Latent Subtle Desire (desire in subtle form) is a wave in the mind-lake. It exists there in the form of a seed and manifests in the mind-lake. Just as flowers are latent in seeds, Subtle Desires are latent in the fourfold mind. Daily new flowers blossom out. They fade out in a day or two. Similarly, Subtle Desires blossom out like flowers one by one, come out to the surface of the mind, generate thoughts in the mind of human's and goad them to strive to possess and enjoy the particular objects of enjoyment. Subtle Desires cause actions, and actions strengthen the Subtle Desires. This is a vicious circle. On the advent of knowledge of Brahman (Consciousness), all Subtle Desires are fried out. The real enemies are the Subtle Desires within. Annihilate them. Eradicate them. They are inveterate.
The whole mango tree with branches, leaves and fruits is contained in a subtle form in the seed. It takes time for manifestation. Even so, the Subtle Desire of lust lurks in the mind when you are a boy, manifests at 18, fills the whole body at 25, works havoc from 25 to 45 and then it gradually declines. Various forms of wrong-doing and mischief are done by human beings between 25 and 45. This is the most critical period of life. There is no particular difference between a boy and a girl in their characteristics when they are young. After attaining puberty they exhibit their characteristic qualities.
Subtle Desire Causes Restlessness and Bondage
Subtle Desire is the cause of restlessness of mind. As soon as a Subtle Desire manifests, there is an intimate connection between the mind and the object through overflowing. The mind will not retrace its steps till it gets the object and enjoys it. The restlessness will continue till the object is enjoyed. The thought waves will flow towards the object till it is obtained and enjoyed. The common run of men cannot resist or suppress any Subtle Desire owing to weak will.
It is the Subtle Desire in the mind that causes attraction towards objects and brings about bondage; with the disappearance of Subtle Desires, bondage naturally vanishes. There will not be any attraction, admiration or excitement for any object outside, if there is no Subtle Desire inside your mind. It is the Subtle Desire that is at the bottom of all your miseries and troubles. There is no pain from the objects created by the Nature. Water quenches your thirst. Breeze gives you comfort. Sunshine enlivens you. Fire gives warmth. It is human creation that brings about bondage. Ego, anger, attachment are all Human-Creations. Have Pure Thoughts, but no Subtle Desires.
By mere ethical training, jealousy, like, dislike, anger, lust, etc., can be suppressed though not eradicated completely. These impure Subtle Desires can be considerably attenuated by moral culture. They attain a subtle condition. They cannot harm the individual. They remain under perfect control.
Eradication, Not Suppression, The Proper Remedy
A Subtle Desire may be suppressed for the time being by an aspirant. But it again manifests with redoubled force when a suitable opportunity arises. Like a minister obeying the king, the five organs of the body act in accordance with the dictates of the mind. Therefore, you should through your own pure mind and proper efforts eradicate the Subtle Desires for objects. You should tear apart, the long rope of Subtle Desires tied to the vessels of man, whirled on the ocean of birth-death cycle, through enormous efforts on your part. Subtle Desires should be thoroughly eradicated. If these Subtle Desires are destroyed by Self Inquiry (inquiry of Soul) and discrimination, the mind which is ever restless will get quiescence like a ghee-less lamp.
Reference
Mind – Its Mysteries and Control by Sri Swami Sivananda
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