Desire as our Guide

Desire as our Guide

“What you seek is seeking you.” – Rumi

Contrary to common belief, desire can illuminate the spiritual path. By integrating presence & the wisdom within the words of a timeless Bengali poem, we can transform desire from a disruptor to a guide, revealing our eternal essence…

While often seen as disruptive, desire can be a powerful spiritual guide, if approached with mindful discernment. Eckhart Tolle’s reminder, “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it,” encourages conscious exploration. This exploration demands a shift in perspective, moving from fleeting, material desires to those that resonate with our soul’s deeper longings.

The Bengali poem,

Don’t come or go. I am neither invited nor rejected.

I do not spin on the potter’s wheel, nor am I broken beneath the blacksmith’s hammer.

I was, I am and I will always be.

I have neither a beginning nor an end.

I am ever-existing; I am eternal,

illuminates this very shift, revealing a state beyond the transient nature of worldly desires.

It alludes to a state of being beyond the fluctuations of the material world, a constant, unchanging essence. Our deepest desires, when stripped of superficial layers, often point towards this very essence.

For instance, the desire for love can transcend the need for romantic attachment and evolve into a yearning for universal compassion. The desire for knowledge can move beyond accumulating facts to a quest for ultimate truth. The desire for peace can shift from seeking external tranquility to finding inner stillness. These refined desires act as signposts, guiding us towards the “ever-existing” self described in the poem.

By observing our desires without judgment, we can discern the difference between ego-driven cravings and soul-driven yearnings. The ego seeks validation and fleeting satisfaction, while the soul seeks connection and lasting fulfillment. The poem reminds us that our true self is not subject to the transient nature of our desires, but rather, our desires can be a tool to find that true self.

Instead of suppressing or indulging blindly, we can use desire as a compass, aligning it with our spiritual aspirations. This process involves introspection, mindfulness, and a willingness to look beyond the surface. When our desires are rooted in the pursuit of truth, love, and unity, they become powerful catalysts for spiritual growth, leading us towards the eternal peaceful presence within.

Choose LOve

Patsy/Purnima Griffiths

Thanks to Jane Ewins for the wisdom writing & editing with some help from Gemini