In the case of societies that have certain values, there are members of society that follow the societal rules and those that are overcome by emotion who cannot see the rules’ necessity to society. The Bhagavad-Gita has In this paper, I will argue how in order to overcome desire in the Tao Te Ching and The Bhagavad-Gita, one must understand the negative effects that desire and greed have on society and the Way.
In the society of The Bhagavad Gita, everything is done with a purpose and a reason because each person’s actions make a difference on the society and the future. The author states the importance of action itself, but also action with detachment and how that affects society and the self. It is stressed that “performing action with detachment, …show more content…
In Taoism, “the greatest evil: wanting more” and “the worst luck: discontent.” This illustrates how “Greed’s the curse of life” (Lao Tzu 1998, 61). For the society in the Tao Te Ching, greed is a demon: the more we get, the more we want. MORE REASONING HERE. Greed makes people arrogant and goes against the ways and balance of the Way. Lao Tzu explains how “wealth, status, pride, are their own ruin” (Lao Tzu 1998, 12) He also explains how the balance of the way relies on one “to do good, work well, and lie low” which “is the way of the blessing” (Lao Tzu 1998, 12). Looking for praise is being greedy which is also being desirous because greed is a form of desire. Laying low about one’s work is essential in keeping the balance of the Way, but desiring praise about one’s wealth and status are what contribute to ruining the Way, not just wealth and status alone. By laying low about one’s contributions and moral doings also separates those who understand the Way and those who do not. All contributions to greed only make greed stronger, which throws off the balance of the Way. Greed and discontent are expressions of desire, and desire goes against the Way. Taoism encompasses humbleness as the foundation to balance, and greed is the avalanche of unwanted consequences of that foundation. At first, one may feel greed is beneficial, but it is not. Greed is a curse and it is dangerous. Greed upsets the balance of the Way and long-term benefits no
In the society of The Bhagavad Gita, everything is done with a purpose and a reason because each person’s actions make a difference on the society and the future. The author states the importance of action itself, but also action with detachment and how that affects society and the self. It is stressed that “performing action with detachment, …show more content…
In Taoism, “the greatest evil: wanting more” and “the worst luck: discontent.” This illustrates how “Greed’s the curse of life” (Lao Tzu 1998, 61). For the society in the Tao Te Ching, greed is a demon: the more we get, the more we want. MORE REASONING HERE. Greed makes people arrogant and goes against the ways and balance of the Way. Lao Tzu explains how “wealth, status, pride, are their own ruin” (Lao Tzu 1998, 12) He also explains how the balance of the way relies on one “to do good, work well, and lie low” which “is the way of the blessing” (Lao Tzu 1998, 12). Looking for praise is being greedy which is also being desirous because greed is a form of desire. Laying low about one’s work is essential in keeping the balance of the Way, but desiring praise about one’s wealth and status are what contribute to ruining the Way, not just wealth and status alone. By laying low about one’s contributions and moral doings also separates those who understand the Way and those who do not. All contributions to greed only make greed stronger, which throws off the balance of the Way. Greed and discontent are expressions of desire, and desire goes against the Way. Taoism encompasses humbleness as the foundation to balance, and greed is the avalanche of unwanted consequences of that foundation. At first, one may feel greed is beneficial, but it is not. Greed is a curse and it is dangerous. Greed upsets the balance of the Way and long-term benefits no