On Desire

When we hear the word 'desire', we usually think of 'kama' - the intense longing for a person, a thing, or a result. Most often than not, when we think of desire, we think of love, friendship, intimacy, sex, money, fame, success, etc. We also have been conditioned to look at 'desire' as something that needs to be given up or controlled, to evolve spiritually.

But desire is the root of all action that makes us human. Even in our spiritual growth, there is a seeking, a desire to get somewhere, somehow....what we call evolution. So then how can we give up desires? When it is the wheel that keeps us moving and changing? When it is the flame that keeps us alive and in the hunt?

I believe that true evolution happens only when you HOLD your desire without going out of your way to seek an end or a fulfillment, or without looking to repress it or wishing it away. It is about 'surrendering' to your desire and life. It is about holding it inside you like a sacred flame, shielding it from the things that would put it out, and from the things that would fan it so that it exhausts or burns itself out. It is about the middle path. It is not about giving up or giving in. It is about living and being with it. So hold it, burn with it slowly, let it burn you slowly... sit with the pain of not being able to seek fulfillment, sit with the helplessness of not being able to do anything about it, surrender to the fire of desire, be consumed by it....there is nothing more one can really do.

For when you choose to do something, you are becoming a victim of desire. You either want to be in denial. Or you want to take charge and control your life by going all out to fulfill your desire. Embrace it and walk with it, holding it like a dear friend, who is there with you every step of the way. That is the way. The only way home, is what I feel.