Acharya Mahaprajna
Life is related directly to the body and indirectly to a number of causes and factors of mind. Self-restraint is the most important principle laid down by Bhagvan Mahavira. According to Mahavira's point of view, our style of living with self-restraint is the foremost. There are a number of principles that emphasise equanimity, equilibrium, etc. These are all related to self-restraint. All individuals desire to have a sense of equanimity, equilibrium etc. But unless one attains the stage of self-restraint, there can be neither subsidence nor equanimity. Usually, the term self-restraint is taken in a very limited sense. We shall have to understand it in its broader sense. It is believed that undertaking a particular type of a vow means self-restraint. According to Patanjali, self-restraint means the combination of dharana (retention), dhyana (concentration)and samadhi (attainment of bliss), Ekatva yoga of these three. Mere dharana, dhyanaor samadhi without any content does not mean self-restraint. In the modern context, the principle of self-restraint as propounded by Mahavira means the brain control. Without taking into account the innumerable segments of the brain and their relations, it is not possible to attain the stage of equanimity, subsidence and equilibrium. Emotional brain forms one part of the brain. It is related with one's emotions. Subsidence, victory over kashyas, etc. are possible only when the emotional brain is under control.
