The self is the lord of the self, the self is the destiny of the self; therefore, control yourself as the merchant controls a fine horse.

Attā hi attano nātho attā hi attano gati — the self is lord and destiny of the self: gati is destiny, direction, course. We are not only our own refuge but also our own destiny. The future course of life is determined by our own present actions.

Tasmā saṃyamayattānaṃ — therefore, control yourself: saṃyama is control, discipline, restraint. If the self is lord and destiny of itself, self-discipline is the only rational strategy.

Assaṃ bhadraṃva vāṇijo — as the merchant controls a fine horse: the vāṇija (merchant) who travels with a fine horse guides it with firmness and care — not with brutality but with skill. The horse is valuable and powerful; mistreating it destroys a precious resource.

The self, like the fine horse, does not need to be destroyed or repressed but directed with skill toward beneficial ends. Buddhist self-discipline is not repression but intelligent direction of energies.