Thread by @smrithirekha

Thread: #SankhyaKarika talks of nava Tushti(9 contentments) which can become an obstacle to our growth. We become falsely satisfied and contended without feeling the need to progress. These are very relatable!

1. Prakriti: We think that even that Jnana is a manifestation of Prakriti and Prakriti alone can bring about transformation and no effort is required from our side. We remain as we are without progression

2. Upadana Tushti: Thinking that Prakriti can’t be the reason because everyone will be attain in that case but we look around and see no one has attained. Thinking attainment can happen only by embracing Sanyasa, no other effort is put in but merely taking up Sanyasa

3. Kaala: Thinking that attainment can happen only when time is ripe and no amount of personal effort can make it happen. Thinking so, we remain complacent! (Very relatable :) )

4. Bhagya: Thinking that attainment can neither happen through Prakriti or efforts or time but luck alone can make it happen. We look at people who have attained and think they were merely lucky! (The first rank holder in school always got it by luck :))

5. Paara: Thinking that objects of the senses cause pain and refraining from them is Paara. We think “How can one work under someone else. One cannot suffer under the hands of another.” And don’t engage in meaningful work

6. Supaaram: Before putting in effort one thinks of all possible negative outcomes. Before getting wealth one thinks of various ways by which it can be destroyed: thieves, fire or floods..similarly for Sadhana. “If I get enlightened will my family be with me”

7. Paaravaara: Thinking that whatever we have gained becomes wasted when we enjoy it and hence why acquire it in the firstplace. “If I enjoy wealth, then all hard work put in becomes waste..why work hard?”

8. Anuttamaambha: Even before gaining something we think “what will happen if we get addicted to it and we lose it..won’t we feel miserable?”.. Thinking so we give up the effort. “If I like meditation and what if I keep on meditating and get addicted to it?”

9. Uttamaambha: Sometimes, we abstain from enjoyment by thinking of all the negative aspects of enjoyment like people deriving pleasure by killing animals. We feel contended with whatever we have and this is called Uttamaambha.

Thus there are 9 Tushtis: 4 internal and 5 external. Karika 50 “ādhyātmikāś catasrah prakrtyupādanakālabhāgyākhyāh,bāhyā visayoparamāt pañca nava tustayo’bhimatāh”