Is the mind the problem or is desire the problem?
Written by DadaBhagwan
Desire is the problem. Let us find out why?
What is the mind?
Just like the other senses, the human mind has its own function. The function of the mind is to think. It is neither good nor bad.
Your mind of today is a display of your past life. Whatever you were doing and whatever you were involved in, in your past life, today that is all there within, in the form of subtle thoughts.
Our mind of today means our opinions of the past. Whatever opinions we gave in the past life; that is what this (current life’s) mind is. And the opinions of this life will be the mind for the next life.
For example, if in our past life, we had a strong inner intent that studying is good, then that is what is bound to reflect in our present life all the time. A seed was sown because of the intent we had.
So, mind is a vital component of the body, without which we will become absent-minded. This mind of ours is like a boat; if driven in the right direction, it will lead us to liberation!
Desires and why are they a problem?
The moment one sees an appealing object, a desire to keep seeing it again and again arises within. Similarly, when one hears something very pleasing to the ears, a desire to keep listening to it again and again arises. Then when one smells something good, eats something delicious, or may touch something quite soft and smooth, a desire for it arises at once. Even listening to someone explaining how they enjoyed something very much, could also invoke a desire to experience the same.
Desires are infinite. People’s notions [to satisfy those desires] are innumerable. With this, how would there ever be a solution for people?
~ Param Pujya Dada Bhagwanr
Once a desire for something sets in, it is like a fire. It constantly keeps burning until it is fulfilled, and before extinguishing, it gives rise to another desire. Thus, it is a never-ending cycle.
As our need to fulfil the desire becomes more and more severe, that desire starts making us restless and unsettled until we acquire it. That is when the fire of desire usually becomes fuelled by an array of negative emotions such as envy, jealousy, fear, irritation, desperation, frustration, dissatisfaction, anger, pride, deceit, greed, etc.
Driven by these emotions, one remains always unhappy and sad, which eventually gives rise to several reactions in the body. Moreover, when these emotions heighten, they largely torment us and torture others around us.
The root cause of all suffering is desire. Desires create obstacles in living a peaceful and happy life. So, do you think desire is worth having or do you find it a problem?
One can become free from the effects of desires…
if one attains Self-realisation.
When we realise, ‘I am a pure Soul, an abode of eternal bliss’, all desires lose their charm. Desires begin to wither out and dissolve.
Self-realisation sets us free from the effects of desires and grants us liberation.
To know more: https://www.dadabhagwan.org/path-to-happiness/spiritual-science/know-the-human-mind/
Article author
About the Author
Ambalal M. Patel was a civil contractor by profession. In June 1958, spontaneous Self-Realization occurred withi
Ambalal M. Patel. From this point on, Ambalal became a Gnani Purush, and the Lord that manifest within him became known as Dada Bhagwan. A Gnani Purush is One who has realized the Self and is able help others do the same. Param Pujya Dada Bhagwan used to go from town to town and country-to-country to give satsang (spiritual discourse) and impart the knowledge of the Self, as well as knowledge of harmonious worldly interactions to everyone who came to meet him. This spiritual science, known as Akram Vignan, is the step-less path to Self-realization.
Further reading
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