Become mindful of the early signs of desire — that initial pull or force that pro-pels your attention toward the desirable object. Distinguish between the force of desire and the object or perception that is attractive to you. Is the force of crav-ing as pleasant as you hope the expe-rience of that object will be? Notice that in the moment of gratification, the de-sire simultaneously ceases.
Distinguish the difference between these two occur-rences — the attaining of the object and the ending of desire. Once you see these as two distinctive causes of happiness, then explore your experience to deter-mine if happiness comes from getting what you wanted or from the ending of the desire.
Excerpt From: “Wisdom Wide and Deep: A Practical Handbook for Mastering Jhana and Vipassana” by Pa-Auk.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
“Determine if happiness comes from getting what you wanted or from the ending of the desire”. What a gem! Thank you.
By: Adrian on 09/07/2018
at 8:34 am
I agree! After studying Buddhism for nearly 6 years, I have never considered the connection between getting what I desire and happiness in this way.
By: Anonymous on 09/09/2018
at 4:23 pm
The same here! It’s one of those eyes opening quotes/thoughts that will stay with me forever. There’s so much hope in Buddhism! All the best with your practice!
By: Adrian on 09/09/2018
at 7:49 pm
[…] via Early Signs of Desire — Cattāri Brahmavihārā […]
By: Early Signs of Desire — Cattāri Brahmavihārā – Bad At Being Still on 09/10/2018
at 12:40 pm
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