The Middle Way

“The Middle Way”  |  Anthony Satori

“There is no end of craving.  Hence contentment alone is the best way to happiness.  Therefore, acquire contentment.”

— Swami Sivananda

Night Jasmine

“Night Jasmine”  |  Anthony Satori

“Twas midnight — through the lattice, wreathed with woodbine, many a perfume breathed from plants that wake when others sleep, from timid jasmine buds that keep their fragrance to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let their delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about.”

— Thomas Moore

This Happiness

“This Happiness”  |  Anthony Satori

“This happiness consisted of nothing else but the harmony of the few things around me with my own existence, a feeling of contentment and well-being that needed no changes and no intensification.”

— Hermann Hesse

A philosophy of simplicity, and the cultivation of inner/outer harmony, these are the sources of true happiness.  The contented one knows that happiness is not something “out there” that needs to be chased and pursued, but rather, if one understands and internalizes the principles of simplicity and harmony, everything that is needed for happiness is right here, right now, within reach, right in our own backyard.

This does not, however, mean that the contented one does not appreciate and savor every moment of new experience, of elevated quality, of unique elegance and beauty.  In fact, it is quite the opposite.  Because the contented one does not need these things to be truly happy, such treasures can be openly welcomed into their world, and the greatest pleasure and value and joy can be derived from them — naturally and purely — when they arrive.

Stained Glass

“Stained Glass”  |  Anthony Satori

A museum or a church?  A celebration of the deep well of human creativity, or an expression of gratitude toward the mysterious universe that created us?  It is remarkable how similar such expressions tend to be — how similar the imagery of temples and the imagery of museums align.  Perhaps this image reveals an even deeper convergence of belief, a core awareness that when we as humans reach for our best heights of creativity and knowledge, we are, by this very means, paying our deepest respects to the Creative Spirit of the universe.

Balance

“Folded Umbrellas”  |  Anthony Satori

“Think in the morning.  Act in the noon.  Eat in the evening.  Sleep in the night.”

— William Blake