Your deep desires should be positive; if it is something negative, such as revenge, it should be given up immediately, writes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
What is a deep desireIJ This question must be answered first. A soul, ie us, has three functions. These are: To desire, to decide and to enjoy or suffer the consequences. Desires are also of many kinds. During the day, we have many desires like when I come home, I will watch my favourite programme. Or we will go to a movie or for dinner. A deep desire is different from such desires. Deep desire has been defined in Brihadaranyak. Translated into English, it reads, “You are what your deep driving desire is.” What is the significance of thisIJ How does it impact our livesIJ The following examples will provide the answer.
Someone from his very childhood has a burning desire to accumulate wealth. He works in this direction and let’s say succeeds. He does not stop and goes on to collect more and more. Similarly, another person is highly motivated to become powerful. He applies himself and achieves some success, but this does not satisfy him. He craves for more and continues his efforts. Another person is highly attracted to name and fame. Practically, all his actions are directed that way, and he becomes quite well known. But his desire knows no limits; he keeps at it for more.
Another person has a deep desire to look beautiful, and fortunately for her she is born beautiful. Her life is dedicated to look slim and pretty. She sacrifices a lot to maintain herself, and even goes to the extent of getting surgical procedures done to enhance her beauty. The fifth category is of persons, who are seekers of knowledge. They are not satisfied with just learning what is readily available. Such persons become scientists, philosophers, etc. Now that you have a fair idea about what a deep desire is, examine what your deep desires are. Are they different from the ones referred to aboveIJ let me suggest some common ones. Have a good career is a good desire as long as it does not compromise family life and the necessary enjoyment of life. Contrarily, wanting to show off one’s riches and material possessions is not such a good idea. Ultimately, your own satisfaction counts not what others think about you. Desire to travel is nice if one learns how to live better, and enjoys it. This one should also not be done for the sole purpose of telling relatives and neighbours. Doing social service is great, but care has to be taken to buy insurance by making a solid bond with God. The idea to take revenge is a very poor desire and should be given up immediately.
If your deep desires are taking you in the wrong direction, it is time to change track. It is the soul’s prerogative to desire whatever it feels like, therefore, it can now desire something else. For that to happen, the person concerned must convince oneself about the benefits of doing so. Saintly persons opt for peace and bliss. For them, peace is paramount, i.e. they weigh all their actions to ascertain whether peace will be served. (Bhagavad Gita 6.3) These goals attract naturally and one does not need much convincing. Now this new desire, which is like a seed, begins to germinate. This, however, is a very slow process and requires a lot of patience and self-encouragement. In some cases, like a deep desire for good health, spiritual desires for peace and bliss contribute towards fulfillment of the original deep desire for good health. This person must have realised by now that good health on a permanent basis is a mirage. Mental peace is paramount. Mentally strong, one transcends periods of bad physical health. Therefore, decide what your deep desires should be taking into consideration all your resources like ability, physical health, financial position, habits, sanskars, etc. Then, see what your circumstances, time, etc. permit, and, then, begin working on your new desires in the right earnest. life will have a lot of meaning.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com