The 8 desires of human life 
Desire is an intrinsic part of human life. We all wish for a variety of things; many are materialistic and some emotional. We want health, wealth, comfort, good relationships, success, good progeny and fame. There are also spiritual desires - we have a desire to know about life after death, about how to remain detached and equanimous under all kinds of circ*mstances and we want to be at peace. But these myriad wishes arise from some basic human desires. On Day 10 of Hari Katha during Lockdown, Morari Bapu, the well-known narrator of Ram Katha analysed the innate desires in any human being.
He felt that there are eight contraptions of human want:
- Shanti: Peace
- Shakti: Strength
- Swatantra: Freedom
- Saundarya: Beauty
- Amartava: Immortality
- Gyan: Knowledge
- Anand: Bliss
- Prem: Love
Morari Bapu explained how Ram Charita Manas through different sequences shows how these desires can be fulfilled as per our patrata (eligibility).
PEACE, STRENGTH AND KNOWLEDGE
Shantam sasvatamaprameyamanagha nirvanashantipradam
(Ram - the bestower of supreme peace in the form of final beatitude, placid, eternal, beyond the ordinary means of cognition, sinless and all-pervading.)
II Ram Charita Manas – Sundar Kaand – Shloka 1II
In the first Shloka of Sundar Kaand, Lord Ram has been described as the bestower of peace and it is to him that his holy name that we need to turn to obtain serenity of mind.
Another basic characteristic we would need to imbibe in our endeavour is to take refuge at the feet of a spiritual master. Our strength will derive from our complete surrender to a Guru. And such a strength which derives from a spiritual master is superior from personal power as it is free from our ego.
Not only physical strength, Ram Charita Manas explains that an intellectual prowess is also a form of power.
Dana parasu budhi shakti pracanda, bara bigyana kathina kodanda.4.
(Again, charity is the axe; reason, the fierce lance and the highest wisdom, the relentless bow.)
II Ram Charita Manas – Lanka Kaand – Ch 80 (A)II
In addition to a sharp mind, if we have nirmal mati (uncontaminated thinking), it can also lead us to Vishram or peace.
Takey juga pad kamal manavu, jasu kripa nirmal mati pavau 4.
(I seek to propitiate the pair of Her (Sita’s) lotus feet, so that by Her grace I may be blessed with a refined intellect.)
II Ram Charita Manas – Bal Kaand – Ch 18II
FREEDOM
To remain a dependent or under the shelter of a Guru can provide us real freedom.
Ram gives Bharat full freedom to choose the way forward after the demise of their father Dasratha, but Bharat chooses to choose whatever Ram chooses.
Bharat shows complete surrender as he pleads:
Jehi bidhi prabhu prasan mun hoi, karuna sagar kijiye soi 1.
(Do that, O ocean of mercy, which may please your heart, my lord.)
II Ram Charita Manas – Ayodhya Kaand – Ch 269II
BEAUTY AND IMMORTALITY
Beauty should not be seen as only externally extant but must manifest as an inner magnificence. And immortality should be interpreted not just by the measure that we are alive. The quality of our thoughts and our contribution in adding to the vitality of the world during a lifetime also lend to our immortality.
LOVE AND BLISS
Immortality can be understood only by those who are ready to consume poison (hardship, criticism etc.) like Mira. Sacrifice is a by-product of love, which in turn helps us obtain bliss.
However, anyone who is free from these desires can be called as ascetic or a Sanyasi. In the Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna in his address to Arjun defines such a person Nitya Sanyasi who holds no malice for anyone, neither does he desire anything.
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FAQs
Power | Activity | Recognition | Affiliation | Competence | Ownership | Meaning | Achievement | So what? Author Dean Spitzer identified eight 'desires of motivation' that may drive people in different ways. This are described and discussed below.
What are the basic desires of human beings? ›
The desires are power, independence, curiosity, acceptance, order, saving, honor, idealism, social contact, family, status, vengeance, romance, eating, physical exercise, and tranquility. "These desires are what drive our everyday actions and make us who we are," Reiss said.
What is the life force 8? ›
“Life Force 8” is a list of basic human instincts, including “survival, enjoyment of life” and “social approval” that are hard-wired into every person. Applying "Life Force 8" involves creatively integrating these desires into your sales strategy to elicit a response.
What is the strongest human desire? ›
Whether or not you buy that, it is clear that sexual desire is one of the — if not the — strongest of human needs. Typically, it takes up a huge portion of our time, emotional energy, and lives. Why? What drives the often unstoppable freight train of sexual desire?
What are the darkest human desires? ›
Greed — desire and wanton pursuit of material possessions. Sloth — the desire to have without earning, to fail to do what should be done in life. Wrath — anger, rage, and hatred toward others, seeking vengeance, and being violent. Envy — to covet what others have.
What is a man's greatest desire? ›
Every man desires to be successful, important and relevant. Every man desires a good wife, an amazing home and wonderful children. Every man desires to be seen as someone amazing by his family. This is way more rewarding to a man than any other thing.
What are humans deepest desires? ›
To be understood; understand others. To be accepted, accept others. To be desired; desire others. To be respected; respect others.
What are the 10 desires of life? ›
So those are my 10: the desire to be taken seriously, the desire for my place, the desire for something to believe in, the desire to connect, the desire to be useful, the desire to belong, the desire for more, the desire for control, the desire for something to happen and the desire for love.
What is the force behind life? ›
Life force or lifeforce may refer to: Spirit (vital essence), in folk belief, the vital principle or animating force within all living things. Vitality, ability to live or exist. Vitalism, the belief in the existence of vital energy. Energy (esotericism), a concept in spirituality and alternative medicine.
What is my life force? ›
Life force is the term given in yoga for one of the two types of energy that are present in all beings. The other type of energy is that of the mind, or consciousness. In the body, life force is thought to be responsible for maintaining all the physical functions, including life, heat and health.
Every cell in the body is permeated with life-giving prana. This life-force is the energy that pervades the universe at all levels. Vibrating energies. All vibrating energies are prana. All physical energies such as heat, light, gravity, magnetism, and electricity are also prana.
What do I truly desire in life? ›
We want health, wealth, comfort, good relationships, success, good progeny and fame. There are also spiritual desires - we have a desire to know about life after death, about how to remain detached and equanimous under all kinds of circ*mstances and we want to be at peace.
What is your deepest desire answer? ›
My goals came from my deepest desire of freedom.
What I began to work towards was in alignment and service to my vision – my dream. And now, I see the fruits of my labor again. But this time it's a journey driven by passion, purpose, and freedom. I'm living in alignment with my truth.
What are the 10 desires in life? ›
So those are my 10: the desire to be taken seriously, the desire for my place, the desire for something to believe in, the desire to connect, the desire to be useful, the desire to belong, the desire for more, the desire for control, the desire for something to happen and the desire for love.
What are the top 3 human desires? ›
Maslow was right. Once we have food, water and shelter we must feel safety, belonging and mattering. Without these three essential keys a person cannot get in their Smart State—they cannot perform, innovate, feel emotionally engaged, agree, move forward.
What are normal human desires? ›
The Six Core Human Desires and Understanding
- Certainty: A sensation and awareness of being grounded and safe.
- Uncertainty: A sensation of freedom, newness, and possibility.
- Significance: A sensation of importance, competence, and self-worth.
- Love and Connection: A sensation of intimate connection and acceptance.
There are four basic Desires that define us as humans: Power, Attraction, Comfort and Play. These four Desires are simplified, borrowed, connected, pieced-together versions-of well-studied sociological and psychological literature … which is all rather dense and tough to read.
