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Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Nicole said Nov 10, 5:50 PM: |
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In Defense of Desire |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009sherab said Nov 11, 3:52 AM: |
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“There is a drive for transcendence that is implicit in even the most sensual of desires” Epstein's point is that desire is a human response to the condition of suffering.the nature of desire is that it’s always at least a little bit unfulfilled. Resting in the gap - without either rushing to satisfy the desire or foreclosing the possibility of that satisfaction - is a literal attempt to open to desire in its totality, to understand it, and through this insight to come to an understanding of oneself. Denial of the desire is just another way of trying to eradicate the gap, which is what desire wants: Ultimately, desire seeks fulfillment. Mindful meditation means allowing the awareness of thoughts and desires, and through practice they can become like the sound of waves on the beach; something present and natural, which doesn't really disturb Us as we sit.In Vajrayana, there are many sadhana practices based on fear, anger and desire. However, through the practice of the entire ritual, these disturbed emotions are made to serve the Dharma, and help release the practitioner from his or her fixations. What Epstein suggests is fairly simple, but it may be that one should practice with some sort of guidance: a friend or teacher should be enough. Lama's I know have warned about certain deity practices which can lead to mental illness if done improperly. I personally understand why; this happens but it is hard to explain. Basically, you don't want an unstable person acting out every desire. And, especially not if they think that they have some divine mandate for doing so. Just sitting though, I think I'd like to have a drink of wine, (or sex, or chocolate) As i breath, i focus on this one craving, returning again to the sensual aspects of taste and smell, the electric tingle of the wine on my tongue… Ok, that could be a bit much, could lead to episodes of drunkenness. But not more so than trying unsuccessfully to push all cravings away. I see this as very much like the meditation on pain. Allowing, and accepting the desires can be the first step to taming them peace -s- |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Taikunping said Nov 11, 4:26 AM: |
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Maybe it is in the acceptance of each human emotion that we become more whole - we register and acknowledge each part of our humanity and see it as holy - we become aware that certain human traits are more desirable than others and we endeavour to become more balanced and centered into our beingness.. |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Nicole said Nov 11, 6:09 AM: |
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That is beautiful Tai. I believe that to be true, very much so. |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009winterfruit said Nov 12, 11:22 PM: |
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what a beautiful and profound comment - I can totally resonate to that! |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Nicole said Nov 11, 6:16 AM: |
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I like that, sherab, allowing and accepting then taming. Excellent. |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009winterfruit said Nov 12, 11:59 PM: |
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Hi! 
 |
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Re: Tuesday, November 10th, 2009Nicole said Nov 13, 4:25 AM: |
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dear one, some mulled wine sounds delightful! i don't usually drink but there is something luscious and fulfilling about mulled wine that I cannot resist. |
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