Can We Live Without Desire?

Photo by Bella Tindale

Would a life without desire really be the end of suffering like the Buddhists proclaim? I don't know, and this remains a mystery to me. Isn't wanting part of being alive? There wouldn't be much room for improvement if we didn't want anything. It is out of wanting that we imagine and create things. A strong desire for something will make me proactive. It will make me choose actions that will bring me closer to my goal, my dream. Like most humans, I look into the future, hoping for better circumstances, a better career, better health, better money, more time for myself and my family. If I didn't want anything, I wouldn't care; I would just continue to live the same way without yearning to change anything for the better. Of course, desire can be excessive. It is wrong to be greedy for instance, or to want things that may hurt others such as too much power or control over them. If desire becomes obsessive it can be harmful too. If it takes up too much of our lives while making us neglect important aspects such as appreciating our loved ones, it could definitely lead to suffering... To me it's okay to have desires, and even very strong ones, as long as we have a good balance in our lives. As long as we never allow anything to take hold of us excessively. As long as we can enjoy the feeling of looking forward to something while letting go of the outcome. 

With love,
Bella