Irrigators direct the water, arrow-makers bend the arrow; Carpenters shape the wood, And the wise tame themselves.
-- DhammaPada Verse 80
Related Teachings:
The Untamed Mind (AN 1.31 - 40) - In these short teachings, the Buddha is contrasting the potential benefits the mind can lead to when properly trained and cultivated with the potential harm it can lead to when left on its own.
Gradual Training, Gradual Practice, and Gradual Progress (MN 107) - The gradual training guideline teaching of the Buddha is how a student starting out in the teachings of the Buddha should gradually practice in to see gradual progress.
Gradual training and gradual progress: The Habit Curve - Linking the gradual training guidelines with science of habit formation.
