The March 2017 instalment of our ‘Living Yoga Philosophy’ series focused on the ‘Six Inner Treasures’ and, more importantly, how to uncover and recognise them as the jewels they are!
For the modern Yogi journeying through life’s vast and varied landscape of experiences, much guidance can be found in the wisdom discovered and shared by those who have come before us. Our intent is to draw from this ancient yogic philosophy as a way to anchor and navigate our way on the path of life with a well-tuned compass and trustworthy, reliable inner guidance.
The Six Treasures, known is Yoga as Sat-Sampatti, remind us that in moments of doubt or uncertainty it is our source of inner wisdom that we can confidently trust to bring us from darkness into light; from the unknown to the known. Developing this unwavering trust helps us build what can be among the most valuable qualities to cultivate – Self-Certainty – empowering us with the confidence to believe in ourselves and our ever-communicating inner compass in the knowing that whatever we face, we have all we need within to guide us through life’s experiences.
“The Universe buries strange jewels within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover those jewels – that is creative living” – Elizabeth Gilbert
The Yogis believe we come into this life with Six Hidden Treasures. They are designed to create a framework that guides us beyond delusions and misunderstanding. It is these delusions that form the very basis of our suffering, attachment and sadness – becoming the seed that germinates into fear. They help us to see that life happens for us and not to us – and that trust and inner knowing takes us to the nucleus of the teachings each and every time.
It is only through consistent dedication to the practice of Yoga that we can purify the mind, intellect, consciousness and ego (Antahkaranas). When this purification occurs, we experience a sense of transformation that gives rise to the Sat-Sampatti, The Six Inner Treasures. What was once dormant and unconscious now becomes conscious, and gives rise to qualities that show us who we truly are and what we’re really capable of.
The Sat-Sampatti are:-
- Shama
- Dama
- Shraddhā
- Titikshā
- Uparati
- Samādhāna
Shama
The wise words of Maya Ja Sati Bhagavati says, “Quiet the mind and the Soul will speak”.
Shama refers to a state of unwavering inner calmness – a silence that is undisturbed by external experiences. When we experience withdrawal of the senses, Pratyahara, we can exist in the western world and meet its demands without losing our sense of focus on the true being that we are – the Inner Self.
Dama
Dama refers to the ability for self-control – more specifically control of the senses, thoughts and emotions. When we make decisions and process our experiences from an integrated space, we are more likely to make more aligned, thoughtful and considered choices that come from a reliable space.
Shraddhā
Shraddhā concerns our experience and sense of trust – including trust in ourselves, our relationship with others and also trust in the natural unfolding of our spiritual path. Trust is essential in any relationship and when this has been compromised in any way we start to have a sense of self-doubt and a loss of self-confidence. Coupled with this is our ability to have faith in our spiritual path and the Divine plan unfolding. Shraddhā relates to this more primal trust – the knowing that the universe has your back, providing you with the opportunities you need for the evolution of your Soul. This sense of unconditional faith provides a real sense of knowing that all is well, and all is unfolding for your highest good. When we surrender to this inner knowing, our trust in all of life and its experiences returns.
Titikshā
Titikshā relates to the ways in which we, as Yogi’s, use our life experiences and life lessons as opportunities to build inner resilience, strength and courage. Rather than see experiences happening to us, we see them happening for us. With this knowing and trust we build inner resilience as we move through life’s inevitable challenges.
Uparati
Uparati relates to cultivating dispassion in the face of challenging experiences and finding ways to rise above the situation rather than being swamped by it. Uparati also refers to not being attached to our possessions, nor do we allow them to define who we are. This requires the act of renunciation from connection to our worldly goods, which in the age of phone addiction probably isn’t such a bad thing…
Samādhāna
Samādhāna is the final of the Six Treasures and concerns our ability to remain committed and focused on our goals. When we do this, we move away from the constant worldly distractions of our senses and have the capacity to stay focused on the discovery and evolution of our Soul purpose. We can connect with our purpose by taking the time to withdraw from life’s distractions and venture into the inner silence within. This in turn gives space for the answers to rise. It affirms that the answers we seek cannot be found outside of ourselves, but only through venturing inwards.
As with all practices of yoga, these inner qualities must be cultivated over a consistent period of time in order for them to come to the fore when we most need insights from a place of inner guidance. It also requires a process of wading through the blocks we have created for ourselves that hinder our ability to know, let alone clearly see, these pearls of inner wisdom waiting to come into being.
May your inner treasures gleam brightly and shine their light into your consciousness – guiding you through the fog of the unreal and into the Truth of the real.
Namaste with love x
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