Develop Contentment – I

A sattvik mind is our best friend. A mind that is predominantly rajasik or tamasik is a cause of spiritual bondage. It can never lead to that true sense of freedom and peace which can be savoured no matter what one’s outer circumstances are. As already pointed out earlier, desires can be conquered, not by denial and suppression but by sublimation, by active performance of duties and a pursuit of nobler goals in life. But what about anger and frustration? How does one overcome that feeling of bitterness, resentment or regret that many a time simmers beneath one’s smiley public face? If the origin of desire is imagination, then the source of anger is unfulfilled desire. Nip that anger in the bud by increasing your level of contentment.Understand that contentment is not attained by acquiring more and more, because there never really is a finish line to our wants and desires. Rather, contentment is developed by recognising how much we already have. You have likely heard the story about a man who mumbled and grumbled about not having any shoes… until he saw another man who was an amputee below the knees! There and then, the proverbial glass that seemed half empty now appeared half full. The agitation surrounding the lack of shoes dropped off, his troubled mind came to a rest, and he felt a new sense of clarity and freedom, enabling him to think more constructively and creatively about how to acquire a pair of shoes… if he even really needed them. Hence, let not a day pass by without counting your blessings.

Develop Contentment – I

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