Shama - Mastery of the Mind
- Daniel McKenzie
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
In Vedanta, śama means mastery of the mind — the capacity to quiet its wanderings and redirect it toward what truly matters. The word comes from the root śam, “to become calm, to be quiet.” It is the first jewel of the sixfold inner wealth (ṣaṭka-sampatti) and is essential for assimilating Self-knowledge.
The untrained mind is restless, pulled by countless desires and fears. Like a monkey leaping from branch to branch, it rarely rests. Śama does not mean destroying thoughts or suppressing feelings, but cultivating inner governance. It is the ability to notice a thought and decide: “Does this serve the pursuit of liberation? If not, let it pass.”
Swami Dayananda compared śama to the first line of defense. If a desire arises, the disciplined mind evaluates it before it becomes action. If the mind fails, dama — control of the senses — is the second line of defense, restraining outward behavior. Thus, śama and dama work hand-in-hand: one masters thought, the other action.
The Bhagavad Gītā (6.26) teaches: “Wherever the restless mind wanders, restraining it, one should bring it back to reference of the Self.” This is the essence of śama: not annihilation of thought but reorientation toward Self-knowledge.
In practice, śama grows through karma yoga, meditation, and discriminative living (viveka). It matures into a natural quietude, where the mind ceases to chase every impulse and becomes a fit instrument for inquiry. Without śama, the śāstra cannot take root; with it, the seeker’s mind becomes like a still lake, reflecting truth clearly.
Root & Meaning
Root: śam = to quiet, calm, pacify.
Śama = mastery of the mind, inner quietude, discipline of thought.
Scriptural References
Tattva Bodha (Śaṅkara): defines śama as the control of the mind.
Bhagavad Gītā (6.26): “Wherever the mind wanders, restrain it and bring it to the Self.”
Vivekacūḍāmaṇi (v. 22): praises śama as essential for the seeker of truth.
Traditional View
Śama is the ability to bring the mind back from distraction.
It is the first jewel of the sixfold wealth (ṣaṭka-sampatti).
Developed through karma yoga, reflection, and moderation of lifestyle.
Vedantic Analysis
Thoughts are natural, but identification with them is optional.
Śama teaches discernment: letting the unhelpful go, nurturing what aligns with Self-inquiry.
It neutralizes rāga-dveṣa (likes and dislikes) at the mental level.
A quiet mind is a prerequisite for śravaṇa (listening), manana (reflection), and nididhyāsana (contemplation).
Common Misunderstandings
That śama means suppression: It is intelligent management, not repression.
That śama requires total thoughtlessness: It is guidance of thought, not annihilation.
That śama is only for ascetics: It can be cultivated in daily life through mindfulness and dharmic living.
Vedantic Resolution
Śama is mastery of the mind, the capacity to quiet distraction and direct thought toward liberation. It is not about suppressing life but about creating inner space, making the mind a clear mirror for Self-knowledge.
