Shatsampatti

The Six Treasures

Hidden within us lie six very special abilities that help us overcome the influences of the Tritāpas and the barriers of Mala, Vikshepa and Āvarana. What do these treasures consist of and how can we find them? To discover them requires keen self-observation and training of the consciousness. First we must find out what prevents us from discovering these inner friends and helpers.

We are hampered by the four inner foes:

• KĀMA – passion
• KRODHA – anger
• MOHA – delusion
• LOBHA – greed

MOHA lays the foundation stone for KĀMA, KRODHA and LOBHA. Delusion is the main cause of our mental, psychic or physical suffering and our attachments. It is the reason for depression, fear, jealousy and sadness. Attachment is always connected with fear. Even when we are happy in the present moment the fear of losing that which we believe is absolutely necessary for our happiness sits deeply within us. The attempt to safeguard and increase our possessions strengthens and nurtures passion and desire within us. The fear of loss leads subsequently to the eruption of anger, jealousy and hostility.

Naturally we should look after and care about our possessions. Certainly we should love and take care of our children, partner and friends. But, it is important to respect the freedom of everyone; to make no-one dependent upon us, and also not to become dependent upon anyone. Attachment is like a spider’s web that holds us firmly and stifles us. Please do not misunderstand me! I am not saying that we are not allowed to own things or that we should leave our family and friends. Completely the opposite! With all my heart I wish everyone a prosperous and happy life – but we should not forget that after death we cannot take even one coin with us, and that all worldly relationships are temporary.

Through the practice of Yoga and following ethical principles we are able to purify the four Antahkaranas (mind, consciousness, intellect and ego), to overcome false attachments and the other qualities mentioned above, and to transform their destructive energy into the good. Thus prepared, we can start to raise SHATSAMPATTI, the six treasures, into the daylight.

These treasures are:

• SHAMA
• DAMA
• SHRADDHĀ
• TITIKSHĀ
• UPARATI 
• SAMĀDHĀNA.

SHAMA is inner silence and calmness. We achieve this as we withdraw the mind and senses from the bustle of the external world and focus on the inner Self.

DAMA means self-control. When we rein in the senses, thoughts and emotions with the intellect (Buddhi), so that they do not gallop away like wild horses, we are able to avoid ill-considered actions and spare ourselves from the ensuing problems and suffering.

SHRADDHĀ is trust. Trust is something that is absolutely fundamental to spiritual as well as all worldly relationships. Where trust is missing, doubt grows and gradually destroys love. Doubt is like “sand in a salad”. A salad that has grains of sand mixed in with it is inedible, even though it may still appear to be delicious. Therefore remove your doubts and begin to trust.

Who should you trust? Yourself first of all. Many people have lost their self-confidence. Through the rediscovery of your inner treasures you also regain your self-confidence.

Next, have faith in your path and your purpose so that nothing or no-one can undermine it or dissuade you in any way. The way to perfection requires unconditional trust. Once you have decided upon a path do not allow yourself to be discouraged by difficulties. Be deeply committed to the attainment of what you have resolved to do, and say to yourself with inner certainty: “I will make it.” Do not think “I will try it” - with this type of thinking you cripple yourself. Courageously seize the opportunities that fate offers you and place the outcome of your efforts in God’s hands.

Thirdly, have absolute faith in your Master. If you constantly doubt you are unable to see the truth even if it is directly before your eyes. Shraddhā is primal trust, such as that between a mother and her child. A crying baby quietens as soon as the mother takes it in her arms because with this it feels safe and secure. Whoever possesses this natural capacity to trust is happy and successful in life. You are only able to recognise the truth when you show unconditional trust in the Master, just like a child to its mother.

UPARATI means to rise above things by not being dependent or being afraid. When you face everything with a positive attitude you cannot really be harmed because you are able to draw valuable lessons from everything, even accidents. Fear and problems always arise when we are afraid of losing something. A wealthy person who is surrounded by guards, bolts and padlocks is, in reality, a prisoner of his possessions.

In the principles of Raja Yoga it is said: “You should not accumulate possessions.” Rise above worldly things and practice renunciation – not as a painful turning away from the world, but as a liberating act of turning towards God. Mahātma Gandhi also said: “Renounce and enjoy”. This is an important rule of life.

TITIKSHĀ is equanimity and inner strength. Everyone is aware that they will continue to face obstacles and difficulties in life. When was our existence ever completely free of problems? Do not lose your nerve even if a situation appears to be hopeless. Remember that nothing lasts forever. Only the Self is unchanging and eternal. Everything else is changeable and transitory because time continues to march on inexorably. The body is changing every second; just as thoughts, feelings and situations also continue to change. Never despair, even if you should fare badly at some time. Pray to God for Titikshā, inner strength, courage and steadfastness.

SAMĀDHĀNA, the last of the six treasures, means inner composure and the ability to remain focussed on one’s goal. Never lose sight of the goal. If disturbances and resistance surface, sit yourself down quietly, close your eyes and carefully think about the situation. If you feel a surge of malice or rage building within you do not act at once. Remain detached and merely observe your emotions. 
Mahaprabhuji said: “When the waves are high one should not dive into the sea for pearls.” Therefore wait until the inner waves have again subsided, and then carefully and calmly put the following questions to yourself:

• What have I done? – Why have I acted so?
• What have I thought? – Why have I thought so?
• What do I think now? – Why do I think so?
• What should I think? – How should I act?

Then ask yourself:

• How important was it?
• Why was it so important?

Or

• Was it at all important?
• What have I lost?
• Have I really lost anything?
• Was it of importance for my eternal happiness?
• You can never lose what is important for eternal happiness – therefore, in reality you have lost nothing.

The second philosophical aspect of Samādhāna is to reflect on the sense and reason for existence:

• Who has created this world and for what purpose?
• Where do I come from and where do I go to?
• What is reality and what is unreality?
• What is my purpose in life?

Therefore, on a general level, SAMĀDHĀNA means to withdraw and observe. When the inner waves have quietened we can dive deeply within ourself. Only in this way are we able to recognise the truth, the reality, and understand the sense of all difficulties and suffering. When we are able to withdraw the mind from external things, we can connect with the higher consciousness within ourselves and know the answers to all our questions.

My master, Paramhans Swāmī Mādhavānanda, points out how we can get in touch with our higher consciousness in a Bhajan:

What is the essence of the world? Meditate on this every day.
Allow the words of wisdom to surround you and to live within you.
Deepen the spiritual practice towards Self-Realisation.
Study the teachings of the saints and divine incarnations
And internalise them in order to truly understand them.
Never think or speak disparagingly about the Satguru or the Holy Scriptures.
Do not allow any obstacles to goodness to take root within you.
Write good books for the benefit of the world; give happiness and joy to all living beings.
Consider the effect of your action before you decide on the action.
Remove yourself from the bonds of bad habits.
Do not retreat from the power of your weaknesses, but act against them courageously.
Harbour no doubts about God or the Satguru,
Trustingly accept the words of your Master and realise them.

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