On Desires - Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

A collection of quotes on desires from Hindu scriptures.

All your desires will be fulfilled in him who is One without a second. Know him to be enshrined in your heart always. (Shvetashvatara Upanishad)

You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad)

It is hard to find a man who has desire for what he has not tasted or who tastes the world and is untouched. Here in the world some crave pleasure, some seek freedom but it is hard to find a man who wants neither. It is hard to find a man who has an open mind, who neither seeks nor shuns wealth or pleasure, duty or liberation, life or death…He does not want the world to end. He does not mind if it lasts. Whatever befalls him, He lives in happiness. (Ashtavakra Gita)

The senses are the horses and the roads they travel are the mazes of desire. When a man lacks discrimination and his mind is uncontrolled, his senses are unmanageable like the restive horses of a charioteer. But when a man has discrimination and his mind is controlled, his senses, like the well-broken horses of a charioteer, lightly obey the rein. (Katha Upanishad)

In Hindu scriptures, desire is often discussed in the context of human nature and spiritual evolution. Here are some teachings on desire from Hindu scriptures:

Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita, desire is a central theme. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty without attachment to the fruits of his actions. He emphasizes the importance of detaching oneself from desires and acting selflessly. Krishna teaches that desire is natural to the human condition but should not become the driving force behind one's actions. Instead, one should strive for selfless service (karma yoga) and detachment from the results.

Upanishads: The Upanishads delve deep into the nature of desire and its role in human life. They teach that desires arise from the ego, which creates a sense of separateness from the divine. By transcending desires, one can attain liberation (moksha) and realize the unity of the self (atman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The Chandogya Upanishad, for example, teaches that by understanding the true nature of the self, one can overcome desires and attain spiritual enlightenment.

Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras offer practical guidance on how to control desires through the practice of yoga. Patanjali describes desire (kama) as one of the five obstacles (kleshas) to spiritual progress. He outlines various techniques such as concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and self-discipline (tapas) to overcome desires and achieve inner peace.

Ramayana and Mahabharata: These epic narratives also contain teachings on desire. The characters in these epics often grapple with their desires and the consequences of acting upon them. For example, Ravana's desire for power and Sita led to his downfall in the Ramayana, while the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata was driven by desires for power, revenge, and righteousness.

Puranas: The Puranas, ancient Hindu texts that contain myths and legends, also address the theme of desire. They depict how desires can lead individuals astray from their dharma (duty) and spiritual path. The stories of gods, goddesses, and legendary figures illustrate the consequences of unchecked desires and the importance of self-control.

Overall, Hindu scriptures teach that desires are natural to human existence but should be managed and transcended to attain spiritual growth and liberation. By practicing self-discipline, detachment, and devotion to the divine, one can overcome desires and realize their true nature.