Ceiling on Desires

"Who is the poorest man?
He who has much desires is the poorest man in the world.
Who is the richest man?
He who has much satisfaction is the richest man in the world".

-Baba

What is the meaning of "Ceiling on Desires" ? Man is deluded by his unlimited desires. He is living in a dream world. He is forgetting the Supreme Consciousness (Paratattwa). That is why it is important to keep our desires under control, to place a ceiling on them. We are spending too much money. Instead of inordinately spending for our own pleasure, we should be spending for the relief of the poor and needy. This is the real meaning of Ceiling on Desires. Do not make the mistake of thinking that giving money is all that is needed, however. Do not give to others while allowing your own desires to continue to multiply. Curtail your desires, as materialistic desires lead to a restless and disastrous life. Desires are a prison. Man can be freed only by limiting his wants. You should have desire only for life's bare necessities.


How can you reduce the desires ?

Food is God -Do not waste food.
Firstly,consider the food we consume. Eat only what you need to eat. Do not be greedy. Do not take more than you can eat and waste the rest, because wasting food is a great sin. The surplus food can feed another stomach. Do not waste food, because food is God, life is God, and man is born from food. Food is the main source of man's life, body, mind and character. The gross part of the food, which is the major portion of the food consumed by the body, is thrown out as waste matter. A minute amount of the food, which is the subtle part, is assimilated by the body and flows as blood. And a minuscule amount, which is the subtlest part of the food, makes up the mind. Therefore, the mind is the reflection of the food consumed. The reason for the present beastly and demonic tendencies in our minds is the food we consume.
A large part of the water we drink is expelled as urine. A minute part of the water consumed becomes the life force (prana). Therefore, the nature of the food and water that we take in decides our character. Only by controlling the quality of our food and water can we attain Divinity. This is why food is said to be God. Hence, to waste food is to waste God. Do not waste food. Eat only what you need, and be sure that what you eat is Sathwic. Give any surplus food to those in need.

Misuse of money is Evil.

Secondly, consider the ways in which money is spent. Indians consider money or wealth as the Goddess Lakshmi. Do not misuse money. By doing so you will only become a slave to bad qualities, bad ideas, and bad habits. Use your money wisely for good deeds. Do not waste money, as misuse of money is evil. It will lead you along the wrong path.


Time wasted is Life wasted



Thirdly, examine the usage of time. The most important, the most needed factor, is time. One should not waste time. Time should be spent in a useful manner. Time should be sanctified because everything in this creation is dependent on time. Even our scriptures say that God is referred to as Time and Beyond Time.
The main reason for man's birth and death is time. Time is the main factor in our growth. Time wasted is life wasted. Therefore, time is an essential part of our life. Do not degrade time by spending it participating in unnecessary conversations, or by getting involved in other's personal matters. The truth behind the saying "Don't waste time" is that no time should be wasted in evil thoughts and acts. Instead, make use of time in an efficient way.


Do no Evil - Do what is Good


Fourthly, conservation of energy is very important. Our physical, mental, and spiritual energies should never be wasted. You might ask me: " How are we wasting our energies?" Seeing bad things, hearing bad things, speaking evil, thinking evil thoughts, and doing evil deeds all waste your energy. Conserve your energy in all these five areas, and make your life more meaningful.

See no evil - see what is good.
Hear no evil - hear what is good.
Speak no evil - speak what is good.
Think no evil - think what is good.
Do no evil - do what is good.
This is the way to God.