When we are able to reduce the gap between reality and our
expectations life becomes happy and easy. Trouble begins when there is a huge
gap. Things go out of hand and we will not be able to control our lives.
Balance of mind brings about real lasting happiness to a disciplined man. It is not a commodity which can be purchased from the market. (Swami Sivananda)
To be satisfied with what we have is the best possible way
to be happy. It is a simple idea and therefore not easy to practice. We all
have our expectations and we need to do something about it. If we are on the first
floor and our expectation is on the 11th floor there is a huge gap and this can
cause disappointment and rage. Some might think of taking the lift – short cut –
and this will only complicate the matter more. But along with lift there are
also steps. Make use of the steps. Enjoy each step; be satisfied with small
gains and one fine day you will be on the 11th floor. You will be even more
satisfied with your achievement.
We all have the idea how life should be. If are not flexible
with the idea, then anxieties, resentment and depression will creep in.
Attachment and passion are the greatest cause of sorrow. (Vishnu Purana)
Not everything is in our control. We need to accept this
reality. Life is like a happy fisherman venturing into the sea. Someday he will
not get anything, he will return empty handed. On another day, he makes a few
catches. Yet another day, he catches beyond his expectation. Irrespective of
the result, the fisherman is able to come home and enjoy his hot porridge and
sleep. We need to be like the fisherman enjoy what we get due to our hard work.
If we keep on worrying about what we are unable to get then we ourselves are
making our life unhappy.
In muddy water, both water and mud remain together. Similarly, happiness and sorrow are companions. (Suktimala)
His strength and meaning in life come from the truth itself, he is free from all envy and jealousy, and his mind is equal in material happiness and distress. (Uddhava Gita)
We are always bothered about what other people have and why
we do not have them. However, if we can think the reverse it would be much
better. We have lot of things that many people do not have. And if I can
develop qualities like contentment and satisfaction, then even the richest man
in the world will envy you.
When the senses contact sense objects, a person experiences cold or heat, pleasure or pain. These experiences are fleeting; they come and go. Bear them patiently, Arjuna. Those who are not affected by these changes, who are the same in pleasure and pain, are truly wise and fit for immortality. (Bhagavad Gita)
Keep a check on unreasonable desire and weed them out as
soon as possible. Unreasonable desires are like epiphytic plants. If we do not
remove them, they will destroy us.
Develop an easygoing nature but without compromising on our responsibilities
and values. Find pleasure in small things and cherish them. Pause at each step.
Be in the present. Enjoy each moment. It is good to reach our goal in this way
than in a hurry.
He who neither rejoices, nor hates, nor grieves, nor desires, renouncing good and evil, full of devotion, is dear to Me.Abhilash Rajendran
He, who is the same to foe and friend, and also in honor and dishonor, who is the same in cold and heat and in pleasure and pain, who is free from attachment.
To whom censure and praise are equal, who is silent, content with anything, homeless, steady-minded, full of devotion – that man is dear to Me. (Bhagavad Gita 12.17 - 19)
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