Sanyam - The Power of Self-Control

Sanyam is one of the key principles of life taught by Jain philosophy, the most powerful concept. Jain Anuvrat Geet is an inspiring song that talks about its virtues. As a child, I heard this beautiful song in the voice of Mukesh, and I have been deeply impressed by the way he rendered it. 

नैतिकता की सुर सरिता मे जन जन मन पावन हो
संयम मय जीवन हो
छोटे छोटे संकल्पों से मानस परिवर्तन हो
संयम मय जीवन हो

It is likely that you may not have heard it. To give you the feel of this inspiring song, I recorded it in my voice. Watch the following video to listen to the song.




What is Sanyam and what are its benefits in life, and why should you follow it? I have attempted to explain the concept in simple everyday terminology. My apologies to my learned friends if it appears a little over-simplification.

Every morning when I light a deepak for prayer, and watch with fascination the light produced by it, I am reminded of the fact that the fire which is helping me illuminate our home can also be very devastating at times. Similarly, a river provide us water, so vital for life, but it can cause destruction through floods. Atomic energy helps generate electricity in a Nuclear power plant, but the same energy can cause severe destruction as an atom bomb. There are numerous examples of an energy being helpful as well as harmful to us.  

Let us examine it somewhat closely. What conditions makes it possible to utilize an energy gainfully and how does it become destructive? What I see in a lamp is a very small fire fed by tiny amounts of fuel in the form of oil sucked by the wick. The fire remains regulated through the limited supply of fuel. This keep it controlled and far below the danger mark. Compare it to a jungle fire where it burns uncontrolled and gets stronger by the burning wood and blowing wind, causing destruction and damage.

Therefore, it is clear that a controlled or channelized energy works constructively for us, while an uncontrolled one can result in harmful negative effects.

In the same way, when we harness or channelize our energies in a positive way, it becomes a constructive force that moves our world. If we do not, it will cause negative impact on our lives. To channelize our energies, we must exercise self-control or sanyam that ensures that the fire does not get an uncontrolled supply of fuel and get out of control. This is a very strong argument in favor of living a disciplined, purposeful life.

There is another way to leverage this principle. Whenever we notice our own thoughts creating negativity in our life, we should step back and look for any area where we have fueled our energies without regulation so much that it has got out of control. Recognizing such an area and taking corrective action to get back in control will certainly reduce the negative effect.

I am positive that sanyam, self-regulation, self-control,  and moderation is the most important principle which is the key to gain happiness and balance in life. Give it a try and see if it works for you.