Desires Can Be Fulfilled Only Externally And This Opens The Gate Of Unhappiness In Life – Hindu Teaching

The Hindu teachings offer profound insights into the nature of desires and their fulfillment, and they emphasize that while desires can indeed be fulfilled externally, this often leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction and unhappiness. Here’s an expanded explanation:

The Nature of Desires

In Hindu philosophy, desires (kama) are considered a natural part of human existence. They arise from the mind and senses, seeking fulfillment through various worldly pleasures and material possessions. Desires can range from basic needs to more complex aspirations like wealth, power, and status.

External Fulfillment and Its Limitations

1. Temporary Satisfaction:

   • When desires are fulfilled externally, they provide only temporary satisfaction. The joy derived from material possessions or sensory pleasures is fleeting and soon gives way to new desires. This temporary nature of fulfillment leads to a continuous cycle of craving and striving, never leading to lasting contentment.

2. Insatiable Nature of Desires:

   • Desires are inherently insatiable. Fulfilling one often gives rise to another, leading to a perpetual state of wanting. This is depicted in Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita, where it is said that desires are like fire; the more fuel (fulfillment) you add, the more they grow.

3. Dependence on External Factors:

   • External fulfillment of desires makes one dependent on external factors, which are often beyond one’s control. This dependency can lead to anxiety, stress, and fear of loss, as the external world is transient and unpredictable.

The Gate of Unhappiness

1. Attachment and Suffering:

   • The attachment to external objects and outcomes creates a sense of possessiveness and ego. When desires are not fulfilled, or when possessions are lost, it leads to disappointment, frustration, and suffering. This attachment is described as the root of all suffering in Hindu teachings.

2. Distracting from Inner Peace:

   • The constant pursuit of external desires distracts individuals from seeking inner peace and spiritual growth. It keeps the mind restless and focused outward, preventing the discovery of the true self (Atman) and the realization of the ultimate reality (Brahman).

3. Ignorance (Avidya):

   • According to Hindu philosophy, the root cause of this cycle of desire and unhappiness is ignorance (avidya). Ignorance of one’s true nature leads to the mistaken belief that happiness can be found in the external world, whereas true happiness lies within.

Path to True Fulfillment

Hindu teachings offer a path to overcome the cycle of external desires and unhappiness:

1. Self-Realization (Atman):

   • The realization that the true self (Atman) is beyond physical and mental desires. True fulfillment comes from understanding and experiencing the eternal, unchanging nature of the self, which is inherently blissful.

2. Detachment (Vairagya):

   • Practicing detachment from the fruits of actions and desires. This doesn’t mean renouncing the world but developing an attitude of dispassion and equanimity towards success and failure.

3. Mind Control (Yoga and Meditation):

   • Techniques such as yoga and meditation help in controlling the mind and senses, leading to inner peace and stability. They help in turning the focus inward and experiencing the joy that comes from within.

4. Right Knowledge (Jnana):

   • Gaining right knowledge through the study of scriptures, guidance of a guru, and self-inquiry. This knowledge dispels ignorance and leads to the realization that true happiness is not in the external world but within oneself.

In summary, while desires can be fulfilled externally, this often leads to a cycle of temporary satisfaction followed by new cravings, resulting in unhappiness. Hindu teachings emphasize that true fulfillment and lasting happiness come from within, through self-realization, detachment, mind control, and right knowledge.