Dama. Master of the senses

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Wonderful — you’re walking through the very pillars of Vedantic discipline.

Let’s look at Dama (दम) — a key virtue alongside Viveka, Vairāgya, and Kṣamā.

Dama (दम)

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Control of the Senses / Self-restraint

Meaning:

“Dama” literally means control, mastery, or restraint, especially of the indriyas — the senses and their outgoing tendencies toward the external world.

It is the ability to govern your reactions and direct your attention inward, rather than being dragged by sensory attractions or aversions.

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Deeper Understanding

In Vedantic practice:

• The senses (eyes, ears, tongue, skin, nose) constantly pull the mind outward.
• Dama is the discipline of turning that energy inward, toward peace, clarity, and self-awareness.
• It’s not suppression — it’s mastery through understanding.

When the mind rules the senses, there is peace.

When the senses rule the mind, there is restlessness.

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Scriptural References

• Bhagavad Gītā (6.5–6):
  “Let a man lift himself by himself… For him who has conquered his mind and senses, the mind is his best friend.”
• Vivekachūḍāmaṇi (Śaṅkara):
  Dama is described as the control of the external sense-organs from running toward their respective objects.

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Practical Expression of Dama

• Eating mindfully instead of impulsively.
• Listening fully rather than reacting instantly.
• Resisting distractions to stay focused on study or meditation.
• Maintaining calm even amid sensory temptations.

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In essence:

Virtue	Meaning	Inner Quality
Viveka	Discrimination	Wisdom
Vairāgya	Dispassion	Freedom
Kṣamā	Forbearance	Compassion
Dama	Sense control	Discipline

Would you like to continue with the next related virtue — Uparati (उपरति) — which follows Dama in the traditional list of six inner qualities (ṣaṭ-sampatti)?