HUMAN NATURE

“Needs are small: yes, you need food, shelter, you need a few things. Everybody’s needs can be provided for; the world has enough to fulfill everybody’s needs but desires… it is impossible. Desires cannot be fulfilled. And because people are fulfilling their desires, millions of people’s needs are not being fulfilled.” Osho


I came across a tale of a mighty man, in this story, on the death of this mighty man, died and reached heaven he was carrying all his weight in gold and diamonds, priceless artifacts and chests stacked full with scrolls containing infinite knowledge. He was truely burdened by his riches in preparation for the journey to the afterlife and all the responsibility that comes with. As he approached the gate of heaven, the gatekeeper asked, "Why are you carrying such a burden?" The man replied, "What burden are you on about? These are my wealthfor the afterlife" So the gatekeeper gave him a scale and placed a eye on one side of the scale He told the mighty man to put all his weight, all his titles, treasures and knowledge, on the other side of the scale. But the eye was heavier than the man's wealth. The gatekeeper said, "This is a human eye. It represents human desires. It cannot be fulfilled, however great the wealth you accumulate and how ever great your effort human desires still exceeds it." Then the gatekeeper blew a speck of dust into the eye. Irritated, the eye blinked immediately it lost its weight. Just a speck of understanding blown into the eye, will blind it's desire. When desire disappears, only needs remain, our natural needs are ever basic and its burden is light in comparison with the ton of desire we place on ourself. Desire is ugly, unchecked, it can make devils of us.

Once we learn how to choose the peacefulness in contentment, a small room is enough; a small quantity of food is enough; a few clothes are enough; how many houses can a man hoard to himself? Really, a lover is enough.