Contentment
Do not encourage the multiplication of desires. It is best for you to be content with whatever you have been given. In the chapter on Bhakti Yoga, Krishna enumerated the 26 noble qualities of a devotee which endear him to the Lord. Of these, contentment stands out as one of the most important characteristics of a devotee. It means not running after worldly enjoyments. Having enjoyed so many types of luxuries and so many sensual things in your life without having gained peace and fulfillment from them, you should now be content with whatever you have, regarding what you already have as being all you need.
The heart of a person who does not have contentment may be compared to a bamboo basket riddled with holes. If you were to try to draw water out of a well using such a bamboo basket, by the time the basket comes up, all the water will have leaked out. There wouldn’t even be a drop of water left to quench your thirst. In a similar way, when you are suffering from pangs of desire and greed, you find that all your contentments will have leaked out before you even get a chance to enjoy the fulfillment of your desires. When contentment goes out of your heart, only discontent will remain behind in its place.
Only the one who has contentment can be considered great. Swami asks often; “Who is the greatest human being in this world?” The answer is, “The one who is always satisfied, is the greatest of men.” Therefore, you have to develop this satisfaction and contentment in yourself.
Digest 2, p. 72
Today there are people who are never content with what they have and are ceaselessly seeking more wealth, position, or power. They are perpetually harmed by discontent. They claim rights of every kind, but have no awareness of their responsibilities. They are consumed by perpetual discontent and insatiate desires. The contented man is a more praiseworthy person. One who has achieved contentment can enjoy the bliss of the Divine grace.
Sanathana Sarathi, June 1987, p. 155
Evil thoughts cause ill-health. Anxiety, fear, and tension also contribute their share. All these result from greed, greed to have more things, power, and fame. Greed results in sorrow and despair. Contentment can come only from a spiritual outlook. The desire for worldly goods has to be given up. One should not distinguish between ‘my work’ and ‘work for God.’ All work should be worship. Whatever the reward, it is the gift of God. It is for our lasting good. If this attitude is developed, suffering and pain can toughen us and help us to progress towards Divinity.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XI, p. 149
