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Liberation from Craving and Present Happiness
*Venerable Samidhi brought the celestial maiden to meet the Buddha in order to learn the true Dharma, recording that only those who are “truly sincere” can approach and receive the teachings. The Buddha transmitted to her a gatha that clearly states: “Seeing the true nature of sensual desire, the mind of craving does not arise… who then can tempt you?” Sensual desire consists of the five things people often pursue:
- Wealth
- Sensual pleasures
- Fame
- Delicious food
-
Sleep
When we do not see clearly their impermanent nature, our illusions about them are like “a bare bone” or “a bundle of straw held against the wind,” bringing only suffering and binding both body and mind. Right recognition of sensual desire helps us to be liberated—the mind does not give rise to craving and we maintain true freedom.*
The teaching continues with overcoming the three kinds of conceit: conceit of being superior, conceit of being inferior, and conceit of being equal to others, which are the roots of jealousy, inferiority, and opposition. When we transcend the three conceits, we attain “the wisdom of equality” (Samatajñāna) and dwell in equanimity and joy. For example, Venerable Bahiya let go of all fame and gain to attain inner peace; two people in love only hold on to illusions and become disillusioned when faced with reality. Finally, the Buddha recited:
“Abandoning desire, transcending the three conceits, the mind is still, all longing ceases.
All suffering is released, in this life and in lives to come.”
Part of the following collection
The First Gatha – Clearly Seeing Sensual Desire and the Illusions of the Five Desires