By Priya Kasturi–
(Priya Kasturi is a wellness and fitness enthusiast with a passion for Vedic and contemplative tradition studies. Her global corporate career was in the Life Sciences industry in Switzerland and the US. Views expressed are her own.)
As 2023 draws to a close, there is a renewed opportunity to embark on a journey towards happiness and self-fulfilment.
The pursuit of happiness and the yearning to overcome dissatisfaction are inherent to our lives. This pursuit of a blissful state propels every activity and endeavor, not only for humans but for all sentient beings. Regrettably, the transient nature of human desires often confines us to a realm of promised happiness.
For many, this is the time to reflect on the year that was, and consider making resolutions for 2024.However, I propose an alternative approach. Instead of setting New Year’s resolutions that often go unfulfilled due to the need for unwavering willpower, let’s prioritize the development of self-determination.
Self-determination is an individual’s ability to make choices, set goals, and control their life. It involves autonomy, the capacity to act in accordance with one’s values, desires, and interests. To do this, we can draw inspiration from Vedic philosophy and adapt the concept of the six-fold virtues known as “Shata Sampatti.”
In Vedic philosophy, Shata Sampatti refers to six virtues or wealth that individuals are encouraged to cultivate for personal development and self-realization.
These virtues are considered essential for achieving success and leading a fulfilling life. The six components of Shata Sampatti are:
Shama (Calmness): This virtue involves cultivating mental equanimity and composure, encouraging us to remain calm and composed in the face of challenges, thereby maintaining inner peace and balance.
Dama (Restraint): Dama emphasizes self-control and the ability to restrain one’s desires and impulses. It encourages us to manage our senses and avoid succumbing to external temptations.
Uparati (Withdrawal): Uparati refers to the ability to withdraw from unnecessary distractions. It encourages us to focus on our inner journey and detaching from unnecessary and irrelevant pursuits that detract from our goal.
Titiksha (Endurance): Titiksha is the quality of endurance and patience in the face of adversity. It teaches us to accept life’s challenges with resilience, fortitude, and forbearance.
Shraddha (Unshakable Conviction): Described by T.K.V. Desikachar, the renowned yoga master, as an unshakable conviction in our journey and we need this conviction, or shraddha, to strengthen our intent to achieve success. It fosters a sense of purpose and direction.
Samadhana (Concentration): Samadhana involves the ability to concentrate the mind and focus it on a single point. It encourages us to practice meditation and contemplation for living a happy and fulfilled life and ultimately of self-awareness and realization.
In the context of self-determination, Shata Sampatti provides a clear roadmap for personal development. By cultivating these virtues, we can navigate life’s challenges with resilience, maintain focus on goals, and foster a sense of inner peace and contentment.
The pursuit of Shata Sampatti aligns with the idea that we have the capacity to shape our destinies through self-discipline, inner strength, and spiritual growth.
Therefore, rather than pursuing our resolutions with willpower and get side-tracked with other inevitable priorities, having these qualities give us agency to act, propel and move us towards all that we want to achieve.
When we embrace these six qualities, or even a subset of them, we equip ourselves with autonomous motivation and self-determination. This empowerment enables us to take charge of the quality of our lives, navigate our way toward achieving our goals and aspirations in a healthy, fulfilling, and stress-free manner, all while savoring the journey. I like to call it ‘having the wind on our backs’.
The upcoming articles in this series will explore each of the virtues (Shata Sampatti) in greater depth, providing practical guidance on how to integrate them into our lives. In the meantime, you might consider assessing your own virtues against the Shata Sampatti framework. Many of these qualities are innate within us; our journey may involve refining and consistently applying them for a more fulfilling life.
