Desires, if left unchecked, can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction, anger, and greed. The Vedic scriptures and ancient wisdom of Hinduism provide profound insights into the nature of desires and how to overcome them. In this blog, we will explore how attachment fuels desires, how desires turn into anger or greed when obstructed or fulfilled, and how spiritual practices can help conquer the mental afflictions caused by desire.

The Demon of Desire: A Metaphor from the Vedic Scriptures

In Devi Bhagavat Purana, there is a story of the demon Rakta Beej, who was blessed with a boon that made him almost impossible to defeat. Whenever a drop of his blood touched the ground, it would give rise to another equally powerful clone of Rakta Beej. No matter how hard the gods tried to defeat him, they failed—until the fierce Goddess Kali stepped in. As blood from Rakta Beej fell, Kali drank it, preventing it from multiplying, eventually subduing the demon.

This tale is a metaphor for the insatiable nature of desires. Like Rakta Beej, fulfilling one desire often gives rise to many more. This constant expansion makes it seem impossible to escape the grasp of desire, just as it was initially impossible to defeat Rakta Beej.

Mental Afflictions: The Six Enemies Within

In Vedic philosophy, mental afflictions are referred to as the Shad Ripu—the six enemies that torment the mind. These include:

1.       Kama (Desire)

2.       Krodha (Anger)

3.       Lobha (Greed)

4.       Moha (Attachment)

5.       Mada (Pride)

6.       Matsarya (Envy)

All of these mental afflictions stem from desire, the root cause. Once you develop an attachment to something—be it material wealth, prestige, or people, desires arise. When these desires are obstructed, anger emerges. When desires are fulfilled, greed is born, as the mind wants more. This cycle continues, leading to suffering.

 As one verse from the Ramayana explains:

“One physical affliction can bring you down, but what about the multiple mental afflictions?”

A Modern Example: Anger and Desire in Everyday Life

Consider the example of a wealthy businessman who ordered pancakes on a train journey. When the waiter informed him that pancakes were not available, the businessman erupted in anger, boasting about his wealth and influence. Despite the train staff making special arrangements to fulfill his desire, when the pancakes finally arrived, the businessman’s anger persisted. He no longer desired the pancakes but preferred to remain angry.

This example illustrates how desires, when obstructed, lead to anger. Even if the desire is later fulfilled, the emotional damage is already done and the dissatisfaction persists.

The Cycle of Desire and Attachment

According to the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 62:

“Sangat Sanjayate Kamah” (Attachment breeds desire.)

Desire is a direct result of attachment, whether to objects, people, or outcomes. Once the mind becomes attached to anything, desires arise naturally. When these desires are obstructed, anger follows. If they are fulfilled, greed takes root.

A powerful illustration of this can be seen in the story of a sadhu and a king. The sadhu asked the king to fill his pot with gold coins. Despite the king’s best efforts, no amount of gold was enough to fill the pot. The sadhu revealed that the pot symbolized the human heart, which could never be satisfied. The more it gets, the more it desires.

Why Do We Become Attached?

Attachments are not necessarily based on the intrinsic qualities of objects or people. Rather, it is the repeated contemplation of happiness and fulfillment that makes the mind cling to them. For example, an individual addicted to alcohol may find it repulsive when they first try it, but after contemplating its effects, they become attached. This illustrates how the mind’s contemplation creates attachment, leading to desires.

This kind of attachment can be observed in everyday situations. For example, a high school boy who repeatedly thinks about the happiness he will get from a particular relationship may become attached to a girl who does not reciprocate his feelings.

This attachment, fueled by repeated contemplation, causes deep emotional suffering if the object of desire is not attained.

Overcoming Desires: A Spiritual Approach

We learnt how the attachment to worldly things leads to desire for them. When the desire is fulfilled, it leads to greed and when it remains unfulfilled it leads to anger. So, does it mean that to get rid of these afflictions we should get rid of desires? Should we become desireless? If desires go away, anger and greed will also disappear.

Swami Mukundanda in his book Questions You Always Wanted to Ask says, “No, we don’t have to give up desires. The solution is to dovetail our desires in the direction of the Divine.”

The Bhagavatam states in (11.14.27)

 “You repeatedly thought of pleasures in the objects of the senses and became attached to them. Now, frequently think that God is the Ocean of infinite bliss, and you will develop devotion for Him”.

By contemplating happiness in God, we will develop beneficial desires, such as the aspiration to serve and the thirst for divine wisdom. Unlike material desires, these will purify the mind. When the scriptures say, give up desires, they mean give up material desires. Spiritual attachment and desires are not to be given up, in fact they are praiseworthy.

The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 62 (2.62) also emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind by shifting its attachment from worldly pleasures to divine love and spiritual growth.

“Jayato Vishayan Pumsah Sangas” (By repeatedly contemplating material happiness, the mind becomes attached.)

The mind can be trained to contemplate the divine. When it begins to experience the bliss of God, selfless service, and spiritual knowledge, the worldly desires naturally fall away. The mind finds true peace and fulfillment in the divine and develops only spiritual desires.

Spiritual Secrets for Uplifting the Mind

Swami Mukundananda, in his profound teachings, often speaks about the importance of mind management. To overcome the mind’s afflictions—desire, anger, greed, attachment, etc., one must apply spiritual wisdom and techniques to develop detachment.

Key Insights from Swami Mukundananda:

1. Understand the Root of Desires – Recognize that desires arise from the mind’s attachment to the object of desire.

2. Control Contemplation – Redirect your mind from material things to God and higher spiritual pursuits.

3. Practice Mindfulness – Stay aware of how desires manifest in your daily life and work toward their elimination.

4. Spiritual Practices – Engage in spiritual practices like meditation, selfless service, and devotion to develop inner contentment.

Call to Action

To learn more about managing your mind, conquering desires, and uplifting your soul, watch Swami Mukundananda's enlightening videos on YouTube. Explore his teachings on Vedic wisdom and discover practical tools for a fulfilling spiritual journey.

By understanding the nature of desires and applying spiritual principles, you can free yourself from the mental afflictions that hold you back from true happiness and peace.

FAQs on Conquering Desires and Mental Afflictions

Q1. Why do desires cause anger?

When desires are obstructed or unmet, they result in frustration, which manifests as anger. The root of both is attachment.

Q2. How can I control my desires?

The best way to control desires is by shifting your focus from material satisfaction to spiritual growth. Regular meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation of divine qualities can help diminish desires.

Q3. Can desires ever be fully eliminated?

Yes, according to Vedic wisdom, desires can be eradicated through spiritual practice and detachment. When the mind becomes fully absorbed in God, worldly desires no longer have control.

Q4. Why do we get attached to certain things?

Attachments form from repeated contemplation of happiness in an object, person, or outcome. This mental attachment leads to desires.