Santosha

In the eight limbs of yoga, the Yamas (ethical restraints) and Niyamas (internal observances) serve as foundational philosophical pillars. Among the Niyamas is Santosha, which translates to contentment. This principle involves the capacity to “hold two things at once”—fully accepting the current reality while acknowledging that change is inevitable. It is the practice of finding peace in the present moment, including its imperfections, without demanding that circumstances be different.

For me, Santosha is a grounding force that allows a shift toward inner joy and gratitude. This philosophy is deeply woven into the creation of this Buddha sculpture. During the initial sculpting phase, one of my dogs became very ill which resulted in surgery. Because of that challenging time, this sculpture sat in pieces on a shelf, wrapped in plastic, becoming neglected and weathered.

When I finally returned to the work, time had significantly impacted the clay. Rather than forcing the sculpture back toward my original vision, I chose to pivot and embrace the state the pieces were in. By accepting the passage of time and the moments preceding it, this Buddha unfolded into its true form. He now stands as a symbolic representation of Santosha—a reminder to find peace and embrace life exactly as it unfolds.

Series: Buddha

Art Type: Sculpture

Item Type:

Firing Type: Low Fire

Materials:

• Ceramic

8 x 8 x 8 in.