Restlessness Is Born of Craving
Know that restlessness is born of thirst and attachment — it binds a person to the hand that endlessly launches deeds.
The old teacher pinpoints the root of restlessness (rajas): thirst (tṛṣṇā) and attachment.
Am I busy because it is truly needed, or because I fear the emptiness that would rush in if I stopped?
📝Reflection
The old teacher pinpoints the root of restlessness (rajas): thirst (tṛṣṇā) and attachment. I marvel that this is the very word for the Buddhist craving. Much of my busyness is not achievement but thirst. Gaining one thing, I soon thirst for the next; fearing the emptiness that would flood in if I stopped, I keep running. But water drunk in thirst enlarges the thirst. It is Schopenhauer's pendulum — desire, when filled, swings to boredom; when unfilled, to pain. The way to still restlessness is not to achieve more but to notice the thirst itself.
🌱Apply It Today
The next time you rush to launch something today, ask once: 'Is this a need, or a thirst?'
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
