The Path to Enlightenment: Understanding Desire and Its Role

The journey towards enlightenment, oftentimes erroneously interpreted as the eradication of all desires, is a complex and multifaceted path that demands a profound understanding of self and reality. This article delves into the role of desire in the pursuit of enlightenment, as articulated by Buddhism, and the key to fully embracing the present moment without being controlled by desires or aversions.

Understanding the Role of Desire

The concept of enlightenment is fundamentally about merging with the present moment rather than being weighed down by desiring or fearing the future. As Pema Ch?dr?n aptly states, ldquo;One can appreciate, celebrate each momentthere’s nothing more sacred. There’s nothing more vast or absolute. In fact there’s nothing more.rdquo; This is a profound shift in perspective, where every moment is deemed valid and worth celebrating, without the constant seeking of something outside of the moment.

Alan Watts further elucidates this point by saying, ldquo;To be enlightened is to be completely here and now completely alert and available for the Present because that is the only place you are ever going to BE in.rdquo; This insight emphasizes the value of embracing the present, making it a cornerstone of enlightenment.

Interpreting Buddhism in the Western Context

Many Westerners often misinterpret Buddhism, primarily because the concepts are not just ideas but personalized experience that needs to be internalized and felt to truly understand. Words alone are rarely sufficient, and a deep, reflective training of the brain is necessary to comprehend these experiences.

Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings highlight the importance of living fully in the now: ldquo;Everything is always changing. If you relax into this truth that is Enlightenment. If you resist this is samsara suffering.rdquo; This statement underscores the inherent nature of change and the need to accept this reality to achieve a state of peace.

While Desires Are Inevitable

The eradication of desires is not the path to enlightenment. Osho explains, ldquo;You cannot drop a desire yourself you can only suppress it.rdquo; While desires can be suppressed, it is the suppression that often leads to internal conflict and suffering. The aim is not to eliminate all wants but to live in such a way that they no longer control you.

According to Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, ldquo;If your search for the truth is sincere then all desires will fall by itself one by one until only one desire remains and that is to find the truth.rdquo; This honest acknowledgment of the journey towards enlightenment and the eventual dropping of the one remaining desire highlights the transformational nature of the path.

Alignment with Higher Purpose and Acceptance

Living fully and vibrantly in the present moment is key to enlightenment. As Pema Ch?dr?n notes, ldquo;If you walk with true awareness of every step without having a goal to get anywhere happiness will arise naturally. You don’t need to look for happiness.rdquo; This aligns perfectly with the Buddhist concept of nirodha, which means cessation but also encompasses the idea of relinquishing attachments and aversions that detract from the present.

Ultimately, the path to enlightenment is about not being controlled by desires or aversions. It is about embracing the moment, regardless of its circumstances, and finding peace within oneself. As Thich Nhat Hanh so succinctly puts it, ldquo;There is nowhere to arrive except the present moment.rdquo; By staying present and fully engaging with the current experience, one can achieve a state of enlightenment.

Conclusion

Enlightenment is not about being desireless, but about not being controlled by desires. It is about embracing the present moment with openness and acceptance, recognizing how we relate to our experiences as the root cause of suffering. As the journey towards enlightenment unfolds, the key is to align our thoughts and actions with a higher purpose and to relax into the present moment, allowing for the natural dropping of desires until finally, nothing remains but the quest for the truth itself.