In short: the Buddha called contentment "the ultimate wealth" (Dhammapada 204). It means being at ease with enough: "content and unburdensome, unbusied, living lightly" (Snp 1.8). It isn't laziness or giving up; it's not being driven by "more".
The ultimate wealth
"Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth; trust is the ultimate family; extinguishment, the ultimate happiness."
Dhammapada 204
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Living lightly
In the Discourse on Love, the qualities of someone on the path include being:
"content and unburdensome, unbusied, living lightly, alert, with senses calmed"
Snp 1.8 · Full text: Karaṇīya Mettā Sutta.
Contentment without superiority
The Buddha describes monks who are "content with any kind of robe", don't worry if they don't get one, and use what they get without attachment, and adds a quiet warning:
"But they don't glorify themselves or put others down on account of their contentment."
AN 4.28
Why "more" never satisfies
"Even if it were raining money, you'd not be sated in sensual pleasures. An astute person understands that sensual pleasures offer little gratification and much suffering."
Dhammapada 186 · More: real Buddha quotes on desire.
Three daily practices
- "This is enough." Say it silently once a day: at a meal, in your home, looking at your phone.
- Three good things each evening. Contentment grows from noticing what's already here. (Gratitude meditation)
- Wait a day before buying anything you don't need. Notice the wanting rise and pass.
Try it
The evening practice in Practice ends each day by noticing what was good. Four kinds of lay happiness: AN 4.62.
Questions people ask
What does the Buddha say about contentment?
'Health is the ultimate blessing; contentment, the ultimate wealth' (Dhammapada 204). It means being at ease with enough, not stopping all effort.
Is contentment the same as giving up ambition?
No. The Buddha praised energy and diligence too. Contentment is about not being driven by 'more': you can work hard and still be at ease with what you have.