Desires etc. are not bad per se

Most ancient religions considered desires as bad. Especially, the eastern religions consider desire (“käma”), anger (“krödha”), greed (“löbha”), possessiveness (“möha”), conceit  (“mada”), jealously (“matsara”)  as six enemies of mankind.

But just think about it. Are these not essential, in some form or other, for our very existence?

Without sexual desire probably the beings cannot continue to exist in the form of progeny. Without desire for happiness, none of our achievements are possible. Anger is definitely needed to defend ourselves and our companions from an aggressive offender. It is greed that makes us save for tomorrow to take care of future uncertainties. Without possessiveness, we cannot probably take care of our people and belongings. Conceit encourages us to do better in anticipation of recognition. Jealousy also indirectly coaxes us to make progress so that we can be better than others.

So, none of these are our enemies per se. They are all essential and probably inalienable parts of our life. But when do they become hindrances?

Let see that in the next post.

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