Eshanatraya - Three Desires

Eshanatraya: Expanded Understanding and Modern Relevance

Eshanatraya (Sanskrit: एषणात्रय) refers to the "three desires" that are seen as obstacles on the path of spiritual evolution in Hindu philosophy. These desires are:

1. Putraishana (Desire for a son)
2. Vittaishana (Desire for wealth)
3. Lokaishana (Desire for fame or to attain heaven)

These three desires are seen as attachments that keep individuals tied to worldly existence (samsara) and prevent them from attaining liberation (moksha). The term and its significance are found in key Upanishads like the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (3.5.1), emphasizing that spiritual seekers must renounce these desires to progress towards self-realization.

Breakdown of Eshanatraya

1. Putraishana (Desire for a Son):
   In ancient Hindu tradition, the desire for a son was deeply connected to the idea of fulfilling pitr-rina, the debt one owes to their ancestors. Sons were traditionally seen as necessary for performing funeral rites (like shraddha) to ensure the forefathers' souls would attain peace, thus preventing the person from falling into Naraka (hell) after death. However, from a spiritual standpoint, the Upanishads suggest that this attachment binds one to the cycle of birth and death, as it emphasizes worldly continuation through offspring.

2. Vittaishana (Desire for Wealth):
   Wealth is viewed in the context of artha, one of the four purusharthas (goals of life), and is necessary for fulfilling worldly responsibilities, including performing rituals and sacrifices. While wealth itself isn't condemned, the attachment to it is. In the spiritual context, clinging to wealth prevents a person from focusing on the non-material goals of spiritual growth and self-realization. The desire for wealth is also linked to lokaishana, as wealth often helps individuals seek recognition and status.

3. Lokaishana (Desire for Fame or Heaven):
   This desire reflects an individual's yearning for fame, recognition, or a favorable position in the afterlife. In Vedic times, performing sacrifices and rituals were believed to lead to a favorable afterlife (heaven). However, the Upanishads warn that this attachment binds individuals to karma and keeps them within the cycle of samsara.

Modern-Day Relevance of Eshanatraya

In the contemporary world, the eshanatraya remains deeply relevant, though its interpretations and expressions may have evolved.

1. Putraishana in Modern Times:
   In today's context, the desire for children may not be linked directly to the performance of ancestral rites but is often seen as a continuation of one's legacy or fulfillment of social expectations. The pressure to have children still exists in many societies. However, spiritual teachings remind us that attachment to this form of continuation can detract from the pursuit of inner growth and contentment. Modern-day spirituality encourages individuals to transcend societal pressures related to progeny.

2. Vittaishana in Modern Times:
   The desire for wealth has arguably become even more prominent in today's materialistic world, where wealth is often equated with success and happiness. While wealth is essential for comfort and security, the spiritual teachings caution against the greed and obsession with wealth that distracts individuals from higher spiritual goals. The modern practice of minimalism, detachment from materialism, and emphasis on inner fulfillment aligns well with the teaching of renouncing vittaishana.

3. Lokaishana in Modern Times:
   The desire for fame, recognition, or a favorable afterlife can be seen today in the form of a relentless pursuit of social status, success, and public validation. With the rise of social media, this yearning for attention and validation has intensified. Spiritual practices like mindfulness, meditation, and philosophical teachings remind people to focus on the present, to seek internal rather than external validation, and to cultivate vairagya (detachment), aligning with the teachings of renouncing lokaishana.

Medical Treatises and Pranaishana

Interestingly, classical medical texts such as those of Charaka (around 1400 BCE) replace putraishana with pranaishana, or the desire to live. This shift reflects the importance of maintaining one’s health and well-being, which is not considered an impediment to spiritual progress. In fact, taking care of the body (which houses the soul) is encouraged in Ayurveda and other holistic health systems. Therefore, the desire to live, when balanced with a spiritual perspective, is considered a positive force that supports the overall journey of life and spirituality.

Importance of Eshanatraya Tyaga in Spiritual Practice

The essence of vairagya (detachment) that is emphasized by the renunciation of these desires is essential for deepening one’s spiritual practice. The Upanishads suggest that the more we are attached to worldly possessions, relationships, and outcomes, the harder it is to achieve liberation. By consciously letting go of putraishana, vittaishana, and lokaishana, one moves closer to attaining moksha.

This is especially important in the context of sannyasa (renunciation), one of the four stages of life in Hinduism (ashrama system). In this final stage, individuals are expected to give up worldly attachments completely, embracing a life of meditation, contemplation, and self-realization.

Similar Concepts in Other Spiritual Traditions

1. Buddhism:
   Similar to eshanatraya, Buddhism speaks of renouncing desires (particularly tanha, or craving) as central to overcoming suffering and achieving nirvana. The Four Noble Truths emphasize that desire is the root of suffering, and by eliminating it, one can attain liberation.

2. Christianity:
   In Christianity, particularly in the monastic traditions, renunciation of worldly desires (including wealth and family) is also seen as a pathway to spiritual communion with God. The teachings of Jesus often emphasize the importance of forsaking material wealth and focusing on spiritual treasures.

3. Jainism:
   Jainism, like Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizes non-attachment (aparigraha) and the renunciation of desires as key to spiritual advancement.

Lesser-Known Facts about Eshanatraya

1. Cultural Adaptations:
   In some interpretations, putraishana is expanded to include the desire for all progeny (not just sons), recognizing the importance of daughters as well. This reflects more inclusive attitudes towards gender roles in modern times.

2. Lokaishana and Afterlife Concepts:
   In earlier Vedic traditions, the focus on reaching Svarga (heaven) after death was more pronounced. However, as Upanishadic thought evolved, the focus shifted from attaining a favorable afterlife to achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death altogether.

3. Vairagya’s Role in Bhakti Traditions:
   While vairagya is typically associated with jnana yoga (the path of knowledge), it is also deeply significant in bhakti yoga (the path of devotion). In bhakti, detachment is seen as love for God that transcends worldly desires.

The concept of eshanatraya tyaga is a cornerstone of Hindu spiritual teachings. It emphasizes the importance of transcending worldly desires to focus on the ultimate goal of liberation. While the forms of these desires may evolve over time, the underlying principle of non-attachment remains highly relevant in modern spiritual practice across cultures. Embracing this wisdom can help individuals find balance, contentment, and spiritual growth in today’s fast-paced world.