Damah - Sensory Moderation and Regulation

‘Dama’ (Sensory regulation) is one of the qualifications of a seeker of Supreme Truth. As soon as we see an object, it gets imprinted on the mind, and we respond or react to the imprint. Swamiji urges us to make use of our mind and intelligence to observe, understand, to evaluate and assess the mind.

Every sensory object has a cap of Raga-Dvesha (Attraction and Repulsion), which are the stark enemies of man. When attraction is hindered, it gives rise to repulsion, hatred. Bhagavad Gita says that man must not come under the sway of attraction and repulsion.

The five sensory organs which are constantly interacting with the surrounding objects can be extremely involved and addicted. It can rob one of wisdom and discrimination. One sensory organ is sufficient to draw the mind and take one to a great calamity. But when the senses are regulated and controlled, man becomes a Sthita Prajna (man of stable wisdom).

Shlokas chanted in the Track:

इन्द्रियस्येन्द्रियस्यार्थे रागद्वेषौ व्यवस्थितौ ।
तयोर्न वशमागच्छेत्तौ ह्यस्य परिपन्थिनौ ।।
Bhagavad Gita 3.34

यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः ।
इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ।।
Bhagavad Gita 2.60

इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते ।
तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि ।।
Bhagavad Gita 2.67

स्यमाद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः ।।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ।।
Bhagavad Gita 2.68

PR 20 Apr 2011