Ajahn Brahm Podcast How To Deal With Desire
Feb 9, 2025
Exploring the dual nature of desire, the discussion highlights how misplaced motivations linked to materialism can lead to suffering. It delves into the tension between desire and ego, advocating for community over competition. Humorous anecdotes from monks illustrate the struggle with temptation while adhering to Buddhist principles. The complexities of desire and the importance of self-discipline are emphasized, along with the notion that unskillful desires can lead to guilt, contrasting them with compassionate desires that promote well-being.
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Three Aspects of Unskillful Desire
- Understand that desire itself isn't bad, but three aspects can make it unskillful.
- These are: originating from the wrong place, aiming at the wrong target, or taking the wrong path.
The Problem with Self-Centered Desire
- Desires stemming from a sense of self, ego, or possessions often create problems.
- This is because they lead to attachments and a focus on ownership, fostering pride and conceit.
Sydney Sports Cars
- Ajahn Brahm recounts seeing numerous sports cars in Sydney traffic.
- He questions their purpose, highlighting their impracticality and concluding they serve mainly to boost ego.