Biological hunger refers to the body’s call for food,
whereas sensual hunger refers to the senses’ craving for sense objects. TheBhagavad-gita (02.59: niraaharasya) uses the hunger metaphor for referring to
such sensual craving. Just as when we don’t get food, we feel incomplete,
agitated and restless, so too do we feel when we don’t get sense objects.
There’s, however, a significant difference between the two
hungers. Biological hunger arises from need – food is necessary for survival.
But sensual hunger arises from greed – sense objects seem necessary, but they
aren’t; we won’t die without them. Thus, sensual hunger is a pseudo-hunger, so
it can never be satisfied. When we try to satisfy it by indulging in sense
gratification, we get a brief relief, even pleasure. But that feeling is
misleading, akin to the temporary decline in a fire after the addition of fuel.
Once the fuel starts burning, the fire grows bigger. Similarly, our indulgence
acts like fuel for the fire of desire – pacification is soon overrun by
aggravation, by the kindling of stronger desire for greater indulgence.
Pacification is soon overrun by aggravation, by the kindling
of stronger desire for greater indulgence.
Thus sensual hunger can’t be satisfied, but it can’t the
suppressed either. Why? Because it is a distorted expression of our innate need
for happiness that can’t be permanently denied, for we can’t live without
happiness. But that need can be permanently redirected from matter to spirit –
the same Gita verse (02.59: param drshtva nivaratate) indicates that when we
perceive higher spiritual reality, the craving gradually subsides and we get
lasting peace.
For such spiritual redirection of consciousness, the Gita(02.61) recommends Krishna as the best object for contemplation. When we train
ourselves to fix our consciousness on him, our senses become not just
controlled (samyamya), but also conquered (vashe), thus letting us steadily
march towards him for attaining everlasting spiritual fulfillment.
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