Sutras II.40-II.45 describes the effects of practicing the five niyamas. They are the internal disciplines or individual rules of conduct. They are the positive and help one to follow the yamas. If one is disciplined in niyama it will be easy to follow yama.
Santosa - contentment
II.42 santosat anuttamah sukhalabhah
From contentment and benevolence of consciousness comes supreme happiness.
Santosa means true contentment with oneself, not trying to be like others or relying on external forces to make one happy. When the body is clean and the mind purified then contentment arises. True contentment checks the cravings for food and helps curb desire, anger, greed and ambition. True contentment is a state of mind.
I really love even just saying the word santosa. It brings a smile to my face when I feel moments of true contentment. When I am in the present moment, enjoying that moment for what it is, I can even find santosa while doing the dishes! Contentment is not neccesary found only when all the stars align perfectly and all things in life are going well. True contentment comes from within even during the difficult moments.
As Judith Lasater says in her book Living Yoga,
"Contentent requires the willingness to enjoy whatever has been given you today knowing that it will change."
I hope you find true contentment in your life.
Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
http://www.plnyoga.vpweb.com/
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