An ordinary man hears, sees, thinks, but he is satisfied to know only as much as can be known through the senses; he does not analyze and try to find that which stands behind the ear or eye or mind. He is completely identified with his external nature. His conception does not go beyond the little circle of his bodily life, which concerns the outer man only. He has no consciousness of that which enables his senses and organs to perform their tasks.Kena 13 · Upanishads · Kena-Upanishad
Kena 13
Upanishads · translated by Swami Paramananda
Themes in this passage
ContentmentThe SoulHopeDesireMeditation
Contentment in other traditions
The same theme, as Taoism, Christianity, Islam and Hellenism address it.
There is no guilt greater than to sanction ambition; no calamity greater than to be discontented with one's lot; no fault greater than the wish to be getting. Therefore the sufficiency of contentment is an enduring and unchanging sufficiency.Tao Te Ching 46.2 · Tao Te Ching
The horseleach hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough:Proverbs 30:15 · Bible · Proverbs
(How) that wherewith they were contented naught availeth them?Quran 26:207 · Quran
Then, when they had finished their work and the meal was ready, they ate it, and every man had his full share so that all were satisfied. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, they laid down to rest and enjoyed the boon of sleep.Odyssey 16.46 · Odyssey · 16
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