Contentment is a powerful antidote for the poison of greed. – Swami Sivananda
Fill the day with as many good deeds as possible so that there may be more flowers in the garland that you offer to God at day’s end.
Accept every experience in life as it comes. Do not grumble. Do not grudge. Do not feel sad. Do not feel glad either. Rest in serenity. If you gloat over something, you are inviting trouble.
There is always action and reaction on the relative plane. If you laugh now, you will have to weep later. On a level ground, if you want to make a mound, you can do so only by making a pit to dig out the earth to make the mound. There is no mound without a pit, no smile without a tear. Remain level always. Remain serene always.
Serenity is superior to boisterous giggling and laughter. The so called happiness only hides sorrow for the moment.
Niyama and Yama – self restraint – are interdependent. Niyama strengthens and safeguards Yama.
The removal of emotions like lust, anger, hatred, jealousy assist internal Purity. Internal Purity is more important than external purity. Internal Purity makes the mind one pointed.
Internal Purity bestows serenity, cheerfulness, joy, strength, harmony, poise and happiness. Internal Purity instills love, patience and magnanimity. Therefore develop internal Purity through diligent and vigilant effort.
Be content with what is. Contentment is a mystic stream of joy that cools the three fires of samsara and joins the ocean of immortal bliss.
…more on these subjects: Purity and Contentment by Swami Sivananda