Jainism’s Niyamasara treats self-restraint, or samyama, as the keystone of spiritual progress. Far more than a mere checklist of dos and don’ts, samyama unfolds in two complementary layers:

1. External Restraint
   • Body, Speech and Mind Under Control: Like holding the reins of a spirited horse, every thought, word and action gets gently guided to prevent harm.
   • Everyday Conduct: Abstaining from violence, theft, falsehood and sensuous excess becomes a natural expression of inner calm.

2. Internal Restraint
   • Taming the Four Passions: Anger, ego, deceit and greed are recognized as the real troublemakers. Instead of fighting them head-on, the approach is to observe these emotions, understand their pull and let them dissolve.
   • Cultivating Equanimity: By watching mental patterns without judgment, a steady serenity emerges—unshaken by praise or criticism.

This balanced check-and-balance system stops fresh karmic “deposits,” setting the stage for deeper meditation and study. In today’s smartphone-obsessed world, practicing samyama might look like a mini digital detox—pausing before posting, resisting the urge to react instantly, or simply breathing through a moment of inbox anxiety. It’s easier said than done, yet every mindful pause echoes Kundakunda’s wisdom that small restraints yield profound freedom.

Modern mindfulness apps and social-media time-limits mirror this ancient discipline, proving that self-restraint hasn’t lost its punch over two millennia. By weaving samyama into daily life—whether in traffic jams or heated Zoom calls—true liberation starts to feel within arm’s reach.