Ajahn Brahm Podcast

How To Deal With Desire

11 snips
Feb 9, 2025
Exploring the dual nature of desire, the discussion highlights how misplaced motivations linked to materialism can lead to suffering. It delves into the tension between desire and ego, advocating for community over competition. Humorous anecdotes from monks illustrate the struggle with temptation while adhering to Buddhist principles. The complexities of desire and the importance of self-discipline are emphasized, along with the notion that unskillful desires can lead to guilt, contrasting them with compassionate desires that promote well-being.
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INSIGHT

The Problem with Self-Centered Desire

  • Desires stemming from a sense of self, ego, or possessions often create problems.
  • This is because they lead to attachments and a focus on ownership, fostering pride and conceit.
ANECDOTE

Sydney Sports Cars

  • Ajahn Brahm recounts seeing numerous sports cars in Sydney traffic.
  • He questions their purpose, highlighting their impracticality and concluding they serve mainly to boost ego.
INSIGHT

The Right Place for Desire

  • In Buddhism, desire should originate from an inclusive "us," not a selfish "me" or selfless "them."
  • This "us" encompasses everyone, promoting community and global-mindedness.
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