Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘People who have never had any experience in practice don’t know what desire is. They only know that they want something. They are not aware of the benefit or harm that following this desire might bring.

When we begin to practice we should try to understand our desires, and we should see how they can be useful and how they may also increase our vexations. With this understanding, we can avoid taking attitudes or actions that might increase our suffering, and consequently we will put our efforts into directions that will enhance our living and well-being. This is “recognizing, or understanding, desires.”‘ (Until We Reach Buddhahood)