T Ram Sewak

DAMA

The fourth horse of the Chariot of Righteousness in Vibhishan Gita (Shri Ramcharitmanas 6.79), designated by Shri Ram is dama (self-control);

"bal bibek dama parahit ghore, kshama kripa samata raju jore."

"Even so, strength, discretion, self-control and benevolence are its four horses that have been joined with the reins of forgiveness, compassion and evenness of mind "

In Gita 16.1, Shri Krishna mentions self-control as a divine attribute essential for a person embarking on his spiritual journey. Further, in Shri Ramcharitmanas 4.36, Shri Ram while illuminating the fundamentals of Navadha Bhakti to Shabari lists self-control as the sixth form of Bhakti.

Dama is the discipline of the external senses, viz; the five karma indriyas and the five gyan indriyas. Controlling and disciplining the senses is the first big step for a sadhak in his spiritual journey and it is always in mutualism with samata (evenness of mind). This theme of restraint and regulation also resonates in the discourse on sankhya yoga in Gita 6.17, where moderation and regulation in all walks of life is recommended.

There are many views on why there are four horses but three reins. One view is that the two horses of bal and parahit are yoked in the front and controlled with the reins of kshama and kripa. The horses of vivek and dama are yoked in the second row and guided by the single rein of samata because control of sensory energy is impossible to achieve without evenness of mind. Another view is, that while all other attributes have been coupled with a controlling attribute, dama is itself an attribute of control.

Another interesting perspective here is that if you reverse the word da-ma, it becomes ma-da which contextually means inebriation with pride or arrogance. We are all prone to mada of wealth, knowledge, beauty, power, fame etc. The exhortation is to achieve da-ma, prevent ma-da and become

a Jitendriya! / DAILY WORLD /

Namami Ramam Musings-12

The author is a former electrical Engineer and resides in the Himalayas. He can be occasionally reached at ramam.namami@gmail.com