Thus, central to the religious life is self-control. More relevant passages are gathered under the topics Restraint, pp. 917-21, and Subdue Desires, pp. Irrigators lead the waters. Fletchers bend the shafts.
Carpenters bend wood.
The virtuous control themselves. With the conquest of my mind, I have conquered the whole world. Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life 4.40, p. 744. Though one should conquer a million men on the battlefield, yet he, indeed, is the noblest victor who has conquered himself. Though a man should conquer thousands and thousands of valiant foes, greater will be his victory if he conquers nobody but himself.