Soham meditation cannot be conducted properly unless mind
and organs are properly reined in. Many superfluous thoughts distract us as we
try to meditate on Soham (I am that – Brahman). Instead of experiencing Pure Bliss,
the mind keeps wandering in meditation. Some old, long-forgotten topics manifest
themselves ironically when we try to meditate.
Many internal conflicts and dualistic thoughts arise as we strive to
establish focus. Soham practice starts only after Shama-Dama are deeply
ingrained. Internal conflicts are resolved only when subconscious desires (Vāsanā,
वासना) are eradicated. We
should convince the mind of the counter-productive nature of desires. As the
mind gets released from subconscious desires (Vāsanā), it gets ready for the realization
of ‘Pure Bliss of Ātman’.
Monday, February 13, 2017
Monday, February 6, 2017
Shamadishatak - Dama (Control of the organs) - 2
Dama can be practiced only if sense and action organs are
under complete control of the intellect. The major difference between Shama and
Dama lies here. The mind craves especially for prohibited actions such as eating
junk food, sleeping late or indulging in sense pleasures. Even though there is
a strong desire to act in such manner, we remain indecisive about whether to execute
that action.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Shamadishatak - Dama (Control of the organs) - 1
Dama (दम, Control of Organs)
Dama is the second virtue after Shama. Controlling the sense
and the action organs (Karmeñdriya-Jñāneñdriya, कर्मेंद्रिय-ज्ञानेंद्रिय) is called as Dama. Both Shama and
Dama are highly inter-dependent. But they need to be studied separately. Patience, restraint and self-control are
various forms of of Dama. Even when we are desperate to do something, waiting
for some time to do it is Dama. Controlling the mind is Shama, while
controlling the organs is Dama.