Lust - Forum - ISKCON Desire Tree

Hare Krishna!

Lust, or kama, has various meanings in Vedic scriptures. It is commonly understood as an intense desire or craving for sensual pleasure. However, lust can also refer to any strong desire or attachment that distracts us from our spiritual path. Let me explain this further with examples and references from Vedic literature.

Sensual Lust: This is the most common understanding of lust. It refers to the strong desire for sensual pleasure, such as the desire for sex, food, or material possessions. In the Bhagavad Gita (16.21), Lord Krishna describes lust as an insatiable fire that drives one towards sinful activities. Just as a fire grows stronger by adding fuel, sensual desires tend to increase if not controlled. It is compared to a blazing fire that can consume one's consciousness and lead to degradation.
Lust for Power and Fame: Lust can also manifest as a strong desire for power, fame, and recognition. This type of lust can be seen in individuals who are driven by ambition and ego. The Srimad Bhagavatam (11.2.36) compares such lust to a forest fire that burns away all good qualities and leads to misery. Just as a forest fire destroys everything in its path, the lust for power and fame can destroy one's spiritual progress and cause suffering.
Spiritual Lust: In a spiritual context, lust can refer to a deep longing or desire for a personal relationship with God. This type of lust is considered pure and is known as prema-bhakti or pure devotional love. It is compared to the intense longing of a lover for their beloved. The Caitanya Caritamrita describes this spiritual lust as the highest goal of human life, where one's heart is completely absorbed in loving service to the Supreme Lord.

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Gadadhar das July 9, 2023 at 5:34pm
Hare Krishna!

Lust, or kama, has various meanings in Vedic scriptures. It is commonly understood as an intense desire or craving for sensual pleasure. However, lust can also refer to any strong desire or attachment that distracts us from our spiritual path. Let me explain this further with examples and references from Vedic literature.
1. Sensual Lust: This is the most common understanding of lust. It refers to the strong desire for sensual pleasure, such as the desire for sex, food, or material possessions. In the Bhagavad Gita (16.21), Lord Krishna describes lust as an insatiable fire that drives one towards sinful activities. Just as a fire grows stronger by adding fuel, sensual desires tend to increase if not controlled. It is compared to a blazing fire that can consume one's consciousness and lead to degradation.
2. Lust for Power and Fame: Lust can also manifest as a strong desire for power, fame, and recognition. This type of lust can be seen in individuals who are driven by ambition and ego. The Srimad Bhagavatam (11.2.36) compares such lust to a forest fire that burns away all good qualities and leads to misery. Just as a forest fire destroys everything in its path, the lust for power and fame can destroy one's spiritual progress and cause suffering.
3. Spiritual Lust: In a spiritual context, lust can refer to a deep longing or desire for a personal relationship with God. This type of lust is considered pure and is known as prema-bhakti or pure devotional love. It is compared to the intense longing of a lover for their beloved. The Caitanya Caritamrita describes this spiritual lust as the highest goal of human life, where one's heart is completely absorbed in loving service to the Supreme Lord.
- Nigel Beier > Gadadhar das January 24, 2024 at 11:37pm
  
  Thanks for infomation.
  
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