On Suffering and Desire: Did the Buddha only get it Half right?

How suffering might be the motivator towards desire as an escape from pain. And in this conversation we explore ways for reverting that process.

Reviews

I am passionate about this topic. I am a Sexual Educator and a Couples Coach. I thank you for the tool of pausing and exhaling when in this contracted state of desire is present when we feel for example that our sexual needs are not being met.

I really do think that the Buddha did not have it 100% right as sex is a beautiful event in our lives especially when you activate the kundaluni as you mentioned.

I want to highlight the simple mindful feeling of eating a raisin and feeling the present joy that this can bring. (mindfulness-based stress reduction teachings.)

That is a beautiful part of life as is making love. I feel that this is left out in these 'Desire Buddhist Teachings". It is similar to the joy of eating. You do get hungry. Feel the emotions of that and feed yourself delicious healthy food. Take care of your hunger in a healthy way. Really feel the joy of eating. You will feel hungry, thats ok. C'est la vie, no suffering needed.

Again, it's the same as making love. Take care of what brings you pleasure in a way that is a balanced state with equinity, compassion and love.

If there is contracted state, I love your teachings: pause and exhale, meditate on it to release the power that it has over you. If it becomes overwhelming, get help. Its difficult to find identical matching desires. Find someone that can help your couple, find a qualified practitioner or coach if making love in this connected mindfulness state would be one of life's pleasures you could potentially reall enjoy in your couple... This life in this body is short. Be free of guilt and shame. Making love is one of lifes biggest pleasures. I see in my meditation communities that making love is off the table because of this desire rule. If desire is such a negative goal to 'strive for', meditate on that. We are not munks. This could be suffering in itself. We don't have to suffer, let's communicate this special place where we make love in a mindful and connected way, totally feel the bliss and enjoyment in that present moment we are designed to feel.

Babies feel this sexual feeling from birth and even in the mother's womb. Its 100% natural.

What a great talk. We need more... Keep it going please.

I would love to chat. Feel free to be in touch.

Let's put making love on the table when we talk about desire. It needs to be a healthy and open discussion. Do you agree?

Marie-Claire Thauvette
Relationship Bliss

The conversation contained some nuanced thought on being present to mind/body when habitual trauma patterns arise. The desire to release from habitual suffering seems to require a middle way... knowing when to become present and knowing when to step away from a hyper-aroused body state. Much food for work! Thank you!

This is discussion very on-point. Much of it I can reflect on my past and relate to in the present. Thank you for sharing it.

A very helpful podcast with actionable exercises

This is very good thank you