Desire, A Brief Essay on Kama: Part One
The video below, though old, will give you a fair idea of what Kama is, and the role it has in are spiritual growth. Please use this video as a comparative reference for the narration I will present later.
I once knew a young woman, we will call her Alex. I worked with Alex and we became friends through our work relationship. This relationship was purely platonic or “non-sexual.” Over time & begrudgingly, I came to view her as a ‘little sister.” Alex is 20-25 years younger than I am, and thus she has less world experience than myself. This narration is meant to serve as mere observation and not intended to be judgmental in anyway. I will relay my observations through specific incidences in order to demonstrate the workings of Kama in everyday life.
Before I begin, allow me to explain some characteristics of my own nature. I am quite observant, this is no doubt due to my distrust of the human nature, at least as it currently is. People will lie for one reason or another. I find that people lie most about who they are. I also believe that people show you who they are by their actions, something we previously discussed as “Dharma,” or “Inner Nature.” So as the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than Words.”
I am a compassionate person. The study of Theosophy will inherently increase a person’s capacity for empathy. Students in this philosophy, sooner or later, will become what people refer to as “Empaths.” This is a natural progression along the path of spiritual evolution.
Empaths tend to feel with a certain intensity. When they love, they love deeply, and the same goes for all other emotions human being share and exchange. I tend to keep people, particularly women, at a very safe distance.
I am a handsome man, I am indeed aware of this. I am observational, suspicious of others, and emphatic. Given those characteristics, you might see how emotional relationships tend to pose challenges for me...as well as present certain dangers. Women are very much attracted to me, and I am very much distrusting of them. My inner nature (dharma) requires that I control my passion (rajas). Awareness of Kama, or The Desire Principle, is foundational to that achievement. The progression of my inner nature requires the expression of compassion to all things and distrust presents a barrier to that progression.
I have an INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking Judging) Personality type. The following quote from 16 Personalities sums up my approach to most relationships in general:
“INTJs value depth, intelligence, and unmitigated honesty. For them, a relationship that isn’t founded on these values simply isn’t worth pursuing. They would much rather stay single than force a false connection just for the sake of being with someone.”
Hahahaha…that’s me! We all struggle with something within ourselves…myself, Alex and you. “Man, know thyself” is a most profound philosophical statement. I encourage each of you to begin to study your own behaviors & desires. Learn about who you really are. Now, I shall begin my narration, proceed to “Part Two,” find the navigation a bit further down this page.