CHAPTER 6

THE POWER OF DESIRE

What is Desire? Let us see! Webster’s Dictionary tells us that it is: "The natural longing to possess any seeming good; an eager wish to obtain or enjoy," or, in its abnormal or degenerate sense: "excessive or morbid longing; lust; appetite."

"Desire" is a much-abused term. The public mind has largely identified it with the abnormal or degenerate phase just mentioned, while ignoring its original and true sense. Many use the word to mean an unworthy longing or craving, instead of using it in the true sense of "aspiration," "worthy craving," and "longing." To call Desire "aspiration" makes it no less a form of Desire. Applying the term "laudable aim and ambition" to it does not change its character as Desire.

There is no sense in trying to escape the fact that Desire is the natural and universal impulse toward action, whether that action is good or bad. Without Desire, the Will does not spring into action, and nothing is accomplished. Even the highest achievements and goals of the human race are possible only when the "steam" of the Will is generated by the flame and heat of Desire.

Some occult original: "occult teachings"; referring to hidden or esoteric spiritual philosophies, often from Eastern traditions like Theosophy. teachings are filled with instructions to "kill out desire." The student is warned to beware of it even in its most deceptive and subtle forms—even to the extent of "avoiding the desire to be desireless," or the "desire not to desire."

Now, this is all nonsense. If one "wishes," "wants," "is inclined to," or "thinks it best" to "kill out desire," in any of these cases, he is merely manifesting a Desire "not to desire," despite using different names for it. What is this "wishing to," "wanting to," "feeling like," or "inclination," but just plain, clear, unadulterated Desire masquerading under these names? To attempt to "kill out desire" without "desiring" to do so is like trying to lift yourself by pulling on your own bootstraps an idiomatic expression meaning to perform an impossible task without outside help.. It is folly.

What is actually meant is that the seeker should proceed to eliminate the lower desires found within their nature, and also to eliminate "attachment" to things. Regarding this last point, we would say that all true seekers know that even the best "things" are not good enough to rule and master a person. Nothing is good enough for the soul to allow itself to be unduly attached to it, where the thing rules the soul instead of the soul mastering the thing. That is what the teachings truly mean: the avoidance of attachment in many spiritual traditions, "attachment" refers to an emotional or mental obsession with objects or outcomes that prevents inner freedom..

In this, the spiritual teachers are clearly right. Desire is a frightful master; like fire, it sweeps away the supports of the soul, leaving nothing but smoldering ashes. But, also like fire, Desire is a splendid servant. Through its harnessed power, we are able to generate the steam of the Will and activity, and to accomplish much in the world. Without proper Desire, the world would be without activity. So do...