The Misunderstood Nature of Desire and Success
In the modern world, we are often told to dream big, to expect the best, and to manifest our desires into reality. But in doing so, many forget a fundamental truth: life does not happen just because we desire something; it happens because we enable ourselves for it. Just like a seed does not become a tree simply because it wants to—it must have the right soil, water, sunlight, and time—human life too needs the right conditions and effort.
Hindu and Buddhist philosophies both emphasize that desire without preparation is futile. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “Karmanye vadhikaraste, Ma phaleshou kada chana” (Gita 2.47), meaning: “You have a right to perform your actions, but not to the fruits thereof.” This verse highlights the core idea—focus on action and self-enablement, not expectation.
1. The Trap of Borrowed Expectations
Most of what people desire today is not rooted in their inner calling but in social comparison. One wants to become rich because others around them appear wealthy. One wishes to be famous because fame is celebrated. But these desires are often borrowed, not authentic. Buddhist teachings warn us against this. In the Dhammapada, the Buddha says: “From craving springs grief, from craving springs fear; for him who is wholly free from craving there is no grief, whence fear?”
This means that expectations, especially those formed by looking around us, only bring suffering if they are not matched by readiness and capacity. A student wanting to be a top engineer without working for it, or a person wishing for inner peace without making time for silence and discipline—these are examples of misplaced expectation.
Instead of asking, “Why don’t I have this?”, ask, “Have I made myself capable of this?” This shift is not just empowering—it’s liberating.
2. Life Is Built Through Enabling: Body and Mind as Instruments
Success is not magic. It is the outcome of using your body and mind in alignment, to their fullest capacity. In Hinduism, the human body is considered the temple of the Divine. The Taittiriya Upanishad speaks of the five layers of human existence (Pancha Kosha): body (Annamaya Kosha), energy (Pranamaya), mind (Manomaya), intellect (Vijnanamaya), and bliss (Anandamaya). Each layer must be cultivated for a meaningful life.
Similarly, Buddhism emphasizes the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration—practices designed to refine the body-mind connection. Whether you are a farmer or a CEO, success comes down to how well you can use your physical energy, clarity of thought, and emotional balance.
Think of a musician. Desire alone doesn’t make her great. Years of physical practice (training the body) and mental focus (sharpening the mind) do. A common person too can live this truth—by taking care of physical health, developing emotional intelligence, and sharpening the mind instead of daydreaming about an outcome.
3. Don’t Worship Success, Build Capability
Success is often seen as a destination—money, fame, influence. But both Hindu and Buddhist philosophies treat it as a by-product of inner discipline. The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 6, Verse 5) tells us: “Uddhared Atmanātmānaṁ nātmānam avasādayet”— meaning: “Let a man lift himself by himself; let him not degrade himself. For the Self alone is the friend of the Self, and the Self alone is the enemy of the Self.”
This highlights that you are your own tool. If your body is weak, your emotions unstable, and your mind distracted, even simple life challenges will overwhelm you. But if you train yourself—physically through discipline, mentally through reflection, and emotionally through compassion—then no goal is too far.
So instead of obsessing over “success,” turn to enabling yourself. Like a ploughman prepares the soil before sowing seeds, build the inner foundation first. Success, then, becomes inevitable.
4. The Freedom of Letting Go of Expectations
When you drop unnecessary expectations and focus on building yourself, something magical happens—you become free. You stop comparing yourself with others, and you begin to respect your own journey. This is the essence of both Nishkama Karma (selfless action) in Hinduism and Anatta (non-self) in Buddhism. You stop operating from the ego and start operating from awareness.
A modern example: A young professional stops chasing job titles and begins to build real skills. Over time, opportunities find him, not the other way around. Or a homemaker invests in her peace, health, and creativity, instead of worrying about validation from others—and discovers deep satisfaction.
Living without expectations is not apathy. It’s wise action without emotional bondage. You act because it’s needed, because you’re ready—not because you fear missing out.
Conclusion: Live as a Creator, Not a Beggar
The essence of this teaching is simple yet profound: Do not beg from life. Build yourself into someone who shapes life. You were not born to wish endlessly but to create purposefully. Build your mind like a sharp sword, your body like a sturdy vessel, and your emotions like a calm river.
Whether you’re a student, a worker, or a parent—stop setting up your life based on borrowed expectations. Instead, tune into what your being truly longs for and enable yourself with discipline, awareness, and love. That is not only a spiritual way of living—it is the only truly intelligent one.
As the Buddha says in the Majjhima Nikāya, “Be a lamp unto yourself.” Illuminate your path, not with expectations, but with inner readiness. That is where real peace and success begin.