Santosha, the second observance, is contentment or happiness. What is the largest obstacle to contentment? Why is happiness so illusive for so many people? Let's look closely at this very important Niyama.
To some people, happiness is a fantasy. This type of thinking is what makes contentment so hard for some of us to find. You must first see the illusion of life: Everything that brings true contentment is right in front of us. Our family, friends, spouse, health, skills, and knowledge, are all close at hand.
Yet, we want glitz, material, shallow relationships, power, riches, and fame. In life, true contentment or gratification, must have a purpose. When we find our true, and noble, purpose (Dharma) in life, we are filled with gratification.
Our true purpose, in life, can be felt from within our heart. Natural or "God given" skills will often open doors to our true destiny. Skills and practical application are a powerful combination.
All the riches, in the world, have no purpose, if we do not put them to good use by helping others. If we constantly spend money on "toys," we will still be unhappy, until the next new toy is invented. The temporary feeling of contentment evaporates again, because this is just superficial happiness.
This is the continuing cycle of unhappiness we can easily observe in some of the "rich and famous." The more material a person acquires, the more frustrated he or she becomes with life. Complete contentment is free for anyone to choose, but you cannot buy it.
Money and power are not evil. Both can be used to fuel worthy causes, feed the hungry, cure disease, stop violence, and save the planet. Worthy causes breed true contentment.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, has written many books on the subject of Yoga. He is a co-owner and the Director of Yoga Teacher Training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA.
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He has been a certified Master Yoga Teacher since 1995. To receive a Free Yoga e-Book:
"Yoga in Practice," and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit:
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