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CategorySelf-Help
TitleCraving and Aspiration
Body“CRAVING AND ASPIRATION
By Joni Kay Rose, M.Div., CHT

Our popular culture teaches us to satisfy all our desires. In Buddhism, though, there are two entirely
different Pali words for "desire," Tanha and Sankappa. The First Noble Truth teaches that
unpleasantness is found everywhere. The Second Noble Truth teaches that the reason for that
unpleasantness is Tanha: addictive, self-centered, ignorant craving with little concern for the rest of
the world. Craving is the more common form of "desire."

Since we crave with attachment we'll likely get frustrated if we don't get our way. Hence the Third
Noble Truth teaches that we must let go of selfish cravings if we're to be liberated from suffering. The
Fourth Noble Truth teaches that in order to liberate ourselves from craving and suffering we need to
follow the Eightfold Path, of which the first component is Right Understanding. This means we need to
thoroughly understand all of the above.

The Second Component of the Eightfold Path is Sankappa, Right Aspiration. While this could also be
translated as "desire," it's different from Tanha. Right Aspiration is wise, unselfish desire for the
happiness of all beings, without attachment. We're encouraged to cultivate it.

Though there are six more components of the Eightfold Path, before going further we need to
understand this distinction between craving and aspiration. If we continue to try to satisfy our selfish
cravings, whether by physical or metaphysical means, we'll only sink deeper into confusion. We may
not even have enough inner peace to perceive our true aspirations.

Thus we need to look closely at our desires, to winnow out the true aspirations we feel in our heart
from the immense mass of self-centered craving that afflicts us moment by moment. Once we fully
understand this distinction, we can let go of our cravings and follow our true aspirations. This is the
real secret to happiness.”
Photo
Short biographyA writer and therapist, Joni Kay Rose, M.Div., CHT, is author of THE JOY BEYOND CRAVING: A BUDDHIST PERSPECTIVE ON ADDICTION AND RECOVERY.
ContactJoni Kay Rose, M.Div., CHT
Desert Wordsmith Productions
Rio Rancho, NM
United States
 
E-mail:E-mail this author
Website:www.desertwordsmith.com
Copyright:2009

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