Objects of desire may take many forms.

[bhattathiri]

 

Objects of desire may take many forms. We may desire physical things, such as food, clothing, or

comfort. We may desire emotional gratification, such as the love of another. We may desire

recognition or fame. We may desire good karma in order to ensure better conditions in future lives.

There is nothing wrong with having desires. The fulfillment of these examples would not automatically

cause one to be reborn in lower realms. But these are not examples of true compassion. If we calculate the benefit we will receive from our actions, it is not compassion. If we practice because we want to transcend samsara and attain Buddhahood, it is not compassion. As long as there are ulterior motives in our minds, no matter how lofty these motives may be, it is not compassion. It is not wrong or bad, but it is self-centered love and desire, not compassion.

 

We may have passed a wild flower and stopped to admire its beauty and fragrance. The flower may remain in our mind as we walk away. We may even contemplate picking it. In a sense, we have fallen in love with this flower. We may have gone beyond enjoying it. Now we want to possess it so that we can enjoy it continuously. We all have a hunger that makes us want to possess something we don't have, and which drives us to hold on dearly to that which we already have.

 

Similarly, one may have a good experience while meditating, feeling pure and light. In the future that person will likely desire this experience again, and so will continue to meditate. This is yet another attachment. As long as one is attached to spiritual experiences, self-centered love and desire are still present.

source. Fw: [TDM] Digest Number 745

 

Venerable Master Sheng-yen, Pure Action