Self-Mastery

Out of all things the things one can accomplish in their lives, self-mastery is probably one of the most difficult.

As the Buddha said in the Dhammpada:

185. Not despising, not harming, restraint according to the code of monastic discipline, moderation in food, dwelling in solitude, devotion to meditation — this is the teaching of the Buddhas.

Translation by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Plain and simple, Buddhism is about restraint, non-violence, and devotion to the training. This can come in many forms, but if it leads to moderation, dignity, self-mastery, and goodwill towards others, this is in accord with the Buddha’s teachings.

Recently, we had a holiday work party at a local Brazilian steakhouse. I have never been to one before but it had many finely cuts meats, and they were served in large quantities over and over.

I am not vegetarian yet (work in progress), but I have been gradually reducing my meat consumption since early 2025. I definitely do not eat steaks and sausages very much. But everyone else was consuming in large quantities. I had a few samples and soon quit because I knew I couldn’t digest so much meat (it was kind of gross). I am really glad I did because although I missed out on some good food, I saved myself from indigestion, nausea and “meat sweats”.

Indeed the Buddha famous said:

186-187. There is no satisfying sensual desires, even with the rain of gold coins. For sensual pleasures give little satisfaction and much pain. Having understood this, the wise man finds no delight even in heavenly pleasures. The disciple of the Supreme Buddha delights in the destruction of craving.

Translation by Acharya Buddharakkhita

Indulging in a ton of food seems like a refuge for us, it makes us happy, but it is not a reliable one. Overindulgence leads to future health problems and misery.

As the Buddha warns through the sutras, there is no safe, reliable refuge. We still dwell in the “burning house” of the Lotus Sutra: death, old age, and disease are things we have to face, amusing ourselves with our toys, but the house burns around us nonetheless.

If you are a high-rolling CEO or a pleb, it is the same problem, just a different scale.

But the Buddha by his accomplishments and his awakening, and thus letting go, has reached safety:

I have already left the
burning house of the triple world.¹
I am tranquil and peaceful
In a bower in a forest.

translation by Rev. Senchu Murano, chapter three of the Lotus Sutra

Hence, the Buddha (like all buddhas) seeks to lead people out of the burning house too, to the safety of the forest.

The first step in the Buddhist path (i.e. leaving the burning house) is, in my opinion (among others), taking the small steps toward moderation and self-restraint. Such things pay dividends in the short-term through having fewer hassles, a balanced personal budget, and provide mental well-being both through increased self-confidence and also fewer regrets.

In the long-term it provides far more.

Namu Shakamuni Butsu

¹ This is a Buddhist term that shows up in the sutras a lot. It just means the cosmos, the Universe, the “Whole Enchilada“, etc.