From my Diary: Contentment not Complacency

Contentment not Complacency

"The greatest wealth is to live content with little.” ∼Plato

A recent obsession led me to delve deeper and deeper into notable lives that had a mysteriously tragic ending. One, the Iron Lady of our State who swaggered around, with sycophants obsequeously touching the ground three feet away from her feet. Her glamorous movements and enticing performances on the silver screen haunt the audience till date. Two fingers showing her signature sign of victory, and her right hand lifted to wave to the admirers thronging during key occasions, in front of Veda Nilayam in Poes Garden, is an image immortalized in Indian politics. From the zenith of glory and grandeur, to the nadir of conflict and humiliation, JJayalalithaa had experienced it all.
But for her schools in Bangalore and Chennai, was there any other place that gave her true joy and satisfaction? But for the nuns who guided and motivated the teenager, was there any other person who gave her selfless support and care? The one and only thing she was longing for was a few years of seclusion, far far away from the din and noise of hectic life, in her lush green estates of Kodanad a "hillside heaven", which never materialized.
There seems to be nothing, absolutely nothing that gave happiness to this celluloid deity, this Amma who held the reins of Tamilnadu politics for 14 years, and the incredible woman at whose feet men would shamelessly prostrate, for everyone to see.
This puts into me this question: What is that treasure denied to people like JJayalalithaa? Is it not contentment, and contentment alone? 

Recently, Sushant Singh Rajput. His pathetic end, leaving no death note, has drowned millions of his fans in dismay. Looking into this charming, young man's life ... did he ever find true happiness? In early education in famous schools? NO. In his entry into a top Engineering college in the capital city? NO. In his career in television? Yes, for a brief period. In cinema, as a top hero? Yes, again for a brief period. The illusions that money, recognition and excitement created for him, vanished as a mirage. Neither the fame nor the dream house nor the dream car could fetch him the fulfilment he was longing for. Not even the awards. The 50 dreams he had listed for himself could never come true as he couldn't live to see them. Memories of his mother who was no more and the shock of his former manager's death could easily devastate and devour this young actor known for his sensitivity, boyish charms and brilliant mind. What went wrong? What did he lack? Is it not that precious gift of God called contentment? As Dale Carnegie says, "it isn’t what you have or who you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” 

It is here, I turn inward, and thank God for His richest gift to me - the gift of contentment that fills my mind and heart with a feeling of happy satisfaction. I don't share the power and the glory with the celebrities. Before them, my achievements don't count. Yet, I hold a long list of people and events that fill me with gratitude. Childhood amidst the bewiching beauty of a hill station, early education that came with plenty of good values, higher education in outstanding institutions under unforgettable Sisters and teachers, long career in a reputed College, innumerable activities both great and small, affection and love from dear ones, correction and guidance from loved ones - everything, yes, everything is a matter of joy, and I am ever grateful. I know that I possess a treasure and that treasure is contentment. Not that I was treading a velvetty path strewn with roses... In ups and downs of life, God gave me the mind to count the blessings. During setbacks, he taught me to tell myself: "You are made for greater things". I moved on in life and was never complacent, but always contented. It is gratitude that gives this contented mind, and a contented mind is a quiet mind. In this world of trials and tribulations, discord and dissension, what else should we ask for?

I go with Henry Fielding when he says, “I am content; that is a blessing greater than riches; and he (she) to whom that is given need ask no more.”

For sure, contentment is given by God. It is a rich gift from God. And, whoever has it, is richly blessed in life.

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