The word contentment has been on my mind for quite some time. I know that it is important to practice it but every once in a while something happens inside that makes dots connect as to how it applies on the thought level.
There is a definite need to understand one’s thought patterns especially what is the motivation behind them. Some helpful questions are :
- Do i really need that person or thing?
- Or Is it simply my thirst or craving, or hunger for that object?
It TAKES TIME TO REALISE why it is important, but once we do, we begin to see that thirst is a well that can never be filled – unless we bring closure, or at least develop awareness, it easily crosses the line from needs to wants.
Applying this perspective in every aspect of life is essential, because we are constantly surrounded by things and information screaming for our attention.
The story of four candles
A shabad I was listening to, contained the story of a poor guy who, after much prayer, blessed with the appearance of Lord. The lord gave the person four candles and said:
1. Take the first candle to the north direction and once the flame runs out, dig the earth and find treasure which will help you in all ways.
2. If you require more, take the second candle to the east and once the flame runs out, dig the earth and find even more treasure, another blessing.
3. If you still require more, take the third candle to the south direction and once the flame runs out, dig to find even greater treasure.
4. But never take the fourth candle to the west, for if the flame runs out and you dig, you’ll lose it all.
The poor man took the candles home. He lit the first one and carried it north. When the flame ran out, he dug the earth, discovered a huge treasure, that made him rich.
Thinking that the second candle would lead to even more, he took the candle towards east. Sure enough, when the flame ran out, he dug, he found an even greater treasure making him extremely rich. He was really happy, with now his needs, wants and even desires fulfilled.
Satisfied and happy, he remembered the third candle, he followed the Lord’s instructions this time to the south and unearthed an even bigger treasure. Now he was richer than he had ever imagined.
But greed began to stir in his heart, and he began to wonder about the fourth forbidden candle – what unimaginable treasure must lie towards west, that the Lord had warned him against it. After what he had gotten from the previous three candles, he couldn’t resist it. So he lit the fourth candle and carried it towards west and when flame went out, he dug to find a small door. When he opened, there was a person endlessly grinding grain.
The man looked up and exclaimed “Oh thank lord, you are here! Now please take the wheel, grind the grain and wait until the next person arrives!”
The poor man was stunned, realising too late how important it was to understand and obey what Lord had told him.
The moral is simple yet profound. To remain rooted in contentment.
From time to time, ask yourself
- “Am I taking more than what is required?”
- “Is it really necessary?”
- “Are my desires taking the better of me”
When we begin to ask ourselves in this fashion, we free ourselves from the endless cycles of wants and desires and rediscover the peace of true contentment.