In our recent meeting, we reflected on one of the Buddha’s central teachings: how sense pleasure drives human behavior and how mindfulness practice offers a way to see and loosen these patterns. The discussion wove through Buddhist texts, modern psychology, personal experiences, and the long-term effects of meditation.
The Pull of the Five Senses
From the Buddha’s perspective, much of human activity—whether education, work, or recreation—arises from the drive to seek pleasure and avoid pain. This drive finds expression in the five senses: eye, ear, nose, tongue, and body.
We read from the Numerical Discourses of the Buddha, where the teaching highlights that the form of the opposite gender obsesses the human mind most strongly. This theme resonated with the psychological “pleasure–pain principle” and Freud’s view of the libido as a fundamental life force, not limited to sexual desire.
Recognizing this underlying drive is not meant to condemn human experience, but to help us see clearly what motivates our thoughts, actions, and choices.
Grounding in the Body
Meditation begins simply: by paying attention to bodily sensations, such as the breath. This is the primary object of practice. Yet the teaching also reminds us that awareness does not need to be limited to the cushion or meditation hall.
Even in the midst of busy daily activities, grounding ourselves in the body—feeling the breath, the touch of the feet on the ground, or the warmth of the hands—can bring calmness and stability. Regular practice in this way helps release stress and soften anxiety.
One participant shared how, with time, fleeting desires become easier to spot before they harden into actions. This awareness weakens their pull and creates more space in the mind.
Seeing Emptiness
We also explored the Buddhist concept of emptiness in relation to the six sense bases. The Buddha taught that the eye, visible forms, and the consciousness that arises between them are all empty of self. Consciousness itself is not a solid thing—it flickers in and out depending on causes and conditions.
Through close observation, meditators begin to see how seemingly solid experiences—whether breath, pain, or thought—dissolve into streams of smaller events. In this way, emptiness is not an abstract philosophy but something to be seen directly.
The Long-Term Journey
Meditation is not always smooth. Over time, practitioners may notice suppressed emotions resurfacing, sometimes bringing discomfort. This is a natural process of clearing the mind.
Some also experience phases of low energy as desires weaken. What once felt motivating may lose its hold. With patience, practitioners find a new balance—functioning naturally without being driven by strong cravings. The result is greater relaxation and ease of mind.
Meaning as a Life Force
Finally, we touched on the importance of meaning and purpose. Drawing on Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, we reflected on how people endured even the harshest conditions of concentration camps when they had purpose, but weakened when it was lost.
In our own lives, too, meaning serves as a life force. Recognizing what truly gives us purpose is an important part of self-awareness and mindful living.
Looking Ahead
As we concluded, we agreed to keep observing what drives our daily activities, to practice grounding in bodily sensations throughout the day, and to share our findings in our next meeting.
Mindfulness is not just about sitting still—it is about understanding our drives, softening our attachments, and discovering a steadier, more meaningful way of living.
Awakening Friends 