Bhagavadgita- Stithaprajna 3- Niraahaari:

Stithaprajna is supposed to have full control on his or her senses.  The human beings have 5 senses which are like extensions and they grasp all external stimuli. These stimuli in turn reach the mind and create disturbances. For a seeker of yoga who can forcibly control these senses, there will be a temporary abstinence. They will come to life when this practice of yoga takes a break. For example, a blind man may not fall for a beautiful object that comes across. It does not mean that that person has control of senses. Lord Krishna says that a man of steady state of wisdom is he who has the capacity to fold back the senses from all the fields of activity. This practice is called Pratyaahara in yoga. But for a devoted individual this is relatively easy because of his or her devotion towards his God or Guru. For a Jnani also this comes naturally through self- analysis. So for an ordinary student of spirituality this might be difficult that’s why Lord Krishna talks about a solution in the next verse.

Vishyaa Vinivartante niraaharasya dehinah !

Rasa-varjam rasopyasya param drishtva nivartate!!

The objects of the senses turn away from the abstinent man leaving the longing behind; but his longing also turns away on seeing the Supreme.

Even though sense objects may temporarily seem to turn away from one who is abstinent, the deep taste for these objects is ingrained in the mind. These impressions are very difficult to get rid of and erase. The turbulent senses do violently carry away the mind of a wise man though he is striving to control them. The Lord assures that these impressions can be erased if the seeker transcends the ego and experiences the Self.

The above verse talks about the word “Niraahrasya” and this is very important to understand. This will empower us to control the senses and shows the way to regain control on the senses.

We call some one who does fasting as "Niraahaari". Lord Krishna used this term in relation to all the senses in our body. If we do not eat food we are only working on the tongue. But the interest on food does not spare us. All the senses grasp outward objects in their own way. So having control on all senses is essential to be called as "Niraahaari".

Controlling the senses is one of the four Sadhanas in the spiritual path. Samadamaadi shatsampatti along with Nitya anitya vastu viveka, dispassion and Mumukshta are important pieces of the puzzle. every one of them are equally important. But with out controlling the senses it gets harder to walk the path. 

Sama is to possess mental restraint towards sensory objects.

Dama is to forcibly restrain the body and the senses from seeking sensory enjoyment.

Titiksha is forbearance. It is to bear with equanimity all that is happening one as a result of prarabhda karma.

Uparati is the withdrawal of the senses so that one does not fall into the maya of considering objects, children, relatives and friends as true.

Sraddha is the faith and devotion to one's guru.

Samadhana is to look at happiness or misery with an equal eye.

If we understand these principles and practice them, then it becomes easier to gain control on the senses. Let us look at some practical tips to gain this control. These tips are good for everyone but mainly for the people in the spiritual world.

Practical tips to be NIRAAHAARI.

To have any experience we need three things. 

First is the availability of a sense object: This world is full of sense objects which will give us sensory pleasures. We are in constant pursuit of these sensory objects. They could be objects, people, conditions and other pleasures. 

Next comes the sense organs: We need the these sense organs to respond to the objects in this world. When we are young these are at their peak, but as we get older our sensory organs does not always cooperate with the objects out side.Then the real misery follows. Still we do not want to leave these objects and we want to enjoy these through our loved ones. Then we will start saying "We could not enjoy when we are young but our children should not suffer". We push ourselves to work hard so that we can attain all these objects.

The last piece is the mind: This is the most important of all as it controls the whole deal of this ordeal. Even if both the above conditions are met, we may not be happy because the mind may refuse to cooperate. When we are in bad mood or sorrow, we prefer not to enjoy these pleasures. 

We can enjoy by rejecting these objects or by offering to God. 

Sometimes we can derive utmost happiness by just hearing good news about our loved ones. Parents hear that their son who lives abroad, bought a house or car or got a great job and their happiness is without limits. Even though this son never gave any thing to these parents. He just enjoys his wealth. Here even we are not attaining these objects still we are able to derive happiness. We have to use this character in loving God and to be righteous. We have to adopt good qualities and stay away from bad qualities.    

If we can start enjoying like the parent described above in every aspect of life and have the same feeling towards everyone in this world, then this person is seen as Stithaprajna. 

We have to thrive to get to this state then all other sensory objects can not attract us. Our goal is to reach to that higher level of pleasure which is beyond sensory objects, sense organs and mind. Once the mind starts enjoying this ultimate pleasure, it is difficult for the mind to run away from this eternal happiness. 

OM SRI SAI RAM!