What is Knowledge : Ch-8-21.

12/01/2017.
Chapter-8 : Control of the Instruments of Knowledge.21.

There are supposed to be three ways by which we try to deal with our longings or our desires. We fulfil them; whatever is asked for is given. This is the indulgent attitude. But often, for manifold reasons, we suppress the desire because we are in an atmosphere where it cannot be manifest with impunity. It is also possible to give it a substitute, which is another method that we can adopt.

A good psychologist will tell us that even substitution is not a real success in the restraint of the impulses. Sublimation is supposed to be the only way. But what is sublimation? Literally, it means melting down. We melt down the desire until it becomes liquid, as it were, and it is no more the solid, hard thing that was confronting us. But what is this melting down of the desire? How can we melt it? “I want this,” says the mind, the consciousness feels, and the senses argue – and it is said that sublimation is the way. What is sublimation, which is spoken of so much in psychology, psychoanalysis, and even spirituality?

Swami Krishnananda
  To be continued ....