Question: May I ask for some explanation for the role of the Supersoul in the appearance of a living being’s desires? The whole process seems to be out of reach for a living being’s self control.
Answer by Romapada Swami: Desires are concomitant with the soul; to have no desires is characteristic of inanimate dull matter. In other words, it is not possible to conceive of a living being without desires. It is thus misleading to think of ‘appearance’ of a living entity’s desires; we always have some desire or another. The nature of one’s desires may vary, falling into one of 2 categories – either in relation to service to the Supreme, or for independent enjoyment; this choice depends upon one’s own freewill. (Please see Digests 2A, 77A, 140A, 140B for more discussion on free-will)
The Supersoul is not responsible for and does not interfere with our desires and choices, but we are dependent upon His help to fulfill our desires. The Supersoul is seated in our hearts as the witness and is neutral to whatever choice we make. He gives remembrance of our previous desires (or choices of association within the modes of nature), and facilitates our enjoyment of those desires in different types of bodies. (BG 13.23, 15.15)
What influences our desires to a great degree is association. Krishna describes this in BG 2.62, sangaat sanjayate kaamah: by coming in contact with the objects of senses, one begins to contemplate about them, becomes attached to the idea of enjoying them and thus material desires develop. On the other hand, when one comes in contact with saintly association, appreciates that association and renders some favorable service then one develops spiritual desires. Material desire (to enjoy the senses) causes bondage, whereas spiritual desires (to serve the Supreme) are liberating. As Srila Prabhupada often remarked, desires need not be given up or suppressed, we need to only change the quality of our desires, from the desire for enjoyment into the desire to serve the Lord.
For those of us presently conditioned by material desires, sense-control is an important stepping stone to help us become detached from the spirit of enjoyment. However, artificially restricting the senses is not effective – even great yogis and sages have failed in that department, and our own attempts to do so *on our own strength* is what makes it seem impossible and out of reach. The key factor in being able to control the senses is in making the right freewill choice in deciding to serve Krishna. Conversely, when the living entity is averse to serve the Supreme Lord, he himself comes under the control of the senses and becomes their servant.
As we learn from BG, the soul is superior to the mind and senses (BG 3.42-43) So when the spirit soul firmly chooses to serve Krishna, the Lord helps him to advance by cleansing material desires from his heart. When this proper choice is made, then the mind and senses can be systematically trained to engage in the service of Krishna. Scriptures provide a systematic program by which the senses are given superior engagement – this process is known as yoga, and among the different types of yoga, bhakti yoga is recommended by Krishna as the highest, both easy and sublime. By applying ourselves to this scientific process, step-by-step our desires can be transformed, and even though the senses are very strong, like serpents, they will be subdued and no more effective than serpents with broken fangs.
In practicing yoga, a regulated life in the mode of goodness is very conducive for self-control. Excessive association with the mode of passion and ignorance – characterized by ambitious plans for material progress and comforts or a highly unregulated life – these make self-control very difficult. Within the framework of a regulated life, rising early and regularly chanting the Holy names of Krishna and eating only Krishna prasadam – these are some simple measures that are highly effective in helping us control the senses, when firmly practiced along with strongly cultivating the desire to serve Krishna. The Lord has given us many opportunities and arrangements, good instructions in the form of scriptures and good association — taking advantage of these can help us overcome the pushings of the senses.
