Self Control (इंद्रिय निग्रह) at the Nightclub

September 23, 2012

The theme of इंद्रियनिग्रह or self control is emphasized repeatedly in the Bhagavad Geeta. Śrī Kṛṣṇa highlights the absolute necessity of self control as a preparatory step to wisdom and self realization. He also warns us of the dangers of the lack of self control as in Geeta 2-67:

इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते |
तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि ||२-६७||
indriyaaNaaM hi charataaM yanmano.anuvidhiiyate .
tadasya harati praGYaaM vaayurnaavamivaambhasi .. 2-67..
For, the mind, which follows in the wake of the wandering senses, carries away his discrimination, as the wind carries away a boat on the waters.

So, it was interesting to read Mark Baker's interview in Saturday's Today newspaper in Singapore. Mark Baker is the owner of the Mansion nightclub and is considered to be the Godfather of New York city nightlife. You should really check out www.m2ultralounge.com to see what that means. This is what Mark Baker had to say:

"You're in an environment with alcohol and everything imaginable that can cause you problems. The key to success is to remember that while it's all fun and games, it's your office," he said.

"You cannot get messed up at work, however tempting it is. You must have the most insane amount of self-control to just enjoy, be social, yet avoid overdoing it."

If an "insane amount of self control" is required to run night clubs, how much more essential must it be for realizing the Supreme Truth?

Hari Om and Namaskaar until the next post

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