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शम(Śama)
Calmness / Control of Mind
Shama is the quality of maintaining mental tranquility and equanimity even in challenging or adverse situations. It is the ability to control restless thoughts and emotional disturbances, allowing the mind to remain calm, focused, and balanced. This inner calmness forms the foundation for spiritual practice and rational decision-making.
In Sanatan Dharma, Shama is considered essential for spiritual growth and self-realization. Without a calm mind, true understanding and discrimination are difficult. It helps in overcoming fear, anxiety, and impulsive reactions.
- Meditation and breath control to steady the mind.
- Detachment from worldly distractions.
- Self-observation and mindfulness.
- Regular spiritual study and chanting.
- Cultivating patience and tolerance.
- Improved concentration and clarity.
- Reduced anxiety and emotional turbulence.
- Ability to face challenges with calmness.
- Foundation for other spiritual virtues like Samadhana (concentration) and Dama (sense control).
Bhagavad Gita 2.66
""The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice and detachment.""
This verse emphasizes the importance of Shama as mental control achieved through consistent practice (abhyasa) and dispassion (vairagya).
Mahabharata, Shanti Parva
"The steady mind that remains undisturbed by pleasure or pain is the true sign of wisdom."
This highlights the virtue of Shama as a mark of spiritual wisdom.
- Shama is not suppression of emotions but regulation and balance.
- It is not passivity but active mental discipline.
- Remaining calm during conflict or argument.
- Practicing patience while waiting in difficult situations.
- Not reacting impulsively to sudden bad news.
- Maintaining composure under pressure.
In today's fast-paced and stressful world, cultivating Shama can help reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase emotional intelligence.
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Cultivating these Gunas (virtues) leads to a balanced, harmonious, and spiritually fulfilling life. The information provided is for educational purposes.