Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama

By Swami Sivananda

Calmness of mind comes through the practice of Sama and Dama. Sama is calmness of mind induced by the eradication of Vasanas. Vasana-tyaga (renunciation of desires) through discrimination constitutes the practice of Sama, one of the sixfold virtues (Shadsampatti). If a desire arises in your mind, do not give way to it. This will become the practice of Sama. Sama is keeping the mind in the heart by Sadhana. Sama is restraint of the mind by not allowing it to externalise or objectify. The restraint of the external activities and the Indriyas is the practice of Dama (Bahyavritti-nirodha).

If you renounce the desire for eating mangoes, it is Sama. If you do not allow the feet to carry you to the bazaar to purchase the mangoes, if you do not allow the eyes to see the mangoes and if you do not allow the tongue to taste them, it is Dama.

A desire arises to eat sweets. You do not allow the feet to move to the bazaar to purchase the sweets. You do not allow the tongue to eat the sweets. You do not allow the eyes to see the sweets also. This kind of restraint of the Indriyas is termed Dama.

It is termed Sama when you do not allow any thought to arise in the mind concerning sweets by eradication of Vasanas (Vasana-tyaga). This eradication of the Vasanas can be accomplished through Vichara, Brahma-chintana, Japa, Dhyana, Pranayama, etc.

Sama is an internal restraint. Dama is a restraint of the Indriyas. Though the practice of Sama includes the practice of Dama, as the Indriyas will not move and work without the help of the mind, yet the practice of Dama is necessary. The practice of Dama should go hand in hand with Sama. Sama alone will not suffice. You must attack the enemy, desire, from within and without. Then alone you can control the mind quite easily. Then alone the mind will be in perfect control.

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama – Calmness, Sense-Control, and Inner Mastery

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama is a practical and powerful teaching for every seeker who wants to discipline the mind and live with spiritual strength. Sama means calmness or control of the mind. Dama means control of the senses. Together, they form a strong foundation for meditation, self-knowledge, devotion, and liberation.

The mind is usually restless because it is constantly pulled by thoughts, desires, memories, fears, and outer attractions. The senses run toward form, sound, taste, touch, smell, pleasure, comfort, and excitement. When the senses run outward, the mind follows them. When the mind follows them blindly, peace is lost. Therefore, inner mastery requires both mental calmness and sense-discipline.

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama begins with understanding that the mind and senses are closely connected. If the eyes are uncontrolled, the mind becomes disturbed by what it sees. If the tongue is uncontrolled, craving becomes strong. If the ears constantly seek gossip, praise, or distraction, the mind becomes restless. Sense-control protects mental energy and helps the mind become steady.

Sama is the practice of quieting the mind. It does not mean dullness or forced blankness. It means guiding thoughts wisely and not allowing the mind to run after every desire, fear, or imagination. A seeker practices Sama by observing thoughts, reducing unnecessary worry, cultivating noble ideas, and returning again and again to peace, prayer, mantra, or witnessing awareness.

Dama is the discipline of the senses. It teaches the seeker to use the senses intelligently, not as a slave but as a master. The eyes may see, the ears may hear, the tongue may taste, and the body may act, but they should remain under the guidance of discrimination. This is not hatred of the world. It is freedom from helpless attraction.

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama requires moderation in daily life. Excess food, excess talking, excess entertainment, excess sleep, and excess social distraction weaken the will. Moderation saves energy and makes the mind light. A simple, balanced life supports concentration and meditation. The seeker learns to enjoy what is necessary without becoming dependent on it.

Control of speech is a very important part of this discipline. The tongue is connected with both taste and words. Harsh speech, gossip, lies, criticism, complaint, and useless argument disturb the mind. Speak truthfully, kindly, and only when needed. Silence, when practiced wisely, gathers scattered energy and turns the mind inward.

Sama also includes emotional balance. Anger, jealousy, pride, fear, and impatience disturb inner calmness. When these emotions arise, the seeker should pause and observe them. Do not act immediately under their influence. A few moments of awareness can prevent many mistakes. Slowly, reactions become weaker and inner steadiness grows.

Dama includes careful selection of impressions. The mind is shaped by what it repeatedly sees, hears, reads, eats, and experiences. Negative company and impure influences awaken lower tendencies. Noble company, spiritual books, mantra, prayer, clean surroundings, and uplifting conversation strengthen purity. A seeker must protect the mind by guarding the gates of the senses.

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama becomes strong through regular meditation. Sit daily in a clean and quiet place. Keep the body steady, calm the breath, and fix the mind on a chosen support such as mantra, breath, divine form, light, heart centre, or witnessing awareness. When the mind wanders, bring it back gently. This repeated return develops inner control.

Self-examination is also necessary. At the end of the day, ask yourself: Did I control my speech? Did I waste energy through the senses? Did I allow anger or desire to rule me? Did I remember the Divine? Did I remain calm in difficulty? Such reflection helps the seeker see progress and correct weakness.

Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama should be supported by devotion. Prayer, surrender, worship, and remembrance of God give the mind a higher taste. When the heart loves the Divine, lower attractions lose some of their force. Devotion makes discipline sweet and protects the seeker from pride. The mind becomes calm not only through effort, but also through grace.

This path requires patience. Old habits may return again and again. The senses may rebel, and the mind may demand old pleasures. The seeker should not become discouraged. Begin again with humility. Every act of restraint, every calm response, every noble thought, and every sincere prayer becomes part of spiritual victory.

The fruit of this discipline is inner freedom. A person who practices mental calmness and sense-control becomes less dependent on outer conditions. Praise does not easily excite them, blame does not easily break them, pleasure does not enslave them, and pain does not completely disturb them. Such balance prepares the heart for deeper wisdom.

In the end, Mind Conquest by Sama and Dama teaches that true mastery comes when the mind is calm and the senses are disciplined. Through moderation, watchfulness, speech-control, meditation, devotion, self-examination, good company, and steady practice, the seeker gains strength, purity, peace, and spiritual clarity. This inner conquest leads toward self-knowledge and liberation.

Mind Conquest-Ten Important Methods