This is the control which liberates the consciousness from its attachment to the lower planes. That attachment keeps the consciousness deluded and confined to the earth; by self-control it can be liberated. Self-consciousness grows through lack of self-control. Man attaches such importance to his life that his slightest joy or sorrow becomes of worldwide importance to him, and thus he becomes a prey to every form of weakness; for it is a natural law that a single atom of depression gathers clouds of gloom, and a slight pain reflected in the consciousness grows into a mountain.