I want what I want, how I want it when I want it
whether we admit it or not,
this is how many of us function
we have our desires
our cravings
our motivations
volition
is powerful
what we desire, what we crave, matters
a good motivation can bring us wellbeing
and can bring peace and joy to others
a bad motivation can bring suffering
not just to ourselves
but to all those around us
the Buddha suggested there are four deadly cravings
wealth, power, sex, and fame
(not necessarily in that order)
if we look at the teachings of Jesus
we see much the same message
sell all that you have and give
the first shall be last
the great shall serve
don’t covet
it is not that these things are inherently bad
it is just that if they are our motivation
if they are why we do what we do
if they are the values toward which we live
they make us bad
the Buddha likened our volition
to two strong men dragging one to a fire
a fire that will consume and destroy
There is, it seems, one motivation
that does not lead toward suffering
the desire to help others
the desire to heal
to liberate
to comfort
to bring understanding and awakening
to bring joy
this motivation comes from only one play
our connection with the Sacred
our connection to what some call God
our connection to that power that wants
to heal
to liberate
to comfort
to bring understanding and awakening
that wants to bring joy to us
Love God with all your heart soul mind and strength
And love those around you, all those around you
As yourself
Love God, let God love you
take that love in
then pass it on!
we have seen
how destructive it is when wealth, power, sex, and fame
drive our lives
we have seen how beautiful it can be
when the desire to serve
is the energy that motivates
the fact is simple
there is only one way to get
what we really want
to love God
love ourselves (in a healthy way)
and then love others
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