THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 21. DESIRES & FREEDOM FROM DESIRES - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 21 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Sri Swami Sivananda delves into the nature of desires, their origin, their impact on the mind, and methods to control them for spiritual growth. Desires, according to Sivananda, are a primary obstacle in the path of self-realization and inner peace. The chapter provides an in-depth exploration of how desires form, how they bind individuals in the cycle of birth and death, and how they can be transcended through conscious effort and spiritual practice.

What is Desire?
Desire is described as a mode of the emotive mind. It is the internal force that drives externalization of thoughts and actions. Sivananda uses a vivid analogy of desire being like fuel that keeps the thought-fire burning. The mind, when fueled by desire, constantly oscillates, creating mental turbulence. However, if desire is withdrawn, the fire of thought will cease, and the mind will return to its source—Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. Desire is seen as the primary cause of mental agitation. When the mind is free from desires, it becomes pure, detached from the material world, and able to unite with the divine. This state of detachment is likened to a bird that has been freed from its cage and is now soaring freely in the ether. Desires, therefore, are seen as the root cause of delusion and distraction. 

The Vicious Circle of Desire, Thought, and Ego
Sivananda explains that desires, thoughts, and the ego form an unbreakable cycle. Desire generates thoughts, and these thoughts give rise to the ego, which further strengthens desires. The ego feeds the desires, and desires feed the ego, perpetuating a cycle of mental bondage. If one can destroy any one of these elements—desire, thought, or ego—the others will naturally dissolve as well. This insight is crucial for those who seek liberation, as breaking any link in the chain of desire, thought, and ego can lead to freedom. 

Why Do Desires Arise?
Desires arise due to the absence of bliss. The mind, when it is not in a state of blissful union with the Divine, seeks satisfaction outside of itself, which manifests as desires. The existence of external objects, the mind's curiosity, and the human tendency to experience and interact with the world all feed into the creation of desires. Additionally, feelings such as interest, hope, and expectation contribute to the strengthening of desires. 

The Wandering Nature of the Mind
Sivananda compares the wandering of the mind to heat that is inseparable from fire. This wandering mind is the root cause of distraction and instability, especially for spiritual aspirants. It undermines the determination of even the most resolute individuals. The mind's tendency to fluctuate and oscillate creates the illusion of the world, which is referred to as Maya. The purification of the mind involves the removal of these oscillations, which can only be achieved through constant meditation and a focused pursuit of the divine. 

Types of Desire
Desires can be classified into various types, and among these, sexual desire is considered the most powerful impurity. The attachment to worldly pleasures, such as desire for wealth, fame, and sensual gratification, binds individuals to the material world. Even if one renounces physical possessions, the subtle desires for name, fame, and social approval are difficult to relinquish. These desires, according to Sivananda, are the greatest obstacles in the path of spiritual progress. Among other desires, the desire for ambition, fame, and recognition are seen as particularly potent in hindering one's spiritual advancement. These desires are tools of Maya, leading individuals away from the pursuit of truth and self-realization. The pursuit of external validation often prevents the true nature of the Self from manifesting. 

Subtle Hidden Desires
Even after a practitioner has renounced overt desires, Sivananda warns of the hidden, subtle desires that can lurk within the mind. These desires are dangerous because they are not immediately visible and can sabotage one's spiritual journey without the individual realizing it. The downfall of many yogis has been attributed to these hidden desires. To attain liberation and entry into the Absolute, these subtle desires must be eradicated through vigilance, self-awareness, and constant introspection. 

Cravings and Their Impact
Cravings, whether they are for physical pleasures or worldly achievements, are considered the seeds of birth and rebirth. Sivananda emphasizes the importance of addressing cravings before they grow into desires. Once cravings are rooted, they perpetuate the cycle of Samsara, leading to repeated cycles of birth, death, and rebirth. The craving for sensory enjoyment continues to linger, even in old age, when physical ability may fade. For example, an individual may have given up smoking years ago but might still be tempted by the sight of a cigarette. The craving, though dormant, can resurface unexpectedly. True freedom is attained when one can root out such cravings through practices like devotion, meditation, and constant contemplation on the Supreme Being. 

The Illusory Nature of Satisfaction and Pleasure
Desires are often followed by a sense of temporary satisfaction or pleasure upon their fulfillment. However, Sivananda points out that this satisfaction is short-lived and illusory. The gratification of desire provides only a fleeting moment of happiness, and soon, new desires emerge, leading to further cycles of craving and temporary fulfillment. Sivananda highlights the paradox of desire and satisfaction: when a desire is satisfied, it does not bring lasting peace. Instead, it leads to further dissatisfaction, as the mind always seeks more. The transient nature of sensory pleasure emphasizes the impermanence of the material world and the futility of seeking happiness through external objects. 

Desires Are Insatiable
The insatiable nature of desires is likened to a never-ending fire. The more one feeds it, the larger it grows. Sivananda provides the example of King Yayati from the Mahabharata, who, after borrowing the youth of his son to indulge in sensual pleasures, found that his desires never ceased. This example underscores the endless nature of worldly desires and their capacity to trap individuals in the cycle of Samsara. 

Freedom from Desires Is Necessary for Knowledge
True knowledge and spiritual wisdom can only be attained when an individual is free from worldly desires. To gain divine knowledge, one must detach from sensory pleasures and immoral tendencies. The mind must be purified and made receptive to divine wisdom. This purification is akin to cleaning a house in preparation for the arrival of a guest. The mind must be cleared of all impurities—desires, vices, and distractions—in order to receive the Supreme Truth. 

How to Control Desires
Sivananda suggests several methods for controlling desires, starting with the power of discrimination. When a desire arises, an aspirant should immediately examine whether the fulfillment of the desire will lead to lasting happiness or spiritual growth. Discrimination allows one to renounce the desire and redirect the mind toward spiritual practices, such as meditation, prayer, and the study of sacred texts. Moreover, cultivating the desire for liberation—moksha—is essential. This desire should supersede all other desires, including those for sensory pleasures or worldly achievements. By focusing on the desire for liberation, all other desires will eventually dissipate. Sivananda advocates for the practice of renunciation, austerity, and detachment as effective ways to control desires and purify the mind. 

Destruction of Desires Leads to Atmic Bliss
Finally, Sivananda asserts that the destruction of desires leads to the realization of Atmic Bliss, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice. A mind free from desires is liberated from the bondage of Samsara and experiences the bliss of union with the Divine. This state of bliss, free from desires and the illusion of the material world, is the essence of spiritual fulfillment. In conclusion, Sri Swami Sivananda’s teachings in Chapter 21 provide profound insights into the nature of desires and their role in the spiritual journey. Desires, according to Sivananda, are the root cause of suffering, and only by overcoming them can one attain true peace and liberation. Through self-awareness, discrimination, meditation, and renunciation, one can purify the mind and achieve union with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit, thereby realizing the eternal bliss of the Atman.  

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