Restraint: Unrestraint (Samyama: Asamyama)
In Restraint: Unrestraint, the human struggle for self-realisation is visualized through a bold yellow star with five interlocked arms, representing our primary senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Beneath this star is a large yellow half-moon, symbolizing the mind—the ultimate authority that dictates how sensory information is processed. The painting vividly portrays the tension between external temptation and internal discipline, showing that while our senses act as gates to the world, it is the mind that decides whether we enter with indulgence or grace. Five black flames can be seen flickering around the star. These are not natural flames, but symbols of senses corrupted by an uncontrolled mind.
Contrasting these flames is the symbol of the turtle in blue water, a classic example of abstinence. Just as a turtle withdraws into its shell for protection, we possess the power to withdraw from harmful desire.
The inscription Samyamah khalu jivanam (restraint itself is the very essence of living), brings out the essence of this painting. With the red Sri-Vatsa representing the soul and the central eye of knowledge providing clarity, the painting suggests that true power is not found in pursuing every impulse, but in the internal strength to stay unperturbed.
This painting encourages you to consider that true freedom isn’t the ability to do anything you want, but the power to choose what is actually good for your soul.