Shat Sampathi

The 6 Spiritual Wealths are one part of Sadhana Chatushtaya as described by Sri Adi Sankaracharya in Tattva Bodha. Tattva Bodha literally means 'Knowledge of the Truth'. Tattva Bodha is a small introductory text of Vedanta written by Sri Adi Sankaracharya who was one of the greatest teachers of India. He was also a philosopher, writer, poet, and visionary. This text describes four virtues that are helpful along the path of jnana yoga. This text is incredibly meaningful and rich and is best studied with a skilled teacher for those with sincere interest. The purpose of this article is merely an introduction to some of the deeper concepts of Yoga Vedanta.

The focus of this article is the 6 Spiritual Wealths; however, it is helpful to put it into context of all four virtues of Sadhana Chatushtaya.

1. Viveka- discernment.

2. Vairagya- non entanglement.

3. Shat sampat- 6 spiritual wealths  (discussed below)

4. Mumukshutva- intense longing for liberation

Let’s dive deeper into each of the 6 spiritual wealths Shat sampathi.

1. Shama

Shama can be translated as tranquility or peace of mind. It involves mastery over your own mind, mastery of where you place your attention, so that the mind goes where you want it to go, not the other way around. The mind is like the ocean and the tumbling waves the thoughts, incessantly one after the other. Shama is reigning in the mind so it is our helpful tool. Befriend your mind so it can be a useful tool and take you towards your ideal.

Suggested Practices: Positive thinking and optimism, gratitude practice, lessening selfish desires, yoga nidra, cultivating an inner attitude of peace so that our thoughts, words, and actions bring us and those around us closer to peace (the word shanti “peace” comes from the same root word as shama.) 

2. Damah

Just as shama is proper management of our mind, damah is proper management of the senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch.

The analogy that is often used here is the charioteer holding the reigns of horses. I don’t know about you, but I have never been a charioteer so this analogy just doesn’t do it for me. I do however have experience walking dogs, the dogs represent the senses. I know how frustrating it can be when the dogs misbehave and drag me from one side of the side walk to the other, bark at passersby, jump, eat miscellaneous items of the road…. In this same way our senses can be overstimulated and drag us around. The eyes see some material item and a desire bubbles up that gets us thinking we could be happier if we just had this item; a bigger house, newer car, jewelry, clothing, fill in the blank with endless items that we think we need to live a more fulfilling and happier life. 

Damah refers to reigning in the senses and not allowing them to be the driving force behind our actions. Be mindful of what you feed your mind and body. What we take in is not just food and water through  the mouth, but what we take in through all senses. Reflect for a moment on your typical day, and some way which you might be squandering your time and energy, and how you might redirect your attention towards your highest goals. Damah is using each moment wisely.

Suggested Practices: yoga nidra, mauna (periods of silence without talking), pranayam (breathwork).

3. Uparati- Uparamaha- living our purpose, doing our dharma with joy. To understand this concept we need to first understand dharma. Dharma is the order that makes life and universe possible, cosmic law and order. Think of an apple seed. The dharma of this seed is to grow into an apple tree and produce apples. This seed will never produce oranges, or lemons; its swadharma (individual dharma) is to produce apples. Living your individual dharma depends on your stage of life: the role you play in your family and community. It depends on your strengths, skills and interests, and the situation. Your swadharma will change throughout life depending on what your responsibility is at that time. Uparati is a sense of joy or enthusiasm in doing your dharma. A sense of being in charge of your life and a sense of satiety- that you have enough, are doing enough, and you are enough.

Suggested Practices: gratitude practice, self reflection.

4. Titiksha- Inner resilience, forbearance, endurance.

Titikshā is using life experiences and life lessons as opportunities to build inner resilience, strength and courage. The capacity to overcome challenges. Rather than see experiences happening to us, we see them happening for us. 

There is a beautiful teaching from The Bhagavad Gita 2.14: āgamāpāyino ’nityās tans-titikṣhasva. “These experiences, pairs of opposites pleasure and pain,  come and go, and are impermanent. Strengthen your resilience and capacity to overcome them.” Titiksha dawns from deep knowing and understanding that all things are impermanent. You can reflect on what adversity or hardship does to you. I will use myself as an example. I know when I am out of balance and stressed, I have the urge to stop eating and drink more caffeine. Some people stress eat, I stress-dont-eat. When I notice this pattern, I reflect on my life to uncover what is out of balance and how I can manage it better. After years of this cycle repeating itself, I now recognize the signs earlier and am able to make necessary changes sooner. The tendency is still there- who knows if that will ever go away. But I am able to manage it better. Through resilience our will power is strengthened and patience is developed. 

Suggested Practices: meditation, self-reflection, keeping a spiritual diary.

5. Shraddha- commitment, faith or trust. An intense sense of certainty about the direction you are going or the path you are on, seeking truth, living in truth, speaking truth. Faith in ourselves, our relationships, and the natural unfolding of our lives. 

Suggested Practices: meditation, self-reflection, keeping a spiritual diary.

6. Samadhanna - equanimity, mental balance, focusing your mind to pursue your goals. I remember when I was growing up I loved to play with my brother outside with a magnifying glass. We would hold it just right as it collected the rays of light from the sun and concentrated them so intensely we could burn through leaves. This is a wonderful metaphor for the power of focusing your mind on your goals. 

Suggested practices: spend time in nature, meditation, activities that settle down your mind and fill your heart.

When you are calm and at peace, you find strength and wisdom within. We can exist in the western world and meet its demands without losing our sense of focus. Create peace and happiness within, then you can be peaceful and happy anywhere and under any circumstance.