Happiness depends on the level of one’s Satisfaction
Many people favor an ascetic way of life when they face worldly problems. They believe that it is better to become an ascetic and get rid of worldly troubles. Some weak people, who are incapable of running their worldly lives, take shelter in hermitages (Muths) and temples deserting their family. They forget that home is the appropriate seat for (the existence and evolution of) a householder. It is desirable that a householder decides the best path to be followed. Are the domestic activities of a good householder not better than the actions of a con Yogi?
A man constructs his logic, in accordance with his thoughts. He creates a world for his happiness and starts lamenting when in agony.
Man builds worldly life (around him) with a lot of aspirations and inspiration. He conjures of a beautiful dream and strives hard for its fulfillment. Owning more property, gaining honour from society, saving money, and possessing land, gold and cattle – are some of his dreams. What has been described so far, relates to the ordinary folks of society. With people at higher echelons of society, it is a different matter. Such people are always dissatisfied with themselves and with others. They feel peeved for not receiving recognition for all their deeds. They also think that the acknowledgment and appreciation they receive is not commensurate with their contribution.
Such is the nature of human beings that they always crave something or the other, not being satisfied with whatever they possess.
Some people believe that to remain dissatisfied is a great virtue. They are often shocked to find some other people happy even despite great adversities in their lives. Sometimes they look at such balanced people as insensitive beings or as persons who are escapists or careless.
Enjoyment of life depends on the level of one’s satisfaction. Life gives certain things and denies certain things to all living beings. Therefore one should not be over happy when life offers certain desired pleasures and should not break down when certain things are denied by life or go wrong in life.
Shri Shirdi Sai Baba often used to tell his devotees to be happy and satisfied with whatever God has given them and to patiently watch the changing patterns of life dispassionately. This, then, is the key to a happy and meaningful life.
Sources:
1. Shri Guru Bhagavat, Vol. 5 by Dr. C B Satpathy
2. Ram Navami Message (2010) by Dr. C B Satpathy