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| Contentment |
The second of the five Observances listed in the eight limbs of Yoga is Contentment. One of
the great blessings of life is learning to be content. While many folks are never content, some are.
The irony is that those who are frequently appear less likely to be so. They may have less in
terms of money, property, love, power and health. A simple explanation for this is that
discontent goads one to strive harder for all these things. The fellow who is content with a small
income, a modest home, simple clothes and plain food is unlikely to become rich. The humble
fellow who does not envy the rulers, who does not chafe beneath the rules, who accepts the
bounds of society and tradition and who does not long to overpower others in the arenas of
sports, politics, war and conversation will probably not rise very far in the pyramid of dominance.
The one who accepts solitude, who does not spend idle time and extra money seeking
friendships, dates and meaningful relationships, will probably not rack up large scores in terms of
love, emotional conquests, charisma or membership in groups.
Mark Twain wrote a short story called "The Five Boons of Life." In this charming tale, a fairy
comes to a man early in his life with a basket and offers him the choice of one of the contents,
which are fame, love, riches, pleasure and death. Suffice it to say that this guy makes short work
of the obvious boons. Read it if you want to know how it ends. I mention this story only because
Twain describes so well the vanity of the things that people seek.
Serendipity can give any or all of these boons to a person during his or her life. Contentment
has more to do with the ability to weave ones way through these ups and downs without riding the
emotional roller coaster. People who have a lot of money or property often have difficulty
appreciating it. Unrestrained love and pleasure can lead one into boredom. All of these boons of
life are good things, but too much of any of them can leave us jaded.
For one who wishes to practice Yoga, being content is a useful virtue. It allows one to sit in
contemplation without being harassed by the many fears and hungers that pull us this way and
that. As with all of the limbs of Yoga, is is not necessary to be perfectly content. Perfection, if it
comes at all, will sneak in unbidden. One cannot yearn and strain for serenity, for that itself can
amount to the opposite. People spend a lot of money, time and energy trying to relax. Let it be.
the great blessings of life is learning to be content. While many folks are never content, some are.
The irony is that those who are frequently appear less likely to be so. They may have less in
terms of money, property, love, power and health. A simple explanation for this is that
discontent goads one to strive harder for all these things. The fellow who is content with a small
income, a modest home, simple clothes and plain food is unlikely to become rich. The humble
fellow who does not envy the rulers, who does not chafe beneath the rules, who accepts the
bounds of society and tradition and who does not long to overpower others in the arenas of
sports, politics, war and conversation will probably not rise very far in the pyramid of dominance.
The one who accepts solitude, who does not spend idle time and extra money seeking
friendships, dates and meaningful relationships, will probably not rack up large scores in terms of
love, emotional conquests, charisma or membership in groups.
Mark Twain wrote a short story called "The Five Boons of Life." In this charming tale, a fairy
comes to a man early in his life with a basket and offers him the choice of one of the contents,
which are fame, love, riches, pleasure and death. Suffice it to say that this guy makes short work
of the obvious boons. Read it if you want to know how it ends. I mention this story only because
Twain describes so well the vanity of the things that people seek.
Serendipity can give any or all of these boons to a person during his or her life. Contentment
has more to do with the ability to weave ones way through these ups and downs without riding the
emotional roller coaster. People who have a lot of money or property often have difficulty
appreciating it. Unrestrained love and pleasure can lead one into boredom. All of these boons of
life are good things, but too much of any of them can leave us jaded.
For one who wishes to practice Yoga, being content is a useful virtue. It allows one to sit in
contemplation without being harassed by the many fears and hungers that pull us this way and
that. As with all of the limbs of Yoga, is is not necessary to be perfectly content. Perfection, if it
comes at all, will sneak in unbidden. One cannot yearn and strain for serenity, for that itself can
amount to the opposite. People spend a lot of money, time and energy trying to relax. Let it be.
| What do we mean by Purity? |
| Yoga for Carnivores by Jay Dyck |