MIND MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 21. DESIRES & FREEDOM FROM DESIRES - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control

THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 21. DESIRES & FREEDOM FROM DESIRES - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 21 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda delves into the nature of desires, their origin, their impact on the mind, and methods to control them for spiritual growth. Desires, according to Sivananda, are a primary obstacle in the path of self-realization and inner peace. The chapter provides an in-depth exploration of how desires form, how they bind individuals in the cycle of birth and death, and how they can be transcended through conscious effort and spiritual practice.

What is Desire?
Desire is described as a mode of the emotive mind. It is the internal force that drives externalization of thoughts and actions. Sivananda uses a vivid analogy of desire being like fuel that keeps the thought-fire burning. The mind, when fueled by desire, constantly oscillates, creating mental turbulence. However, if desire is withdrawn, the fire of thought will cease, and the mind will return to its source—Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. Desire is seen as the primary cause of mental agitation. When the mind is free from desires, it becomes pure, detached from the material world, and able to unite with the divine. This state of detachment is likened to a bird that has been freed from its cage and is now soaring freely in the ether. Desires, therefore, are seen as the root cause of delusion and distraction. 

The Vicious Circle of Desire, Thought, and Ego
Sivananda explains that desires, thoughts, and the ego form an unbreakable cycle. Desire generates thoughts, and these thoughts give rise to the ego, which further strengthens desires. The ego feeds the desires, and desires feed the ego, perpetuating a cycle of mental bondage. If one can destroy any one of these elements—desire, thought, or ego—the others will naturally dissolve as well. This insight is crucial for those who seek liberation, as breaking any link in the chain of desire, thought, and ego can lead to freedom. 

Why Do Desires Arise?
Desires arise due to the absence of bliss. The mind, when it is not in a state of blissful union with the Divine, seeks satisfaction outside of itself, which manifests as desires. The existence of external objects, the mind's curiosity, and the human tendency to experience and interact with the world all feed into the creation of desires. Additionally, feelings such as interest, hope, and expectation contribute to the strengthening of desires. 

The Wandering Nature of the Mind
Sivananda compares the wandering of the mind to heat that is inseparable from fire. This wandering mind is the root cause of distraction and instability, especially for spiritual aspirants. It undermines the determination of even the most resolute individuals. The mind's tendency to fluctuate and oscillate creates the illusion of the world, which is referred to as Maya. The purification of the mind involves the removal of these oscillations, which can only be achieved through constant meditation and a focused pursuit of the divine. 

Types of Desire
Desires can be classified into various types, and among these, sexual desire is considered the most powerful impurity. The attachment to worldly pleasures, such as desire for wealth, fame, and sensual gratification, binds individuals to the material world. Even if one renounces physical possessions, the subtle desires for name, fame, and social approval are difficult to relinquish. These desires, according to Sivananda, are the greatest obstacles in the path of spiritual progress. Among other desires, the desire for ambition, fame, and recognition are seen as particularly potent in hindering one's spiritual advancement. These desires are tools of Maya, leading individuals away from...