First we must desire only the best for ourselves, and then we must put on an armor of protection and be invincible.
Self-indulgence is one of the evils of life, and one that often goes unrecognized. We desire some particular thing whether or not it is good for us. Instinctively we know that it is not good for us, so do we leave it alone? No, we do not -- we allow ourselves to indulge in it. It may be some particular food of which we are fond but we know is not good for us. Perhaps, for example, we are fond of chocolate in any form, but it often gives us trouble. Does this lesson sink in and stay our hand when we next encounter the temptation? No, we somehow feel that circumstances may be a bit different the next time, and so we try again and so on.
We always pay for our folly, but we still go on and repeat the silly performance over and over again, expecting somehow that we may change, or, rather, not really caring as long as we can indulge in this one particular desire.
What happens [is that] each time makes it easier to be self-indulgent for we do not really want to be free from the affliction or we would exert greater caution when tempted -- greater power of mind over the matter that causes the desire to rear itself. Then we would substitute that with another one that we know would be beneficial and would leave us feeling well, not ill.
First we must desire only the best for ourselves, and then we must put on an armor of protection and be invincible. Do not give in. Be strong and know it is all for your own best interests. Once you do this, the next time becomes easy until at last it becomes a natural thing to do. You realize then what a weakling you were to give in and then suffer the consequences.
Push all this inconsequential desire aside and realize you and you alone know what you can take without untoward result and eliminate all that which only indulges the self, but is not necessary to the body for good health.
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