Vachanamrut Essence

Loyā-8

If a person is wise and has noticed an inappropriate swabhāv within himself, and while harbouring an intense aversion towards it, is continually endeavouring to overcome that swabhāv, then when he sees that very same swabhāv in another sādhu, he develops an aversion towards that sādhu.
A fool does not overcome his own swabhāvs, but when he sees that same swabhāv in another sādhu, he perceives flaws in that sādhu.

In youth, if one’s food intake is decreased, and if one deliberately tolerates cold, heat, rain and hunger, and by maintaining profound association with the great Sant, the force of lust is weakened.
Addictions are developed by habit but not by prārabdha. If one maintains courage, keeps shraddhā, and becomes adamant on overcoming the addiction, then it can be overcome.
For the most part, a good or bad nature is due to the company one keeps, but in some cases, it is due to past karmas.
Swabhāv:

Formed recently: can be overcome by staying in the company of a pious sādhu and by making a little effort to eradicate it.
Formed previously: can barely be overcome, even after one makes a great effort to eradicate it, even if one stays in the company of a sādhu.

Punishing the indriyas by physical austerities and contemplating on one’s ātmā.
Withdrawing the indriyas from their alluring vishays and engaging them on God instead.

If the tongue is fully subdued, then all of the other indriyas can be subdued.
If an overactive person wishes to become calm he should think, “I am the ātmā, Brahma, genderless, and stable.” If a person who is calm wishes to become more active, then he should realise the greatness of God and His devotees and performs the menial service of the devotees of God.
From the scriptures, among all of the incidents, only those incidents that match one’s own inclination should be imbibed.
One who has shraddhā in observing dharma, serving the Sant, listening to the talks of God, and has faith in the Sant progresses in Satsang.