Shatka-Sampatti - The Sixfold Wealth of Inner Discipline
- Daniel McKenzie
- Sep 12
- 2 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Vedanta requires a mind that is subtle, steady, and prepared to receive Self-knowledge. Shankara describes this preparation as the sadhana-catushtaya (fourfold qualifications), one of which is the shatka-sampatti (ṣaṭka-sampatti) — the sixfold wealth. These six disciplines polish the mind so that it can hold, reflect, and assimilate the teaching.
The six are:
Shama — mastery of the mind. The ability to quieten its constant wandering and bring it back to the Self.
Dama — restraint of the senses. Not repression, but intelligent governance so the senses serve inquiry rather than scatter attention.
Uparati — withdrawal. A natural turning away from distractions and compulsive activity, dwelling instead in one’s duty and pursuit of truth.
Titiksha — forbearance. Cheerful endurance of life’s opposites — heat and cold, pleasure and pain, success and failure — without agitation.
Shraddha — trust in the shastra and the guru as a valid pramana for Self-knowledge. Not blind belief, but an open-minded confidence in the teaching.
Samadhana — concentration, single-pointedness. The ability to hold the mind steadily in contemplation of the Self.
Together, these six qualities build the seeker’s greatest wealth — not external possessions but inner mastery. They transform the mind from a restless servant of desire into a fit instrument of knowledge. In this way, the shatka-sampatti is indispensable: without discipline, inquiry collapses into distraction or doubt; with it, the mind becomes luminous, ready to recognize the ever-present Self.
Root & Meaning
Shatka = group of six.
Sampatti = wealth, possession.
Shamadi-shatka-sampatti = the sixfold inner wealth, beginning with shama.
Scriptural References
Tattva Bodha (Shankara): lists and defines the shatka-sampatti as qualifications for Self-inquiry.
Vivekachudamaṇi (v. 19–28): elaborates on each discipline.
Bhagavad Gita (6.5–15; 17.15–16): praises mastery of mind, senses, endurance, faith, and concentration.
Traditional View
These six virtues are preparatory, not ultimate.
They are cultivated through karma yoga, devotion, and a dharmic life.
Their purpose is to make the mind quiet, clear, and steady — fit for Self-knowledge.
Vedantic Analysis
Shama and dama address the restless and extroverted tendencies of the mind.
Uparati and titiksha strengthen resilience and detachment.
Shraddha opens the door to assimilating shastra unfolded by the guru.
Samadhana ensures focus on the Self rather than scattering in pursuits.
Collectively, they address mala (impurity), vikshepa (distraction), and avarana (ignorance).
Common Misunderstandings
That they require ascetic withdrawal: They are not suppression but intelligent mastery within ordinary life.
That shraddha means blind faith: It is trust based on discernment and experience.
That they are optional: Without some degree of discipline, Vedanta remains intellectual and cannot liberate.
Vedantic Resolution
The shatka-sampatti is called wealth because it enriches the seeker with the inner resources necessary for moksha. It is not about repression but about freedom: a mind that is steady, faithful, and concentrated is a mind prepared for Self-knowledge.