Food for thought
I consumed my lunch outside today, after amusedly observing a little baby spider trying to stalk insects three times its size.
"I think there are two kinds of desire," the Dalai Lama [said]. "Certain desires are positive. A desire for happiness. It's absolutely right. The desire for peace. The desire for a more harmonious world, a friendlier world. Certain desires are very useful.
"But at some point, desires can become unreasonable. That usually leads to trouble. Now, for example, sometimes I visit supermarkets. I really love to see supermarkets, because I can see so many beautiful things. So, when I look at all these different articles, I develop a feeling of desire, and my initial impulse might be, 'Oh, I want this; I want that.' Then, the second thought that arises, I ask myself, 'Oh, do I really need this?' The answer is usually no. If you follow after that first desire, that initial impulse, then very soon your pockets will be empty. However, the other level of desire, based on one's essential needs of food, clothing, and shelter, is something more reasonable."
-- The Art of Happiness - His Holiness the Dalai Lama (as transcribed by Howard C. Cutler, M.D.)
It was quite satisfying. I think I will have it again tomorrow.