The path to Tranquility (spring)
35. Distinguish between needs and desires
Needs and desires are two concepts that are easily confused. Needs are things or actions necessary to maintain basic life, while desires are the pursuit of non-essential things or the doing of unnecessary things. Understanding and distinguishing between the two is critical to managing the resources and emotions in our lives.
Identifying needs and wants can help us focus our resources on what is truly important and reduce stress in our lives. Basic needs are few and easy to satisfy, and when these needs are met, we feel calm and happy. Desires are so widespread that not only can they not be satisfied, they can also trap us in a vicious cycle and trigger behaviors that harm our lives. Therefore, needs are the cornerstone of life, while desires are our cliffs.
Needs are related to our survival and health, such as food, water, shelter, and basic clothing. Desires are extra expectations from life, such as extravagant meals, luxury goods, or ultimate enjoyment. Without the ability to discern our needs and desires, we may neglect our needs and spend a great deal of time and money trying to satisfy our desires.
There is a rule for distinguishing needs from desires: if we know clearly that a need is irreplaceable, then we can be sure that this need is not a desire. The biggest difference between needs and desires is whether we understand their reality and the practical, long-term benefits they bring us. What can be clearly understood is need; what cannot be clearly understood is desire.
Meeting needs is our top priority. If our needs are not met in a timely manner, we will develop many desires. These desires are false needs, and the more they exist or the stronger they are, the harder it is for us to feel satisfied. Desire is like a bottomless pit. The more we invest in it, the more empty we will feel. This will force us to invest more and thus waste our lives.
Satisfying needs brings peace and tranquility, while pursuing desires brings anxiety and unrest. Once we know this, we will be content with having a small house, a moderate amount of food and clothing, and a loved one. Possessing too many external things will inevitably become a burden to us. Even in the pursuit of spiritual things, excessive desire can lead us astray and even cost us our lives.
The desire for consciousness is the only exception. The more and richer our consciousness is, the easier it is to meet our needs, the fewer desires we have, and the healthier our body and mind will be. Therefore, as long as we transform our desires for material and spiritual things into a desire for knowledge, we will become more and more fulfilled. Curiosity allows us to understand the world, knowledge enhances our consciousness, allows us to accept everything in the world, and enriches our souls.
When the mind is no longer empty, our attention can return to the real needs of life and we can be more committed to pursuing the true goals of life. Therefore, by identifying needs and desires and satisfying our real needs, we can experience the richness of life. This can not only help us better face the difficulties and challenges in reality, but also enable us to find happiness and freedom. We will discover that a simple lifestyle can lead to a healthier body and mind.
34. Acceptance without hesitation
36. Don't forget to utilize logical thinking
