Friends:

Contentment (Santutthi) is the most supreme Treasure!

There is the case where a Bhikkhu is content with whatever old robe at all,
with whatever old almsfood at all , with whatever old hut at all, and with
whatever old medicine for curing sickness at all. This Dhamma is for one
who is
content, not for one who is discontent! Thus was it said. And with
reference to exactly this salient
contentment with little was this said...
                                                                                              
AN VIII 30
And how is a Bhikkhu
content?
Just as a bird, wherever it goes, flies with its wings as its only burden,
even so is he content with a set of robes to protect his body & almsfood
to pacify his hunger. Wherever he goes, he takes only simple necessities
as robes, belt, bowl and razor along. This is how a Bhikkhu is
content...  
                                                                                       
       DN 2

There is the case where a Bhikkhu is content with whatever old robe at all,
with whatever old almsfood at all , with whatever old hut at all. He speaks
in praise of being
content with any old requisite at all. He does not, for the
sake of any requisite, do anything unsuitable or inappropriate. When not
getting any requisites, he is not troubled. When getting requisites, he uses it
unattached to it, not obsessed, blameless, seeing the drawbacks & dangers,
he realizes the escape from them. He does not, on account of his
contentment
with any old requisite at all, exalt himself or disparage others. Thus is he clever,
energetic, alert, and aware! This, Bhikkhus, is called a Bhikkhu standing quite
firm in the ancient, original lineage of the Noble Ones...
                                                                                             
 AN IV 28

Good are friends, when need arises,
good is
contentment with just what one has,
good is merit, when life is at an end,
good is the elimination of all Suffering!

                                           Dhammapada 331

Solitude is happiness for one who is
content,
who has heard the Dhamma & clearly sees.
Harmlessness is happiness in all worlds,
harmlessness towards all living beings.
                                          
Udana 10

Therefore be capable, upright, & straight,
easy to instruct, gentle, & not proud,
content & easy to support with little,
with few duties, living simple & light,

with peaceful abilities, mastering all,
modest, & with no greed for support.
Do not do even a minor thing that the
wise & noble would criticize.
                                          
Sutta Nipāta I, 8
 


Back Home Index Next


Updated: 10 Mar 2010 http://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Contentment.htm