Contentment is the Real Wealth
The Gita taught that if you want to enter the kingdom of liberation there are 26
noble qualities that you should acquire. But, truly, it is enough if you have
gained just one virtuous quality. That will be sufficient to qualify you for
entry. Of all of the virtuous qualities given in the Gita chapter on devotion
one of the most important is contentment. Only the one who has contentment can
be considered great. Swami asks quite often, "Who is the greatest human being
in this world?" The answer is, "The one who is always satisfied." Therefore,
develop this contentment in yourself.
Do not get lost in the world aspiring for impermanent joys, impermanent wealth,
impermanent position and luxuries. There is no objection to your enjoying the
happiness which comes your way. But never forget that the world is made up only
of the five elements. It has no eternal value. Your body also consists only of
the five elements. As long as you consider this world real, you will tend to
have attachments to the body and to a given place. It is best if you do not
waste your time caught up with these attachments. Instead, always remember the
goal. Here is a small example.
There was a wealthy man who had traveled the world over. He resolved to build a
palatial mansion without equal anywhere. It was to be a house of such
extraordinary grandeur that it would be beyond the imagination of anyone. He
resolved to construct this unique structure even if it cost him tens of
millions of rupees. A number of engineers and architects were called from
various countries for this purpose. Ultimately he completed his beautiful
mansion, and he now had a house which satisfied people from all points of view
and different cultural backgrounds. Tens of thousands of people came to look at
it. This wealthy man made all the arrangements for a grand inauguration of his
unique place. Before the inauguration, he called a number of experts and asked
them, "Do you find any defects, any faults in this building anywhere, even in
the smallest detail?" They could find none. It seemed to be perfect.
He invited all kinds of people to the function, including many wealthy citizens
and high officials. He also invited great sages to gain their blessings. Among
the invited guests there were a number of truly wise men. All elaborate
arrangements were made for their stay. After they were assembled, he prayed to
them, "I humbly ask you to let me know if there are any defects, any
shortcomings in this structure?" The engineers who had constructed the building
echoed his sentiments and also asked the assembled crowd, "Who can come forward
and just point out a single flaw in this beautiful building? We feel that it is
absolutely flawless and magnificent. It is totally unique and modern, perfect in
every detail."
At this point, a yogi who was standing in the corner, stepped out and addressed
the wealthy man who was hosting the affair. The yogi said, "Esteemed sir, I see
two major flaws in this building." All the people assembled there were greatly
surprised. The engineers and architects were shocked. Everyone was most curious
to know what these defects were. The wealthy man, whose house it was, folded his
hands in supplication and said to the great sage, "Swami, please tell me what
those defects are that you have spotted. Everyone is anxiously awaiting your
answer."
The yogi said, "O rich man, these are faults for which you are not to blame, nor
your engineers or architects or workmen. These defects are not within your reach
or anyone else's to correct. One defect is that with the passage of time this
building, and everything that is now standing here, will fall down and be
reduced to rubble. This is a defect that cannot be changed. The second failing
is that the person who built this structure will also perish and be forgotten.
This too cannot be changed. Even though these conclusions may be delayed for a
short period of time, they will both come to pass. Not realizing this truth you
think that you have accomplished something flawless and great, that your
achievement will be permanent. But it is not so. These defects that I have
mentioned will always prevail in the end."
Such is the state of affairs for people who forget death and think that they, or
their works or reputation, will be permanent. Only when you keep your focus on
the atma will you be filled with contentment and feel unending joy and bliss.
When you have such everlasting peace and contentment, you will be established
in a mansion that can never perish, for then you are abiding in the atma, your
unchanging permanent self. It alone has lasting value. There is nothing that
can be compared with that dwelling place. Unlike the mansions you find in the
world, it is perfect and permanent, free from all defects. Therefore, you have
to recognize the truth that in this mundane world everything is impermanent.
Keep your sight and concentration on the permanent atma. Constantly engage
yourself in spiritual practice in order to achieve this inner vision and remain
ever contented, undisturbed by worldly affairs.
http://www.atmapress.com/saibabagita/saigita228.html
Sai Baba Gita, Compiled and edited by Al Drucker - Published by Atma Press -
http://www.atmapress.com - ISBN: 0963844903Online Edition:
http://www.atmapress.com/saibabagita/index.html

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