Desire is one of the most misunderstood facets across all Wisdom traditions. Teachers often teach, and readers often misinterpret, some of the writings of the texts, both from Veda as well as other ancient wisdom cultures, as meaning that desire is bad, or that the key to enlightenment is to eliminate our desires.
One such example of this misunderstanding is the Vedic epic Bhagavad Gita, specifically Chapter 2, Verse 47, in which Krishna tells Arjuna, “Live not for the fruits of action.”
The misinterpretation of this text leads many to think that desire itself is the cause of suffering, and thus attempt to suppress or ignore desires in the hope of avoiding suffering.
Thom sets the record straight in this episode, clarifying the purpose of desire, and giving us a technique whereby we can ensure that our desires are not just aligned with Nature, but serve to meet the need of the time.
Episode Highlights
[00:45] What’s the Point of Taking Action?
[00:55] Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata
[03:12] Arjuna and Krishna: The Central Characters of Mahabharata
[05:07] Krishna's Guidance
[06:38] The Song of God
[08:16] Krishna's Message on the Fruits of Action
[10:27] What is the Need of the Time?
[12:07] What is Cosmic Desire?
[14:03] Beyond the Scope of the Intellect
[15:59] Let Charm be the Driver of Action
[17:32] Surrender to Nature's Intelligence
[19:36] Cosmic Intelligence in Action
[20:44] We Don't Want Options
[22:47] Move Beyond Fruits
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Vedic Worldview