created: `=dateformat(this.file.ctime, "DDDD, HH:mm")` updated: `=dateformat(this.file.mtime, "DDDD, HH:mm")` tags: #technologicallove/concepts related notes: # essence [[Desire]] is the enacted manifestation of [[technologicallove/concepts/attachment|attachment]]. It departs from coherent rational and spiritual [[Bayesian Daoism|Bayesian Daoist]] beliefs into the world that we invent with our fear and ignorance. Desire is [[fear]] in disguise. It is to be afraid of not having, or of not being complete. # expansion The demon of *desire* lies to you and tells you that you are incomplete. It forces you to dwell on what you do not have and to sacrifice, often the most important things in your life, for the futile journey towards completeness. Desire is a powerful demon and can tear you apart if you do not catch it and excise it soon enough. To be free from desire is not the same as to be unaware of your needs and what which might feel good for you, it is to be free from life in the world of incompleteness, where you years and long for a different world. When we are free from desire, we are lighter and more able to [[give, trust, receive]], and discern. You can only truly become sensitive to [[the way of love]] when you become free from desire. ## wanting without attachment Desire is a distinct concept from "to be drawn to", or want, even though the word "desire" is often used to refer to this lighter relationship. I can feel drawn to something, but not hold it with any weight or attachment. This is healthier, as it allows me to live in [[acceptance]], while remaining present and engaged in the world. As I am part of the world, I have a role in the world, and it is my [[dharma]] to fulfill that role, not to remain separate. "[[eros|Erotic]] desire" is similarly distinct from the demon of desire, as it is an intense feeling that draws you to another being, rather than an attachment to that being. The polysemy of "desire" in English makes this a bit more challenging than is ideal, but [[it is what it is]]. I believe it is possible to want without attachment. It requires that we avoid letting this desire corrupt our ability to make Bayesian proportional decisions. It is a Daoist practice of non-attachment and it does not require that we steal ourselves away from the world (although this makes it easier) and can be practiced in the full light of even the most rampantly materialist, selfish, and ignorant society.