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In Jñāna Yoga, there are the practices of Śama and Dama. Śama means to withdraw your senses, or your mental modifications (vṛttis), from the external world. It does not mean to detest the world, nor does it mean to run away from it. Rather, it means to carefully avoid certain things. For example, when you are driving a car and another car is coming in the opposite direction, you carefully pass by. You avoid hitting that car, but you do not leave the road altogether. Similarly, in this world, there is no inherent saṃsāra. Numerous things exist, but we must not experience them all, nor should we take everything into consideration. You should be able to say, "No, I do not want this." This is the meaning of withdrawal, of becoming introverted. However, being introverted does not mean becoming dull or depressed, nor does it mean refusing to talk to anyone. That is an unhealthy state of mind, where you are unable to coordinate the three aspects: your body, your mind, and the outer world. That is not the state of a yogī. Śama truly means to withdraw yourself with awareness. Dama means to observe and maintain that control so it does not run away. It is like telling your dog, "Sit down." He sits there, but you still observe him to ensure he does not run away or attack someone. You still hold the chain. Similarly, you tell your senses to come back, and you ensure they do not occasionally run out. Those who are able to do this are the happiest people; they are yogic people. This leads to the principle of Sāyamīt. Sāyamīt means to carefully observe yourself every day. It is said that you should be Simit. Simit means having a border. Everything should have its border. Do not let your feelings and senses go beyond the border, out of control. Shemit refers to limited speech—not too much gossiping, as you lose your energy. Through Vāk Śakti, the power of speech, you lose immense energy and greatly influence your consciousness. Therefore, speak less, eat less, and establish certain limits (Simit things), but think beyond everything. Let your thoughts be endless. This is called simple living and higher thinking. Who has this higher thinking? It is one with noble thinking and a noble way of life, who does not get caught up in the rush and quarreling of the world. Such a person remains always above, seeing above everything. --- Recording location: Hungary, Vep, Weekend Seminar