Desire

[novapsyche]

We humans think we are so special because, for us, copulation is pleasurable. (I'm sure other sentient species, were they to discover this, would be envious.)

However--and this is just a fleeting thought, I haven't fleshed it out quite yet--what if that is the reason that our lives are consumed by desire? Here, I'm defining desire as a mere want. Buddhism, as a system, turns on this definition; behaviorism does as well.

I'm not trying to retell the story of Original Sin (if only because I've thrown that out of my belief system). I guess I'm just engaging in mental masturbation as to whether the quality of desire is or could be considered to be transferred upon conception. (In other words, I think I comprehend the strange logic that must have required of Protestantism to promote cheerless reproduction.)

Comments

[dr-pipe.livejournal.com]

But I find desire... desirable! I think it's what motivates us to do more than what is strictly necessary to survive, like make art and find interesting ways to prepare food.

[padpedpladuk.livejournal.com]

Novapsyche, the "interests" index says that I'm more like you than anyone else on lj - mind if I add you as a friend?

And Dr. Pipe - I too am desirous of desire. Can I add you too?

[dr-pipe.livejournal.com]

fine by me...

random hello...

[marienkafer.livejournal.com]

i came across your journal through your post on grammarpolice. your userinfo page and a cursory glance at your journal makes you seem like a very interesting person. i'd like to add you if you'll add me back, etc etc... if not, just let me know, of course. nice to meet you :) staralfurinn

Re: random hello...

[marienkafer.livejournal.com]

p.s. beautiful icon...

It made sense in my head at least

[komos.livejournal.com]

I think the issue of desire as want lies less in what is/is not pleasurable, but in what value we place on the experience of seeking and attaining the subject of our want. The Buddhist concept that desire leads to pain is a logical progression, but really the pain comes because we are somehow incapable of accepting the circumstance of not being able to fulfill our desire, not from the desire itself.

Consider this... in some cases, that lack of fulfillment does not lead to pain per se, but instead feeds back on itself, creating heightened desire and ultimately, greater pleasure once the desire is met.

Re: It made sense in my head at least

[lazynjbum.livejournal.com]

But that greater desire leads to greater pain if the desire can not be met. Think of someone you really liked or loved and could not get for whatever reason, now didnt that hurt more than lets say not getting a second slice of pizza when you were hungry.
Also, pain and suffering stems from losing something that we find desirable, therefore if we never desire material things then we will feel no pain and cease suffering.
Also, if you all dont mind I would like to put you all on my friend's list, it seems that everyone that had responded is intelligent and knows what they are talking about.

Re: It made sense in my head at least

[komos.livejournal.com]

Greater desire will only lead to greater pain if there is some sort of tacit assumption that that desire should be attainable by right or reason. This is where the value we place upon that desire informs what is to become of that desire. That unfulfilled desire can be pain, but it can also be promise of greater reward, motivation towards a goal, or even a valuable learning experience.

I think, ultimately, that denying desire is unrealistic. Desire is simply an aspect of humanity, and to deny it is to deny a piece of yourself. It can be shaped and harnessed as a positive force, or it can twist you, depending on the place that you give it in your life.

Again, though, these are fairly ill-formed thoughts fired off the cuff, so your results may vary...

And sure, I'm always happy to entertain new readers.

Not only humans

[cassandra16.livejournal.com]

LOL wow, your popular-but I hate leaving things uncorrected. ^.^

Actually, humans are the only animals that enjoy sex-dolphins do as well. this leaves one of my friends many excuses to make rude dolphin noises when I'm around. we won't get into that. ><;; hugs! -cass

[melpomeine.livejournal.com]

Lovely journal!

Love never fails..

[greenmoondream.livejournal.com]

The higher you fly, the harder you can fall, right? I believe that is why so many people are afraid to open up and truly love because it creates a sense of vulnerability. Opening ourselves up to feel joy and pleasure at new heights also opens us up to feel sorrow and pain. Are we to settle for mediocrity?? And simply because we are too afraid to feel?
I believe that humans possess an innate quality to love and be loved. As sentimental as it all sounds, it makes sense biologically. A human baby cannot survive without care. A baby is born desiring this care. When something is pleasurable, it is only natural to crave it. Buddhism teaches in their four noble truths that (1) To live is to suffer, (2) Suffering comes from desire, (3) To end suffering, end desire, (4) Release from suffering is possible..

Now, I quite agree with a large part of that on the surface level. If I have a desire for material things the only way the suffering from the desire can be reduced is to reduce the desire... to be satisfied with what I have. Is desire so insatiable? What of our desire to eat? I desire food. I suffer when I do not have food. How do I satisfy that desire? Does eating count?

One step further, our desire to love and be loved (which I believe is innate.. both psychologically and biologically) needs to be fufilled. Not necissarly romantic love, but I do believe people mistake being physically intamate with love. Being physically intimate is a result of love and not love itself.

And cheerless reproduction for humans? Good grief! What a slap in God's face that would be to encourage cheerless reproduction. God created sex! He is the inventor of intamacy and passion. He created it and it is good. Since he invented it, he knows the best way to maintain it, the best way to make it as good as possible.

.. but that does bring up another point.. perhaps it is out of our desire that created it to be something it is not. We want too much of a good thing and therefore twist it around outside of it's parameters.. Perhaps Buddhism takes it too far?? Perhaps we are not to end our desire but somehow reform it. It is good to desire food. It is bad to desire food when one is not hungry and becomes a glutton. Or perhaps I misunderstand Buddhism altogether.

I have to wonder why it is that dolphins are the only other species that has sex for pleasure. Is it unpleasurable for other animals? Or is it simply life.. like eating or sleeping? Which some may enjoy and others just view as a task.


Good grief. I have come full circle, haven't I? I've re-hashed what has already been said and I wonder if I even made any new comments. But it really got me to thinking. I know that I may be way off the original subject. That usually happens. I take a topic, get started on it and end far away from it. Well, hope you enjoy my tangents. ;)

[innercurtain.livejournal.com]

I am really enjoying your journal