The path to Tranquility (spring)
35. Distinguish between needs and desires
Needs and desires are two concepts that are easily confused. Needs refer to
things or actions that are necessary to maintain a basic standard of living,
while desires refer to things or actions that we want but are not necessary.
For example, food is our need, and a luxurious meal is our desire. If we are
unable to distinguish between our needs and desires, we may spend a lot of
time and money satisfying our desires while ignoring our needs.
In the past, because our needs were not satisfied in a timely manner, we developed many desires, which are false needs. The more we want, the harder it becomes to satisfy, and we feel empty as a result. Emptiness is like a bottomless pit, and every time we throw something into it, we feel the fear of emptiness, which forces us to throw more and more.
Here is a little story: The hamster laughed at the ants: "Poor ants, in order to collect such a small amount of food, you have worked so hard for a whole summer. Is it worth it? I should show you my reserves!" An ant replied: "Listen, because you store much more food than you need, humans will dig you out of the soil, empty your granary, and make you pay for your greedy behavior with your life. That's only fair!"
This story reminds us that we must use reason to distinguish between needs and desires. Our needs are not many in type or quantity, and we feel calm and joyful when they are satisfied. Desires are very wide-ranging and not only cannot be satisfied, but they can also cause us to fall into a feeling of emptiness and lead to behaviors that damage our lives. Therefore, needs are the foundation of life, but desires are the cliff of ego.
When we know that needs bring peace and tranquility, while desires bring anxiety and restlessness, then a small house, a small amount of food and clothing, and a loved one are enough to make us content. External material possessions, if too many, will inevitably become a burden. Even if we pursue spiritual things, too many desires can lead us astray and even cause us to lose our lives. The only exception is consciousness. The more conscious we are, the more we can satisfy our needs and reduce our desires, making our body and mind healthier.
By turning our pursuit of material and spiritual desires into a true desire for knowledge, our bottomless pit of desires can be filled. The desire for knowledge allows us to understand the world, knowledge increases our consciousness, allows us to accept everything in the world, and enriches our souls. When our souls are no longer empty, our focus will return to the true needs of life.
34. Acceptance without hesitation
36. Understanding the objective meaning of life
