Contentment

True happiness always springs from within, it is a subjective quality, independent of one’s material circumstances. A contented mind is an essential condition of happiness. It does not mean that a man should have no aspiration in life: but wild cravings of the heart should always be subdued. Contentment stands for an uncomplaining acceptance of whatever happens in life. One should of course, do one’s best to improve one’s circumstances and position, but one should be prepared for defeat or failure. Contentment should be supplemented with readiness for self-sacrifice. A good act, a noble deed, a gesture of goodwill towards others goes a long way in bringing happiness. Selfishness and ill-will towards others are hostile to happiness. The maximum amount of true happiness will always result from a pursuit that is not tainted by selfishness. The person whose mind dwells on the things that are true, honourable, just, and pure, whose mind is full of kind purpose and whose life is full of kind deeds, is the happiest of all beings. “My mind to me a kingdom is” -that sums up the attitude to life of a happy man. Thus the key to happiness in life is contentment combined with a spirit of service to others. All other formulae and recipes for seeking happiness will fail in the long run.