In Viveka Chudamani, Adi Shankaracharya talks about six-fold wealth (shat-sampatti), in reference to qualifications of a spiritual aspirant. These six treasures are equally relevant in leading a meaningful life in the material world.
The first two of these six treasures are:
- shama - control of the mind
- dama - control of the sensory organs
Shama - withdrawal of the mind from external objects and steadily fixing it on a goal. Requires perfect discipline.
Dama - self-control relating to the sensory system, comprising of 10 Indriyas. These include 5 Jnanendriyas (organs of perception) and 5 Karmendriyas (organs of action). Turning away from sense objects and placing them in their respective centers when they are not meant to be used.
Swami Ranganathananda in his commentary talks about how a turbulent mind and an uncontrolled sensory system make for an unstable inner environment.
Inner stability or psychic homeostasis can be achieved through the practice of shama and dama.
In the modern world, many businesses thrive because of our lack of shama and dama. Many ideologies promote that we let go of these two treasures under the pretext of "YOLO".
If one leads a life with discipline and self-restraint, the merits accrued, impact various aspects at the individual level - good health, character, strong relationships, purpose, meaning, peace and most importantly, freedom.
As long as we don't practice shama and dama, we will continue to be enslaved by the fleeting pleasures, while businesses profit out of our compulsive behaviors.
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