yahooyoga: Contentment (santosha)

Santosha (Contentment) is the second of the Niyama. Contentment and tranquility are states of mind. Differences among people because of race, creed, wealth and learning. Differences create discord and there arise conscious or unconscious conflicts which distract and perplex one. Then the mind cannot become one pointed and is robbed of its peace. There is contentment and tranquility when the flame of spirit does not waver in the wind of desire. Santosha means satisfaction or contentment. The story of Krishna and his childhood friend Sudama teaches us the meaning of contentment. When Krishna was a young boy he studied at the ashram of Guru Sandipani. krishna's best friend at the ashram was a clever Brahmin boy named Sudama. The two boys studied, played and grew up together at the ashram. On completing their studies the boys were sad to part. After leaving the ashram Krishna had many adventures. He eventually became the king of Dwaraka and Sudama chose to become a priest.

In time, Sudama married a devout lady named Sushila. Over the years Sudama's family grew but his earnings as a priest remained meagre. Sushila found it very difficult to make ends meet. One day there was no food in the house. In despair, Sushila turned to her husband. Our children are hungry and crying. Why don't you go and see our childhood friend, Krishna. He is now the king of Dwaraka and will certainly help us. Sudama's heart lit up at the thought of seeing his childhood friend and said I would love to see Krishna but I shall not beg money from him. Sushila was very happy. She borrowed some puffed rice from a neighbor and tied it into a cloth bundle. Take this gift for your friend, she said.

Bearing the humble gift, Sudama set off for distant Dwaraka. After a long walk he arrived at Krishna's capital. The grandeur of the city overwhelmed him. Meekly, he walked up to the palace gates. A security guard barred his way and said Who are you and what do you want. I am sudama. I have come to see my friend, King Krishna. The huard couldn't believe that this poor man could be the King's friend. Reluctantly, he conveyed the message to the king. Krishna was overjoyed to hear that Sudama had come to see him. He rushed to the palace gates to greet his dear friend. Embracing the weary Sudama, Krishna took him into the palace. The king himself washed Sudama's feet and saw to all his comforts. Suddenly Krishna noticed the cloth bundle that Sudama had brought with him. Krishan asked Sudama What is in that cloth. Sudama felt ashamed to offer the king his modest present but Krishna grabbed it from him and eagerly opened it. "Puffed rice", he said, "my favorite" and began to eat handfuls of the simple fare.

Sudama was pleased to see that his friend, the King, was satisfied with his humble gift. The two friends talked for hours. At Krishna's request Sudama spent few days at the palace. Finally remembering that his family would be waiting for him, Sudama took his leave. While returning in the royal chariot, Sudama remembered the purpose for which Sushila had sent him. Krishna did not even ask me about my needs, he thought, how can I return my family empty handed. Downcast, Sudama got off the chariot a short distance from his hut. Sadly he walked towards home and strangly he found a large mansion stood where his little hut had been. Sudama was worried. Where is my little house, he thought and where is my family. Just then Sushila opened the door. She was dressed in fine clothes and attended by many servants. Welcome my Lord, She greeted her husband joyously. King Krishna arranged all this while you were away. The pious Sudama's trials were over. He however was content to live a simple life dedicated to meditation and prayer.