Virtues Promoted By Dharma - Santosha

By Author: Chaitanya Kumari
Total Articles: 167
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While speaking about virtues promoted by Hindu Dharma, a special mention has to be made of “santosha.” When we just translate this term, it reads “contentment” or “satisfaction.” But it needs to be understood that the scope of “santosha,” as described in Hinduism, is very wide and encompasses many facets. This write-up attempts to provide a basic understanding of how “contentment” has been interpreted by the Sanatana Dharma.

• An individual who is in a state of “santosha” is fully content with what they already have. They do not desire anything except what comes under basic necessities. They have gratitude towards life for all the things that they have. A person who has “santosha” never complains about things not present in their life.
• In Hinduism, “santosha” also includes making sincere efforts and not being attached to the outcome. Even if the end result is not what is expected, it has to be calmly accepted. “Santosha” is related to two other dharmic virtues: non-stealing (asteya) and compassion (daya).
• A few people mistakenly believe that “santosha” is ...
... about depriving ourselves of everything. Nothing can be further from the truth. This dharmic virtue only encourages people to be balanced in their pursuit of desires. It never teaches that a person should stay away from seeking things. “Santosha” urges people to develop the wisdom to recognize unnecessary desires and to strive to overcome them.
• Hindu Dharma emphasizes that the sense of satisfaction a person derives from the fulfillment of worldly desires is just temporary. It is not the same as the noble virtue we are discussing.
• “Santosha” is happiness directly resulting from wisdom. It’s in no way connected to sensual pleasures. These people are overall content with their lives, even if some external circumstances are seemingly unpleasant. In this regard, this virtue can be treated as a synonym of equanimity.
• When a person practices “santosha” with patience and perseverance, it won’t take too long for them to reach the state of “genuine bliss.” They will be able to experience peace within themselves. These people realize that true joy does not depend on external factors.
• If people want to progress spiritually, “santosha” has to be integrated into their everyday lives. It’s only a mind that is free from desires that can experience life-changing spiritual truths.
• “Santosha” enables a person to understand and accept their limitations, and not get overly concerned about that. They very quickly identify things that are not meant for them; this is accepted with equanimity.
• Cultivating “santosha” is imperative for people who want to be happy with the things they already possess. “Santosha” frees a person from the unwanted pattern of comparing with others and experiencing low self-esteem.
• This element becomes even more relevant in this age of social media. Comparisons made with people on social media platforms who present curated versions of their lives are causing serious psychological issues like depression. Many vulnerable profiles think, “except for us, the lives of all others are smooth and joyous.” But when “Santosha” is made a part of our existence, we remain unaffected by such social media content.
• When a person embraces “contentment,” as elaborated in Hinduism, they will be in a position to discharge their various social, familial, and professional responsibilities.

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