Principles of Desire

Recently I had a pleasant debate with a friend about the nature of desire.

She is a student of spiritual traditions that teach desire as a “root of all suffering.”

It is true to some extent. However, as human beings, we are wired to desire greater things and experiences. We are alive because we have the desire to be alive. Desire gives you the will, intention, and energy to get up every day and do what you do.

Is it wrong to desire material things? Money, cars, possessions? Are we supposed to be good and spiritual and denounce the desires of the flesh?

One of the best ways to answer such questions is to study Kabbalah, ancient mystical teaching on the nature of Creation.

According to the timeless principles of Kabbalah, God created the Universe with a built-in desire to receive. God is the ALL possibilities, and the Creation is the container to receive these possibilities and utilize them.

Think of the fax machines. If you were the only one with a fax machine, you would have no use for it. When someone else has a fax machine, you can send them a fax, and they will receive it. Now the fax machine has practical value.

God created the Universe to bestow his goodness upon it. So the Creation, naturally, is wired with the desire to receive.

There are three types of desires to receive.

First. Desire to receive body pleasure. It applies to the desire for gratification of lower human nature: food, sex, entertainment, etc.
Second. Desire beyond the body. That is the desire for power, status, recognition, significance, fame, and fortune.

Third. Desire to become like God, the creator. The giving beyond the Ego, seeking happiness, ultimate fulfillment, and contribution beyond just individual needs.

Keep in mind that all humans have each one of these three desires. However, the first two desires produce suffering because they can never be fully satisfied by nature.

The third type of desire brings permanent happiness and peace. It takes soulful maturity to grow in your choices and desires. You can have health, wealth, status, fame, all you want when you desire these things from your Higher Nature. It’s the desire to “bestow” your gifts to the world, contribute meaningfully, and make it a better place.

It doesn’t mean the other two desires would disappear. Instead, you transcend them with your Creator Consciousness.