Should We Desire, and What Should We Not Desire? The Key to Cause and Effect

Try sitting quietly and asking yourself: "Right now, what am I desiring?" Most of us would answer, "I do not desire anything." However, according to Venerable Thich Chan Quang, this is a form of self-deception. Even while listening to the Dharma, you are still desiring to hear it. This is just one of countless desires flowing silently through your mind/heart.

## Desire – The Hidden Force Behind Samsara (Cycle of Rebirth)

Venerable Thich Chan Quang clarifies that desire belongs to the formation aggregate, a deep-rooted aspect of the human ego. It is not merely a fleeting thought but a fundamental component of our existence. We are always desiring, without pause. Even when sitting still and calming the mind, we may find ourselves desiring at least ten things: to hear the teachings, for the chair to be comfortable, for others not to speak too long, or to go home for a meal. These desires may be obvious or subtle, but they are always present.

It is precisely this desire that propels us into samsara (cycle of rebirth). When an Arhat extinguishes all desire, there is no remaining cause for rebirth. Therefore, spiritual practice is not just about stopping thoughts, but about uprooting this profound desire at its source.

## Where Does Desire Come From?

Desire arises from two sources. The first is the basic needs of the body and physiology: when hungry, we want to eat; when thirsty, we want to drink; when cold, we want warm clothes; when seeing someone of the opposite sex, we want love. The second source is knowledge. As we know more, we desire more. Venerable Thich Chan Quang shares a common example: living in ignorance, we only desire simple things around us. But stepping outside, seeing others with smartphones, we suddenly desire one too. The broader our knowledge, the more it fuels ambitions, high aspirations, and even noble ideals.

"As our knowledge expands, so does our desire follow."

## Desire Is the Cause, Karma Is the Effect

Every moment of desire plants a seed in the mind/heart. That seed will bear fruit in the future. If we desire suffering for others, we will receive suffering. If we desire happiness for others, we will receive happiness. Even in small matters, a silent wish for another’s well-being is a wholesome cause. Venerable Thich Chan Quang recounts hearing about a young abbot building a temple. Feeling compassion, he wished for that monk to have many disciples and success. This was a beautiful desire, and its cause and effect (karmic law) would also be beautiful.

"What we desire today, we become tomorrow."

## The Desire to Practice – The Noblest Desire

Facing countless desires, which should we choose? Venerable Thich Chan Quang affirms: "The most fundamental desire is to practice the path and not to desire worldly indulgence or downfall."

When asked, "What do you desire?", the wise person answers, "I desire to practice." This is the truest desire, yet it opposes the desire for enjoyment. Left to nature, everyone prefers pleasure. To desire practice requires choice, courage, and understanding. This desire must be elevated into a vow, a promise before the Buddha, so it remains unshaken.

## Testing the Desire to Practice Against Temptation

To strengthen our resolve, we must test our desire to practice. Venerable Thich Chan Quang tells of old friends inviting him to drink alcohol. At that moment, the desire to drink arises. But if we hold onto our vow to practice, we can calmly observe it rising and falling. Do not avoid it; face it and watch your mind. He advises: "Let them provoke, let them speak, let them invite. Quietly observe how the desire to drink rises and falls."

When we overcome such tests, our desire to practice becomes incredibly resilient.

## Choosing a True Teacher, Avoiding False Ones

Another important desire is to take refuge in the right place. Do not follow a teacher because they are handsome, sweet-spoken, or merely kind. Seek those who practice authentically. For true teachers to exist in the world, monastics must fight their own battles and clear the "garbage" within their minds. Venerable Thich Chan Quang reminds us: "Do not desire based on superficial traits. The teacher we choose to rely upon must be a genuine master, one who practices truly."

For monks and nuns, this is a great responsibility.

Begin today by sitting in silence and looking deeply into what you are desiring. Then, choose the noblest desire: to practice, to seek liberation. This is the first step to redirecting your future and escaping the cycle of birth and death.