Not so long ago one person asked me what I think about temptations. This is a worthwhile subject to talk about, because in our search for happiness we are always tempted by promises of false happiness.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines "to tempt" as "to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain". It means that temptation is not directly related with a desire to break a religious commandment. But this definition might be too narrow - often we are tempted to do something which doesn't contribute to our happiness and fulfilment, but not necessarily "wrong" according to certain standards.

My definition of a temptation that it is a desire linked with ignorance.

Let us consider an example from everyday life. We see an appealing commercial of a product, and a desire to buy this product comes to us. But most of us learned not to act upon such a desire too quickly. We begin to think and to evaluate. A commercial promises that this thing will make us happier. Could it be true? Or rather, experience teaches us that it will give us only a temporary satisfaction, not worth the money we will pay? Are there another ways to fulfil our legitimate needs? Finally, it is possible that buying of this product will put unnecessary burden upon our budget. So, we might easily let go of this desire and focus our mind at something else.

What happened? We just successfully overcame a temptation, although such a word never crossed our mind. Let us note that an advertised product might be good, but not suitable for us at this point of time. In order to let go of our desire, we did not have to convince ourselves that it is evil. We just did not want to pay the price.

Ignorant, shallow, and superficial desires bring to our attention only pleasure and satisfaction we could get. But they often keep us ignorant about the price we will have to pay, and possible negative consequences. If we are aware of these hidden factors, we won't desire the things which will burden us or make us suffer in some way. We will treat them as children's toys, not deserving our attention. Desires to get these things might come, but they won't stay in our consciousness for too long. They won't take root in our souls and won't be translated to actions.

There is a price tag attached to every desire. Most of people most of the time know that it is true - otherwise, life would be too complicated for them. But we need to realize that the law of compensation is truly universal and knows no exceptions. This realization frees us from a vain hope that sometimes this principle won't work, and it would be possible for us to escape the payment. We won't look for ways to get something for nothing.

"A wise man will know that it is the part of prudence to face every claimant and pay every just demand on your time, your talents, or your heart. Always pay; for first or last you must pay your entire debt. Persons and events may stand for a time between you and justice, but it is only a postponement. You must pay at last your own debt", writes Ralph Waldo Emerson.

It has been said that people learn by trial-and-error. It is a painful and unpleasant method of education. Others learn at mistakes of others. This method is better, but still not the best available. The truth is, we all are linked to the channel of direct knowledge within. God in us makes us aware of the consequences of our desires.

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free". This includes freedom from temptations. We can live above temptations not because we are strong, but because we are aware.

The only way to overcome temptations is to know deep secrets of life. When we judge by appearances, follow the crowd, and look at what the majority of people do, we might easily become ignorant and reap the bitter fruit of sufferings. Let us search for the truth, not being satisfied with preconceived ideas and sets of rules. What is right? That which is right for us, considering who we are and where we are in our life journey. Let us listen to the guiding voice of our heart. As we do that, many of the things which looked appealing at first, will lose their attraction.

(to be continued)