Teaching #50: The Paradox of Desire

Feelings, even wholesome ones such as caring and compassion, are an impersonal form of desire. This, then, is the paradox of desire—it leads to suffering when grasped after, yet without it there is no movement to tend to your child’s needs, or to help your sick neighbor, or to free yourself from suffering.

Chapter 12, Pg 144

For your reflection: This week, make the energy of desire the object of your mindful attention. See for yourself how it prompts you to act. Then notice that despite this impulse you have a choice as to whether to act on this desire.