2.70 — The ocean and the arrival of desire

Sanskrit · Teaching film · Everyday practice

Speaker: Krishna, addressing Arjuna.

The shloka

आपूर्यमाणमचलप्रतिष्ठं
समुद्रमापः प्रविशन्ति यद्वत् ।
तद्वत्कामा यं प्रविशन्ति सर्वे
स शान्तिमाप्‍नोति न कामकामी ॥ ७० ॥

Brief meaning

The steady ocean receiving inflowing waters illustrates peace amid the arrival of desires. Peace does not belong to one continually chasing their fulfilment.

In the conversation

The contrast of night and wakefulness challenges habitual measures of what matters. The ocean image then describes steadiness amid arrivals, rather than peace purchased by fulfilling every desire. These are images for contemplation; they should not be turned into claims of superiority over other people.

Everyday reflection

At the end of a day, several unfinished wishes may arrive together: more recognition, a nicer possession, a different conversation. You do not need to solve every wish before allowing yourself a moment of stillness. Write down what genuinely requires action and let the rest remain unfulfilled for now. The practice is not to deny that desires exist, but to observe whether each arrival must reorganise your life. What can be present without becoming a command?

Consider today: Allow a desire to arise without having to act on it.