Success eludes a dissatisfied person

Dissatisfaction with ourselves is a serious problem as it affects our daily life, it is a joy killer, it affects our relationship, and it is the main reason for the failure of various aspects of life. Success always eludes a dissatisfied person.

Being unhappy in a small way is positive as it leads to improvement.

But to be discontented and disappointed always is not good. It is a sign of negativity.

Top in the list of dissatisfaction is our looks. We give too much importance to outwardly appearance. 

Quite often, we forget that what matters is our character not looks. Smile and joy emanating from an honest person are everlasting than the fake smile from a handsome person. Instead of concentrating on the looks try to focus on truth, honesty, and on being genuine. We come across many beautiful faces but what remains with us is a genuine smile.

Avoid criticizing ourselves. There is nothing wrong in failing. But it is wrong not to learn lessons from our failure and improve.

When dissatisfaction becomes a habit, we begin to doubt ourselves, we feel inadequate and unworthy and we blame ourselves or we blame other people.

Some people are trapped in unhappiness and frustration. It is an easy way to hide their failures and flaws in their character.

The best way to overcome dissatisfaction is to believe in ourselves, to find happiness in simple things and to believe in the power of now – to live in the present.

Instead of being unhappy, we should take appropriate action and focus on making ourselves more useful and pleasant by spreading joy.

Be honest, love yourself, be positive and live in the present.

Above all, be content. It is the best way to overcome all forms of discontentment.

Success Eludes a Dissatisfied Person – Hinduism

In Hinduism, the concept that "success eludes a dissatisfied person" is deeply rooted in the spiritual, ethical, and philosophical teachings of the religion. This idea underscores the importance of contentment, inner peace, and detachment in achieving true success and happiness.

1. Core Concept:

The idea that success evades a dissatisfied person is aligned with the broader Hindu philosophy that emphasizes contentment (Santosha) and mental equanimity. According to Hinduism, dissatisfaction often stems from excessive desire, attachment, and ego, which are seen as major obstacles on the path to spiritual and material success.

2. Symbolism:

• The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan): The story of Samudra Manthan from the Puranas symbolizes the eternal struggle between good (Devas) and evil (Asuras) and the quest for amrita (the nectar of immortality). The churning also brings out Halahala, a deadly poison, which symbolizes the negative consequences of uncontrolled desires and dissatisfaction. Lord Shiva's consumption of the poison to protect the world represents the need for inner calm and control over one's desires.

• The Lotus (Padma): The lotus flower, which grows in muddy water but blooms beautifully above it, symbolizes purity, detachment, and contentment. It teaches that one should remain unaffected by the material world and focus on spiritual growth to achieve success.

3. Quotes from Hindu Scriptures:

• Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47): "Karmanye Vadhikaraste Ma Phaleshu Kadachana, Ma Karma Phala Hetur Bhurmatey Sangostva Akarmani." Translation: "You have the right to perform your duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Do not let the fruit of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction."

  This verse highlights the importance of performing one's duties with detachment and without expecting specific outcomes. Dissatisfaction arises when one becomes overly attached to the results, thus hindering true success.

• Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 19): "Tasmad asaktah satatam karyam karma samachara, Asakto hy acharan karma param apnoti purushah." Translation: "Therefore, without attachment, perform always the work that has to be done; for a man who performs his duty without attachment attains the Supreme."

  Here, the Bhagavad Gita stresses the importance of detachment from the outcomes of actions, which is key to achieving ultimate success, both material and spiritual.

4. Stories:

• The Story of King Yayati: In the Mahabharata, King Yayati, cursed with premature old age, borrows the youth of his son to enjoy worldly pleasures. Despite indulging in desires for several years, he remains dissatisfied and eventually realizes the futility of worldly pleasures. He returns his son's youth and renounces his desires, finding peace in detachment. This story illustrates how dissatisfaction leads to endless craving, which in turn leads to a lack of true success.

• The Story of Sage Narada and Vishnu: Sage Narada once asked Lord Vishnu to explain the power of Maya (illusion). Vishnu instructed Narada to fetch water from a river. As Narada went to the river, he met a beautiful woman, married her, and lived with her for many years, completely forgetting his quest for water. When a flood destroyed his home and took away his family, Narada cried out to Vishnu, who appeared and asked, "Where is the water you were supposed to bring?" Narada then realized how illusion and attachment had caused his dissatisfaction and led him away from his true purpose.

5. Importance in Hindu Philosophy:

Contentment and detachment are central to Hindu philosophy, particularly in the paths of Karma Yoga (the yoga of action) and Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge). Dissatisfaction is seen as a product of attachment and ignorance (Avidya), which trap the soul in the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara). True success, in Hinduism, is not merely material wealth or achievements but spiritual liberation (Moksha), which can only be attained when one transcends desires and attachments.

6. Lesser-Known Facts:

• Chaturvidha Purushartha: Hinduism outlines four main goals of life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (pleasure), and Moksha (liberation). Dissatisfaction often arises when Kama and Artha are pursued without the guidance of Dharma. This imbalance can prevent the attainment of Moksha, the ultimate goal.

• Santosh (Contentment) as Niyama: In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, contentment (Santosha) is listed as one of the five niyamas or observances. Practicing Santosha is seen as a key discipline for achieving mental peace and success in the spiritual path.

7. Modern-Day Relevance:

In today’s fast-paced world, the constant pursuit of material success often leads to stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. The teachings of Hinduism on contentment and detachment are more relevant than ever. By applying these principles, individuals can find a balance between their material and spiritual lives, leading to holistic success.

• Mindfulness and Detachment: The modern practice of mindfulness echoes the ancient Hindu wisdom of living in the present moment without attachment to outcomes. This approach can reduce stress and lead to a more fulfilling life.

• Consumerism vs. Contentment: In a world driven by consumerism, the Hindu ideal of contentment challenges the notion that happiness is found in external possessions. This perspective can help individuals focus on inner peace rather than external success.

In Hinduism, the notion that "success eludes a dissatisfied person" serves as a reminder that true success is not found in the endless pursuit of desires, but in contentment, detachment, and spiritual growth. By cultivating these qualities, one can achieve not only material success but also inner peace and spiritual fulfillment.