9.3. Activities of ‘I’

• We constantly desire — happiness, success, comfort, respect, etc. • Desires arise from our assumptions, past experiences, and imagination.

Desire is a fundamental activity of the 'I'. It drives us to seek certain states or outcomes that we believe will bring us happiness or fulfillment. Desires often stem from our previous experiences, the assumptions we make about what will make us happy, and our imagination of what our lives could be like. For example, someone might desire to seek a successful career because they believe that this will bring them respect and happiness.

Think of a child who sees a new toy and desires it. This desire is influenced by the child's past experiences with toys and a belief that having this new toy will make them happier. The desire motivates the child to work towards getting it, reflecting the continuous nature of desire.

• We evaluate, judge, and make sense of our desires and surroundings through thoughts. • Thinking helps analyze and plan actions.

Thought is crucial in processing our desires. It enables us to reflect on what we want, analyze whether those desires are realistic, and plan how to pursue them. Through thinking, we can judge if our desires align with our values or needs. For example, if you desire to be successful in a career, your thoughts will help you evaluate the steps you need to take to achieve that success.

Imagine a student who desires to achieve a high grade in school. Instead of just wishing for it, they think about how to study effectively, create a timetable, and regularly assess their understanding of the subjects. This process of thinking transforms their desire into actionable steps.

• Based on desire and thought, we form expectations or feelings. • These shape our emotional response — like love, trust, anger, or fear.

The activities of desire and thought give rise to expectations or feelings. These expectations or feelings influence our emotional responses to situations. For instance, if you desire acceptance and have thought through how to present yourself positively, your feelings may align with confidence. Conversely, conflicting desires can lead to negative feelings such as fear or anxiety.

Consider someone applying for a job. If they desire the job and think positively about their qualifications, they might feel hopeful and confident. However, if they also fear rejection, they may experience anxiety. This illustrates how intertwined desires, thoughts, and feelings significantly impact our emotional state.

Key Insight: These activities happen within the ‘I’ and are continuous, unlike bodily activities which are temporary or physical.

The activities of desire, thought, and expectation are not isolated events; instead, they occur continuously within the 'I'. This ongoing process distinguishes these internal activities from temporary physical needs, like hunger or fatigue, which are resolved through physical actions. The continuity of 'I' allows for a deeper and more complex engagement with our experiences and goals.

Imagine the rhythm of your thoughts and feelings like a river flowing continuously. Sometimes, the flow may be smooth, reflecting clarity of desire and thought, while other times, it may be turbulent, indicating confusion or discord. The continuity of this river represents how desires and thoughts consistently shape our experiences and decisions throughout our lives.

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