santosha
Wherever there is attachment, the clinging to the things of the world, you must know that it is all physical attraction between sets of particles of matter — something that attracts two bodies nearer and nearer all the time and, if they cannot get near enough, produces pain; but where there is real love, it does not rest on physical attachment at all. Such lovers may be a thousand miles away from one another, but their love will be all the same; it does not die, and will never produce any painful reaction. -Swami Vivekananda. Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
santosha (Contentment) can be achieved through simplicity. Modern life is focused around accumulation: new things, new wants, new experiences. The sastras say to do the opposite: reduce our wants and needs. Be content with what we have. Wealth and material things are not the source of happiness.
Things that make us happy:
- Family & Friends
- Health
- Nature
Really focus on things you already have and be grateful for them.