Desire

[Vajradhara]

Namaste all,

thank you for the interesting OP.

i didn't see it explicitly addressed in the thread but if so then it wouldn't hurt to repeat it

there is a general sort of view which finds Buddha Dharma puzzling for a variety of reasons one of which is the misunderstanding regarding desire and the roles that this psychological state manifests.

an oft cited argument that one can find primarily on Muslim apologetics sites frames the argument, paraphrased, thusly: Buddhism teaches that desire is bad and it teaches that one must strive to realize the teachings. You must desire this goal and the use of desire is bad thus Buddhism is contradictory and self-refuting.

the argument, itself, is reflective of the authors own religious paradigm rather than Buddha Dharma and falls into the same quoting out of context data mining that one frequently finds when dealing with apologetics in the Semetic traditions.

generally speaking the issue here is one of definition and selectivity. Desire, even in English, has several different meanings which range from positive to somewhat negative and the intended meaning of the term can only be discerned from within the context of its' usage.

in Buddhism desire is denoted as having three aspects; negative, positive and neutral in terms of how such a psychological state can colour karma. within the context of the OP the question of discernment is somewhat difficult given that we <i'm speaking liberally for us all though i recognize some beings have resolved these issues> have a consciousness which is deluded regarding the nature of things. we have flashes, like a bolt of lightening which rends the night sky revealing everything, of insight into some aspects and such flashes can help guide us along our way.

my estimation is that desire which seeks to benefit others, help them when they need it and such is desire which is positive whereas desire which seeks its' own end, pleasing only oneself, is negative though this is due mainly to the manner in which desire has arisen rather than being a quality distinct to desire per se. in other words desire has a neutral character when non-manifest but changes or adopts the positive or negative character based on the consciousness of the being in whom it arises.

this view of desire is rather simplistic and tends to view it as entirely positive or negative when it arises. within the Buddha Dharma it is taught that all psychological states are combinations in varying degrees and so as we understand the term "love" in English to have several different qualities, maternal, paternal, fraternal, romantic and cheeseburgers, Buddha Dharma teaches that desire also has different qualities though rather than being modified by the way in which it is manifest towards others desire is modified by or to the extent that the being has resolved ignorance.

metta,

~v

[Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine]

Vaj,

You forgot two desires in English: :kitty:s and desserts (like ice cream, cheesecakes, blackberry pies, fresh watermelon, etc.)

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

[Snoopy]

Originally Posted by Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

:kitty:s and desserts

Thus in Buddhist terms, these are considered positive desires, like the desire to achieve awakening. Cheeseburgers on the other hand, are negatives; food served up by McMara.

s.

[Netti-Netti]

Originally Posted by Snoopy

Thus in Buddhist terms, these are considered positive desires, like the desire to achieve awakening.

The standard by which positive desires can be identified empasizes "sweet." It is said that the Buddha liked lots and lots of brown sugar in his cinnamon rolls and lots of sugary icing on top.




Wholesome emotions are the key.

[Snoopy]

Originally Posted by Netti-Netti

The standard by which positive desires can be identified empasizes "sweet." It is said that the Buddha liked lots and lots of brown sugar in his cinnamon rolls and lots of sugary icing on top.

Listen n-n; the sole position for The One Who Just Makes Stuff Up here at CR is already taken; thanks.

s.

[seattlegal]

Originally Posted by Netti-Netti

The standard by which positive desires can be identified empasizes "sweet." It is said that the Buddha liked lots and lots of brown sugar in his cinnamon rolls and lots of sugary icing on top.




Wholesome emotions are the key.

Mula Sutta
"'All phenomena have feeling as their meeting place.

Even though this cinnamon roll may only be temporary, and will disappear when it has been eaten, fully enjoying its wonderful fragrance and delicious taste, as well as being thankful for the nourishment it will provide to the body is a good thing upon awakening.

[Snoopy]

Originally Posted by seattlegal

Even though this cinnamon roll may only be temporary, and will disappear when it has been eaten, fully enjoying its wonderful fragrance and delicious taste, as well as being thankful for the nourishment it will provide to the body is a good thing upon awakening.

Same goes to you, sg.

s.

[Francis king]

desire- as rasa...or as kama?

kama, often translated as love, but which more rightly means- your likes, or rasa, desires, or more rightly, one's own tastes...

both kama and rasa are one's own delights- self created entities, the products of contact with sense-objects, or rather, what the mind takes hold of...

[Francis king]

and THEN we make good and evil... nagarjuna...

[Francis king]

desires then,by themselves, are not something to be maligned, but simply the fruit of experience... sometimes sweet, sometimes sour, the stuff of karma, (your judgement, or making and measuring)...

[DrumR]

Originally Posted by Snoopy

Thus in Buddhist terms, these are considered positive desires, like the desire to achieve awakening. Cheeseburgers on the other hand, are negatives; food served up by McMara.

s.

Quite so.

One would be better off going to the corner New Deli and ordering a Dhammapada on Rye - hold the curry.

[DrumR]

Originally Posted by seattlegal

Mula Sutta
"'All phenomena have feeling as their meeting place.

Even though this cinnamon roll may only be temporary, and will disappear when it has been eaten, fully enjoying its wonderful fragrance and delicious taste, as well as being thankful for the nourishment it will provide to the body is a good thing upon awakening.

<attempt at humor>
Thank you, "enlightened one," for the un-solicited endorsement of our product.

In an endeavour to serve the religious community we have humbled ourselves to take on the burden of operating a for profit pastry and confections establisment franchise. We realize that our own spiritual advancement will be delayed by taking this path to help humanity. Yet "appropriate means" compels us to do so.

Bow-D Satvash Doe-nuts
Serving the Darma - One cinnamon a roll at a time.
Enlightenment in every bite.
True sweetness upon Awakening. Comming to a Bhodi field near you
<end humor attempt>