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Originally Posted by Altair
The people who are truly serious about reaching enlightenment aren't interested in any of the indulgences whatsoever, and to any 'lesser' practitioner it is worthwhile to consider giving up indulgences as well. For instance, non-violence is the 1st principle of the yoga system, and meat eating (killing animals, destroying forests, consuming the fear and dread of animals) as well as drinking (worsening one's health and awareness) are violent activities, to others and to self. As for sex, unless it's with a compatible partner that one loves, it's just going to be a literal felt drain of spiritual energy. This is a choice between love and selfish pleasure gratification.
To me it doesn't strike me as ''self control'' - but rather about compassion..
I'm familiar with this view.. it is a common view that younger people are to fulfil duties and family life whereas the retired person (usually a male) can renounce duties and indulgences and aim for spiritual growth. I disagree a lot with this view, as it entirely depends on the individual and what they seek in life.
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Compassion is the better way to look at it, I suppose. But I disagree with the notion that one MUST forcefully denounce all sort of indulgences for "enlightenment" to follow. I see it as the other way around -- you lose interest in ceaselessly indulging as a result of your spiritual growth. With this, spirituality and living and thriving in the material world can go hand in hand together. But yes, I agree that it depends entirely on the individual.