Desires Tempt in Many Colors
One who chases a desire, on gaining it, rejoices for a moment. But that joy soon turns to another desire, and is never, in the end, filled.
When I got what I longed for, how long did the joy actually last?
📝Reflection
Rarely is the structure of desire seen this honestly. Gain what you wanted and you are glad — that is true; the Buddha does not deny the joy. The problem is the joy's shelf life. The thing you wanted, the position you sought, the person you longed to meet — once in hand, the joy fades faster than expected, and the mind drifts toward the next. Psychology calls this the hedonic treadmill, but the same insight existed 2,500 years ago. Desire is ended not by filling it but by recognizing its structure. See clearly, just once, the very moment of leaping to the next desire, and you can take one step off the treadmill.
🌱Apply It Today
When you want something today, honestly predict: "How many days will satisfaction last once I have it?" The prediction alone loosens the craving's grip.
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
