The Dual Nature of Desire

This chapter explores the complexities of human desire as compared to animal instincts, highlighting the concept of mimetic desire that drives rivalry and social interactions. It contrasts Buddhist and Christian perspectives on desire, discussing how each tradition perceives the role of desire in the human experience—one aiming for cessation to reduce suffering, and the other advocating for alignment with divine qualities. Through this dialogue, the chapter underscores the challenges and potential violence arising from unbridled desires versus the transformative power of redirecting them towards spiritual fulfillment.