the more we indulge, the more our desires grow

“Indulging in desires creates a temporary pleasure that fades away quickly. The real joy lies in finding contentment beyond the cravings of the mind.” - Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi)

Humans often have a strong desire to obtain more things in life. For example, if someone gets a car, they might start wishing for a sailboat, and later as years pass by crave a plane. We often wonder how much happiness we can find through material possessions and experiences while living in this physical body. However, this happiness is actually quite limited, like a small droplet compared to the vastness of an ocean.

We mistakenly believe that acquiring more will bring us lasting joy, but in reality, the more we indulge in desires, the more those desires grow. As Thich Nhat Hanh said, “Indulging in desires is like pouring fuel onto a fire. The flames of craving grow higher, consuming our peace and contentment.”

When we compare this worldly happiness to the greatness of God, it becomes clear that it is insignificant. Once we truly understand this, we can overcome our desires for the things that appeal to our five senses—sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. We realize that true contentment and fulfillment lie beyond the pursuit of material possessions and sensory pleasures.

Let’s prioritize inner stillness over external pleasures and keep in mind these wise words of Eckhart Tolle as we navigate our everyday life: “The more you feed your desires, the hungrier they become. True fulfillment lies in transcending them.”