Namaskar - Oct 09

Because humanity has regressed to the animal platform, the law of the jungle - survival of
the fittest - prevails. Typically, in such a society people ignore others’ sufferings to only strive
for their own advantageous position. Just as peace is impossible in a jungle, peace -
individually and collectively - remains evasive if one is selfish and indifferent to others’
wellbeing. Genuine contentment is distinct from inactivity and indifference; contentment is
coordinated with selfless action. A good example of contentment, selfless service and
humility is undoubtedly more inspiring than lofty precepts. Let us learn contentment from
animals in a way that yields true benefit.
Contentment, peace and happiness are interlinked. “How can there be happiness without
peace?” says Bhagavad-Gita (2.66). And to be peaceful we must be content with the
situation we are in, whatever it is. We accept our lot in life and are happy even if not
everything is perfect. “One should be satisfied with whatever he achieves by his previous
destiny, for discontent can never bring happiness.” (SB 8.19.24) There is no element of
chance in the circumstances of our life - they are the result of a law that cannot err; they are
our destiny created by our past activities (karma). There is no gain railing against our
misfortunes and there is no meaning toiling to increase our pleasures. A content person
makes changes in his or her life by following the path of dharma with a desire to advance
spiritually - not because of dissatisfaction with his present situation. “For spiritual
advancement, one should be materially satisfied, for if one is not materially satisfied, his
greed for material development will result in the frustration of his spiritual advancement.”
(SB 7.15.21)
Besides acceptance of one’s status quo, one should be alert to one’s emotional condition
(sauca and svadhyaya). For instance, many persons bind themselves to misery by holding
grudges. Thus the ability to forgive (which does not necessarily mean approval of the act
that caused the problem) frees one from this bondage. By learning to forgive we achieve
contentment that makes one peaceful and happy. The first person to forgive is oneself; we
are able to honestly forgive others when we have the courage to acknowledge our own
shortcomings. By sincerely trying to improve we acquire a healthy self-esteem, the necessary
foundation for forgiveness. Consistent and skilled endeavour leads to steady progress so to
ultimately reach a state in which, even if externally poor like a beggar, one feels internally
content like a king. This state is ultimately achieved by the grace of the Isvara, implied by
Patanjali with Isvara-pranidhana.
We accept our lot in life
and are happy even if
not everything is
perfect
In the Srimad Bhagavatam (1.4.27-33) we find the example of Vyasadeva at the completion
of his writing the Vedas to further illustrate the meaning of Isvara-pranidhana and its
relation to santosa. He converses with his Guru, Sri Narada Muni, “O Lord, no doubt I
have realised all the truths you advised, still my soul, I know not why, finds no
contentment! O son of Brahma, be kind to tell me the unimaginable and indescribable
secret that lurks behind it. I beg this of you, being greatly troubled at heart.” Then Narada
Muni replies, “O Vyasa, you have not striven to give a vivid picture of the pure spiritual
pastimes of Bhagavan (Isvara)...It is due to this shortcoming of yours that you enjoy no
contentment.”
In my own experience, my best moments in life are the times when I’m deeply conscious
of - and engaged in rendering service to - that Isvara. From these experiences I can verify
Narada’s point. An identical observation is given by Suta Gosvami to Saunaka and other
rishis elsewhere in the same literature, “The highest dharmic principle is that by which
causeless and uninterrupted devotion to the Supreme Lord is developed. Such devotion
brings true contentment to the soul.” (SB 1.2.6) The word ahaituki means “unmotivated
by any selfish desire,” or “spontaneous.” By Isvara pranidhana, surrendering to the Supreme
Being, I feel I’m protected from the peril of futile worldly endeavours and irresponsible
complacency. This protection is vital, because as a practicing Yogi I have clearly realised the
more I’m addicted to selfish pleasures the more I’m dissatisfied. (Bhagavad-Gita, 5.22)
Sankirtana holds a
degree as Yoga
teacher from the
Vrindavan Institute for
Higher Education. He
works with a travel
agent in Beijing to take
Chinese yoga students
to Risikesh, Bodhgaya
and other holy places
in India.
Sankirtana.lok@pamho.net
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