Need is Different from Desire

In this talk, Swamiji discusses the subject of need and desire.

Our arrival in this world (our birth) is not because of desire. We start desiring much after we are born. Between 18-21 years, the bodily growth gets arrested and then decline of the body starts. Both birth and death are not events desired by us. In life, we desire because of delusion.The body is governed by physical, bio-physical, chemical, bio-chemical, biological laws, the mind is governed by psychological laws, the intelligence by rational and philosophical laws and the inner level is governed by spiritual laws. The entire life and activity is governed by systems and procedures. So, in reality, desires are redundant.

Every need of a human must be genuinely met. Every one needs a roof over the head, food to appease hunger, water, air to breathe etc. But when one has disproportionate needs, unjustified needs, needs which are governed by pure ambition of the mind, misadventure of the mind, then it is a desire and it can be dispensed with by proper analysis and introspection. Whenever there is a desire, it is to be discreetly avoided. So, a true seeker must be genuine in determining his needs.

PR 30 May 2011