much time to get over that. We need to be patient with ourselves and others.
"A sincere devotee who chants and hears the glories of Sri Krishna should not be discouraged by the remnants of material desires within the heart." SB 11.20.29
MANY BENEFITS
Sense control, especially celibacy, produces immense benefits. It saves one from various diseases, premature aging, unplanned pregnancies, unnecessary expenditures and the endeavor to pay for them. Thus it saves time, and the sexual energy transforms into great power for spiritual advancement. It gives good intelligence, memory, concentration, determination and a healthy glow to the body.
THE TEST OF SUCCESS
"The highest pleasure in terms of matter is sex pleasure. The whole world is moving under its spell, and a materialist cannot work at all without this motivation. But a person engaged in Krsna consciousness can work with greater vigor without sex pleasure, which he avoids. That is the test in spiritual realization. Spiritual realization and sex pleasure go ill together. A Krsna conscious person is not attracted to any kind of sense pleasure due to his being a liberated soul." Bg 5.21p
AFTER THE STAGE OF LIBERATION
Coming to the platform of goodness, freedom from sex desire or the bodily conditioning is just the beginning of a whole new world and spiritual pleasure. It means entrance into the loving service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His eternal associates. In this regard, Srila Jiva Gosvämi has quoted several verses that very nicely show the development of love for Godhead. For example...
"May the merciful Lord show mercy on me by demonstrating the misery created by sinful desires...Unintelligent persons have unflinching affection for the objects of sense gratification. Similarly, may I always remember You, so that that same attachment, applied to You, never leaves my heart...As the minds of young girls take pleasure in thinking of a young boy and those of young boys take pleasure in thinking of a young girl, may my mind take pleasure in You...Whatever attraction I have for pious or sinful activities, let that attraction be wholeheartedly invested in You." SB 11.2.36p
(PART V of "Guarding the Fort")
Just like one determines to fast on Ekadasi, planning gives determination in controlling the senses. Srila Prabhupäda says, "If you are serious, you can keep yourself pure anywhere... But you must know how to keep yourself purified. That's all", and "Krsna will help you."
Here are important elements in this regard:
HEARING AND CHANTING
Before reading any further, my own experience has been: "There is no other way, there is no other way, there is no other way" to control the raging mind and senses "than to chant the holy name", especially with the blessings of the Vaisnavas. It doesn't matter how long one has been a devotee, how many austerities we have performed, how much deity worship, fasts, etc., chanting the holy name of Krishna is the greatest protection. Hearing about Krishna in the association of devotees every day is just as important. Transcendental association is there in Prabhupada's books. By hearing from pure devotees as well as about their activities, our consciousness becomes purified, the basis of all other purification. Thus, these two processes along with the support of the Vaisnava are the most essential.
THE PATH OF DEVOTIONAL SERVICE:
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop". Conversely, keeping very busy gives little time for maya. And the best, safest business is Krishna's service. All the senses can be kept satisfied in this way.
"By discharge of devotional service one feels transcendental satisfaction as the mind becomes detached from material objectives. It is something like curing a disease by expert treatment and appropriate diet. Hearing of the transcendental activities of Lord Krishna is therefore expert treatment for the mad mind, and eating the foodstuff offered to Krishna is the appropriate diet for the suffering patient. This treatment is the process of Krishna consciousness." -Bg 6.35p
"Artificially stopping a mischievous child is not the real remedy. The child must be given some better engagement so that he will automatically stop causing mischief. In the same way, the mischievous activities of the senses can be stopped only by better engagement in relation with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. "--SB 3.17.13p
"This uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy of the living entity. If one neglects it or gives it a chance, it will grow more and more powerful and will become victorious. Although it is not factual, it is very strong. It covers the constitutional position of the soul. O King, please try to conquer this mind by the weapon of service to the lotus feet of the spiritual master and of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Do this with great care." - 5.11.17
ACCEPTING A BONA FIDE SPIRITUAL MASTER
"Another bona fide process is to abide strictly by the orders of the spiritual master and engage in the Lord's service. Then the mind will be automatically controlled." SB 5.11.17p
A bona fide spiritual master is essential in many ways. He gives an inspiring example by his own life; he trains his disciples in a service attitude; by following his orders the mind is controlled; (SB 5.11.17) and in direct line from Lord Krishna via disciplic succession he gives transcendental knowledge by which we can rise above the challenges. For example, we will understand that the opposite sex belongs to Krsna, and that our own bodies also belong to Krsna and are therefore meant for His service. We will see that the reason we are attracted to material energy is because it is Krsna's energy and thus by surrendering to Him we can overcome its influence (Bg 7.14). The spiritual master also teaches practically that desire cannot be stopped, but by engagement in Krishna's service it can become purified. In these ways we learn the difference between sense gratification and devotional service and begin to disentangle ourselves, encouraged by tangible results.
KNOWING THE ENEMY
To conquer an enemy we first have to know the enemy and how the enemy is situated. Bhagavad gita describes lust as the eternal enemy of the soul which covers our real knowledge; the hierarchy of the body and their functions; the nature of lust; where lust is situated in the body; how to become free from lust; the law of progression and why the mind must be controlled or it, too, becomes our greatest enemy.
Krsna says that lust can be controlled by regulating the senses. This point was touched on previously.
UNDERSTANDING THE LAW OF PROGRESSION
Bhagavad gita 2.62 describes what happens when we contemplate sense objects and develop attachment for them. The heart is like a hot bed for the seedlings of desire or thoughts that arise. Yet, thoughts can't hurt us; it's what we do with them that counts. Prabhupada wrote a helpful letter in this regard:
"Regarding your question about thinking about sex: is that also one form of illicit sex or against our four principles? Yes, even thinking sex is the same as illicit sex, but one who is not advanced cannot avoid it. But that does not disturb our regular procedure. We should strongly follow all the regulations and principles and chant and these thoughts will come and go away. Thinking will come; even saintly persons like Lord Siva are not free of thoughts that come, so what to speak of you. So we must say that such thinking is no offense because you are accustomed to this habit. But beyond thinking are feeling and willing. So even thoughts of sex connection may come—that is difficult even for saintly persons to avoid—still, in the further stages of feeling and willing we can easily conquer over this sex urge. Willing should be avoided and acting stopped, or else there is the offense of breaking this basic prohibition of illicit sex life. “Because thinking comes I shall give it practical shape”: that is nonsense, but because it is an old habit we are unable to check it unless we can understand the nature of feeling, willing and then action, and how by proper use of intelligence we can prevent thoughts which must come from maturing into actions. That is the practical application of Krishna Conscious regulative principles. Even Lord Caitanya Himself said that sometimes when 1 see a wooden form of a woman, my mind becomes agitated. But that does not mean that we should give it practical shape; that is intelligence. One must be convinced that sex; life without exception means trouble; therefore he is able to stop it at the thinking stage by not allowing it to be felt, much less willed and acted." -letter, 2/28/72
Unlawful thoughts may continue to come, therefore, but they can also go; because of the superior taste of Krsna consciousness, we will accept only what is favorable for Krsna's service and reject whatever is unfavorable. Situated in transcendental happiness on the spiritual platform of the soul, our bodily identification decreases, and proportionately our tolerance of the urges of the senses and the mind's demands increases.
"There were some waves of dissatisfaction in the mind of Jada Bharata due to his being insulted by King Rahugana, who made him carry his palanquin, but Jada Bharata neglected this, and his heart again became calm and quiet like an ocean."--SB 5.13.24
"There is one easy weapon with which the mind can be conquered—neglect. The mind is always telling us to do this or that; therefore we should be very expert in disobeying the mind's orders. Gradually the mind should be trained to obey the orders of the soul. It is not that one should obey the orders of the mind. Srila Bhaktisiddhänta Sarasvati Thäkura used to say that to control the mind one should beat it with shoes many times just after awakening and again before going to sleep. In this way one can control the mind. This is the instruction of all the sästras. If one does not do so, one is doomed to follow the dictations of the mind." SB 5.11.17p
The reason the mind especially has to be dealt with in the morning and at night is because during the day we are usually occupied with our duties. It is afterwards, when we are more relaxed that the mind is certainly apt to wander, and the other problem is in the morning when we'd rather be lying in bed that the mind gives trouble. Therefore we have been given both a Krishna conscious morning and evening program for beating the mind. This should be taken advantage of, because not only is devotional service the best form of recreation and best way to remove all fatigue, it is our only weapon to conquer the crazy mind.
NO CHEATING
There are many yogis who make an outward show but contemplate sense gratification from within (BG 3.6). This may seem impossible to avoid at times, especially in the beginning, but we don't ever have to give up trying, and soon we'll notice that engaging in devotional service, especially by hearing and chanting about Krishna, brings immediate relief and superior pleasure. Otherwise, indulging in sinful thoughts is not possible to remain hidden. Reactions will always come in some form or another such as overeating, masturbation or falldowns of other sorts. Much anger and frustration also is generated as a natural part of the progression of contemplation, attachment and lust.
“One should not even think of intimate sexual relationships, nor should one daydream of acquiring a prestigious position. Otherwise, one’s determination to strictly practice Krishna consciousness will be lost... One must control the mind, senses and speech by higher intelligence so that one’s life will be successful.”--SB 11.16.43 purport
PREACHING TO THE MIND
The use of purified intelligence to stop unfavorable mental contemplation is very helpful. In his prayer, Vaisnave Ke?, Bhaktisiddanta Sarasvati Thakur says, "My dear mind, what kind of Vaisnava are you?" He sets an example for us how to preach to the mind. This comes about naturally, the more we continue to hear from authorized sources. A similar example is by Prabodhananda Sarasvati:
"O heart, with great longings of love, please worship the beautiful land of Vrndavana, made a glorious place of amorous pastimes by graceful limbs of wonderful youthful beauty, made eternally wonderful by a charming flutist and its ten directions filled by waves of golden splendor...."
The heart becomes filled with such Krishna conscious thought and prayer, and sincere determination to control the mind and senses becomes easy.
ASSOCIATION
Once the senses become agitated, it is very difficult to control them, so we have to become cautious about what situations we put ourselves into, what agitates our senses unnecessarily. It is especially important is to avoid unnecessary contact with the opposite sex along with bad association. Bad association generally includes things like television, the Internet, movies and even intimate connection with materialistic devotees or devotees not so fired up about devotional service.
Srimad Bhagavatam advises "Because the mind is not disturbed by that which is neither seen nor heard, the mind of a person who restricts the material senses will automatically be checked in its material activities and become pacified." -SB 11.26.23
"'Alas, for a person who is seriously desiring to cross the material ocean and engage in the transcendental loving service of the Lord without material motives, seeing a materialist engaged in sense gratification or seeing a woman who is similarly interested is more abominable than drinking poison willingly.' (CC Madhya 11.8) One who is serious about going back home, back to Godhead, should not contemplate the attractive features of women and the opulence of rich men. Such contemplation will check one's advancement in spiritual life. Once a devotee is fixed in Krishna consciousness, however, these attractions will not agitate his mind." --SB 5.2.6p/ CC Madhya 11.8
"One should avoid the association of a materialistic person even if such a person is outwardly chanting the holy names of Krishna...One may mentally offer respect to any living entity who is chanting the holy name of Krishna, but one should avoid intimate association with materialistic persons, especially those attached to sex enjoyment... by such association one will surely go to hell."-SB 11.3.23p
TONGUE CONTROL
Fasting on prescribed days and eating only prasadam is also very important. By tolerating hunger and thirst, fasting teaches us how temporary these things are. This in turn increases our tolerance whenever sex agitation arises. Also it takes more effort to talk (unless the topics are about Krsna!). Less talk means less mental agitation. Tongue control is super important, therefore, to help harness the mind.
Besides that, the tongue, belly and genitals form a straight line, so when the tongue is controlled, automatically there is belly and genital control. By fasting, gradually over time our eating can be reduced without discomfort. By avoiding overeating or overindulgence in rich or unnecessary foods, we can give up lethargy and daydreaming. Eating lightly in the evening or not at all also helps, as well as not eating too much foods that heat the body. The best food before bedtime is a cup of sweetened hot milk which ultimately acts to cool the body, nourish the brain and help one get to sleep.
"The tongue (jihvä) can be controlled if one chants the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra, does not speak of any subjects other than those concerning Krishna and does not taste anything not offered to Krishna. If one can control the tongue in this way, brahmacarya and other purifying processes will automatically follow." -SB 6.1.13-14p
GOOD HEALTH HABITS
It's amazing also how peaceful the mind can be when one's living arrangement is neat and clean, one eats right and gets enough exercise, fresh air and so on. Another important help in the matter of sense control is to keep the intelligence in good order. Intelligence works best by getting sufficient and proper rest.
"Sleep is also necessary to keep the intelligence in working order. If there is no sleep, the brain cannot work nicely." SB 3.26.30
"There is no possibility of one's becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough." Bg 6.16
Before sleeping, it is advised to empty the bladder to avoid agitation. Other very important rules are: Don't sleep past 4AM (!) Also things like take cold baths are a great help. There are good books available for much further information such as the "Brahmacarya in Krishna Consciousness", a must-read by HH Bhaktivikasa Swami (ACBSP).
ADVICE FROM JAGADANANDA PANDITA (NOI 1/Prema Vivarta)
Do no listen to talk about worldy things.
Do not talk about worldly things when you meet with others.
Do not think of the opposite sex, even in dreams.
Always remember the incident of Chota Haridasa.
Do not eat luxurious dishes.
Or dress in fine garments.
Always remain humble and serve the Lord.
FOLLOWING THE FOUR REGULATIVE PRINCIPLES
Maya has two powers, to throw and to cover, or in other words, to distract us from this path of Krsna consciousness by material allurements, and then to envelope us in ignorance and material entanglement by forgetfulness of our actual position. (Bg 3.40) Furthermore, the uncontrolled mind is always hankering or lamenting. It hankers for maya's distractions, hoping for happiness or some relief from the lamentation caused by the pain of material existence. These distractions appear in various forms of sense enjoyment such as prajalpa (including television), unecessary eating and sleeping, illicit sex, drugs.... By taking a vow to the spiritual master to give up the four pillars of maya (illicit sex, intoxication, meat eating and gambling) a devotee learns to take shelter of Krsna alone. By such austerity one becomes very sober. A sober person can tolerate the itching of sense desires and does not become bewildered by the ever changing material energy.
PATIENCE
Lusty desire is like a fever. If we patiently let it run its course, doing nothing to aggravate the condition, we will see for certain that it will pass (Bg 5.22). The desire will evaporate and then we can see it for what it really is.
This is a very important point. Astrology also shows how various planetary influences may cause agitation. Knowledge of such can increase tolerance; knowing that the modes of nature continuously change.
Besides that, we've been conditioned to identify with matter since time immemorial, so it usually takes much time to get over that. We need to be patient with ourselves and others.
"A sincere devotee who chants and hears the glories of Sri Krishna should not be discouraged by the remnants of material desires within the heart." SB 11.20.29
MANY BENEFITS
Sense control, especially celibacy, produces immense benefits. It saves one from various diseases, premature aging, unplanned pregnancies, unnecessary expenditures and the endeavor to pay for them. Thus it saves time, and the sexual energy transforms into great power for spiritual advancement. It gives good intelligence, memory, concentration, determination and a healthy glow to the body.
THE TEST OF SUCCESS
"The highest pleasure in terms of matter is sex pleasure. The whole world is moving under its spell, and a materialist cannot work at all without this motivation. But a person engaged in Krsna consciousness can work with greater vigor without sex pleasure, which he avoids. That is the test in spiritual realization. Spiritual realization and sex pleasure go ill together. A Krsna conscious person is not attracted to any kind of sense pleasure due to his being a liberated soul." Bg 5.21p
AFTER THE STAGE OF LIBERATION
Coming to the platform of goodness, freedom from sex desire or the bodily conditioning is just the beginning of a whole new world and spiritual pleasure. It means entrance into the loving service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and His eternal associates. In this regard, Srila Jiva Gosvämi has quoted several verses that very nicely show the development of love for Godhead. For example...
"May the merciful Lord show mercy on me by demonstrating the misery created by sinful desires...Unintelligent persons have unflinching affection for the objects of sense gratification. Similarly, may I always remember You, so that that same attachment, applied to You, never leaves my heart...As the minds of young girls take pleasure in thinking of a young boy and those of young boys take pleasure in thinking of a young girl, may my mind take pleasure in You...Whatever attraction I have for pious or sinful activities, let that attraction be wholeheartedly invested in You." SB 11.2.36p
