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Santosha – The state of Blissfully Dissatisfied

Updated: Aug 19, 2022

"Santosha” is one among five Niyamas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras vaguely translated into contentment or fulfillment. It is the state of complete happiness.



However, it needs a bit of a deeper understanding to explore the concept of Santosha. It is not just being completely happy.


You cannot be just happy all the time. It may sound good to be philosophical, but not practical.


Trying to be happy all the time is a bubble / an illusion that you may want to create.


On the other hand, if you aren’t happy with what you are and what you have, the chances are that you will be in the race of finding something that makes you happy in vain.


Though sounds cliche, nothing makes you happy except you.


Hence, this moment and what you have right now should make you happy.


Putting both the perspectives into a single frame, you will find them contradictory to each other.

That is precisely what Santhosha means. You should be happy with what you have and that brings contentment or bliss.


But it is a partial side of Santosha. Be dissatisfied too as that motivates you to grow. Dissatisfaction should lead to evolution.


If you can find the balance between being blissful at the present moment and be motivated to grow, then Santhosha is taking its shape within.


May this new year be the door for the new beginning with blissfulness and eagerness to evolve in all of us.

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