Shama & Dama — From a Slave to the Master

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Shama & Dama — From a Slave to the Master


Who is really in control of my life—ME, my mind, or my senses?

I like to believe I am in control.  After all, I make my own decisions.  But then, why does one unpleasant memory ruin my perfectly good mood? Why do I reach for my phone without even thinking? Why does my mind say "just one more" when I know I've had enough?

Perhaps I am not as much in control as I think I am!

And this is exactly where Vedanta introduces two powerful disciplines. 

Sama — Calmness of Mind 

I try sitting quietly for just five minutes and observing my thoughts. It's amazing how randomly they appear!  One moment, I am smiling at a beautiful memory of a childhood friend.  The next moment, I am agitated by the memory of someone who betrayed my trust.  Nothing around me has changed, yet my entire state of mind has shifted!

Why? Because I have allowed my mind to become the master, while I have become its slave.

In Bhagavad Gita 6.26, Krishna teaches that whenever the restless mind wanders, gently bring it back under the guidance of the Self.

So, when a painful memory enters my mind, instead of feeding it with anger, I can consciously redirect my attention toward something positive.

I may not control every thought that enters my mind, but I can choose which thoughts I continue to entertain.

Dama — Control of the senses.  Managing My Endless "I WANT!"

My senses seem to have one favorite phrase: "I WANT!"
My eyes want to scroll through social media. My tongue wants that extra serving of something delicious.  My ears want to hear the latest gossip!

In Bhagavad Gita 2.58, Krishna compares the disciplined senses to a tortoise withdrawing its limbs into its shell.  The tortoise doesn't destroy its limbs. It simply knows when to withdraw them.

Similarly, Dama is not about denying myself life's pleasures. It is about not becoming a slave to them.  Interestingly, I have practiced Dama many times without realizing it!  When I gave up a fun trip with friends to chaperone my child's school trip, I practiced Dama.  When I gave up personal pleasures to complete an important project at work, I practioced Dama.

When I have a meaningful goal, discipline comes naturally. But why not make that discipline a daily habit?

Sama and Dama — They work together by helping eachother.

In Bhagavad Gita 3.34, Krishna explains that attraction and aversion naturally arise, but we should not allow them to control us.
As my mind becomes calmer through Sama, my senses become easier to discipline through Dama.

I may lose interest in gossip because it disturbs my peace. I may become more mindful of what I eat, watch, and listen to.  And as I discipline my senses, my mind becomes calmer.

Sama strengthens Dama, and Dama strengthens Sama.

My Takeaway
I don't need to retreat to the Himalayas to practice these teachings!
Every time I redirect an agitating thought, I practice Sama.
Every time I consciously resist an unnecessary sensory temptation, I practice Dama.
One thought, one choice, one small victory at a time.

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