Dharma Daze #6
On Confucius Analects. Lust and learning.
1.7
What if “lustful nature” refers to the state of longing humans constantly find themselves in?
“Someone… recognizes and admires worthiness… and changes his lustful nature”
Through identifying a lack of desire leads to being a better person, a person changes. A lack of desire means they can give themselves completely to others, since they want nothing for themselves. Their words are honest, they have no desire to appear a particular way, to curry favor/validation from their friends.
If “learned” refers to “cultivating the self”, a practical know-how vs abstract theoretical knowledge, then the lack of desire, the lack of me-first attitude, is worthy of being called “learned”. The height of cultivating the self, the practical know-how, is realizing the state of craving is not conducive to giving yourself fully in the service of others. The state of craving most people reside in indicates a lack of personal growth.
By changing his “lustful nature”, he reaches an understanding of self where pride does not block him from harmonizing with others, with life. Isn’t this the ultimate, and most practical understanding of self? Being able to invest 100%, because you are not chasing after desires concocted by your “lustful nature”.
The state of craving and desire leads to suffering. Someone able to escape from this can see themselves more fully and honestly. Sounds like an enlightened person to me.