The Katha Upanishad recognizes the need for self-control. The world offers so many promises of sensual pleasure and liberation, but we have very little discipline over our desires and pleasures. If we don’t tighten the reins of our minds and use our discriminating intellect, our desires and pleasures can cause suffering for others and eventually ourselves. It only brings about imbalance. Instead, we engage in spiritual disciplines to cultivate self-control so that we drive our own chariot.