Men, driven on by thirst, run about like a snared hare; let therefore mendicant drive out thirst, by striving after passionlessness for himself. -Buddha

Thirst can drive us to distraction, causing us to act rashly and without consideration of the consequences. Fortunately, we have been gifted the wisdom of the Buddha to help us in our pursuit of passionlessness and contentment. Through meditation, mindful awareness and deliberate practice of self-discipline one can strive for a greater sense of peace within oneself that is free from thirst’s influence. We must recognize that it is only through personal effort that freedom from desire can be achieved; let us then seize every opportunity to put this effort into practice. By understanding how our actions are shaped by our cravings, we will find ourselves increasingly better able to perceive them before they take over our lives and lead us astray. In so doing, we will be more able to practice compassion and inner peace, allowing us to find true contentment even in difficult times. By following the teachings of the Buddha we can strive for passionlessness, ultimately gaining greater peace of mind and joy in our lives.

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