The Bhagavad-Gita 3.33 brings up an interesting reflection: “Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature, for everyone follows his nature. What can repression accomplish?”

Much could be discussed about the role of repression in spiritual life. On the one hand, one has to live a regulated life and avoid actions and habits that are harmful to himself and others. One should not at very least avoid using drugs, sleeping with other’s wives, lying, stealing, and so on. In this sense, a certain dose of repression is essential not only in spiritual life but for civilized life in general. When everyone is encouraged to be “free” and follow every whim of their minds and senses, chaos issues.

Especially when one is starting in the spiritual practice, some repression is necessary, because at this stage he is still not in a spiritual platform and he has to change his habits in order to follow the spiritual process. However, as Krsna points out in this verse, repression is not a good solution in the long term. Repression is just like holding our breath. One can hold his breath for a minute or two, but one can’t hold his breath forever. The idea is that one may hold his breath for a few seconds when he is passing through an underwater passage for example, but he is expected to breathe again as soon as he reaches the other side. Only a fool will expect to be able to hold his breath indefinitely.

Similarly, repression is necessary at a certain point in spiritual life, but it needs to be used as a means to progress to a spiritual (or at least sattvic) platform, from where one can follow the precepts of spiritual life without having to battle his mind at every step. Repression as a lifestyle can lead to many negative consequences, including depression, mental issues, critical attitude, and so on. Prolonged repression makes one’s spiritual life dry, and hardens the heart. A steel-framed heart is not a good place to cultivate genuine devotion.

Two things that are essential to reach a level of spiritual practice where one can follow the spiritual precepts without the need for dry repression are association with advanced devotees and to be engaged according to one’s nature. These are of course two topics that are emphasized in the Bhagavad-Gita.