Temptations Discover What You Are

Temptation itself is not a human value, but it is the testing ground where human values are examined, strengthened, and revealed. It is the bridge between knowing what is right and choosing to live it.  

Temptation does not create character, it exposes character. Gold is tested by fire, and human values are tested by temptation. What lies hidden within us becomes visible when desire, fear, gain pleasure or ego pull us away from our principles.

The whisper of temptation can be heard farther than the loudest call to duty. Temptation is not a sin but playing with temptation invites sin.

In all temptations, consider not what it offers, but what one shall loose.

A famous philosophical and theological concept- “every life is a march from innocence, through temptation to virtue or vice”. It quite captures a profound truth about human moral development.

Humans begin in a state of innocence, a period free from guilt moral awareness or the weight of having to make ethical discussions. Then are introduced to the realities of the world and one’s own desires, finally to choose between virtue to resist impulses or vice yielding to temptation. The destination is not determined by temptation itself, but by the choices made when temptation arrives.

People may alternate between virtue and vice throughout their lives. Circumstances like environment, privilege, or trauma can drastically alter their ability to make certain choices. Gita explains the psychology and anatomy of temptation. Mapping out how it functions starting with: Contemplation- focusing thoughts on worldly objects creates attachment (sanga) to them. Desire- the attachment breeds intense craving or lust (kama).

Anger- When that desire is thwarted, it transforms into deep frustration and anger (krodha). Delusion- Anger clouds your judgment (sammoha), leading to the loss of memory of what is right and wrong. Finally Destruction- with judgment gone, intellect is ruined, leading to spiritual downfall.

Life is rarely a straight, single-file march, morality is often messier. Spiritually, temptation is not seen as a failure, but as a universal test of one’s character and spiritual maturity. The battle against temptation is not fought merely by suppressing desire but by replacing lower attractions with a higher love.

Gurbani identifies that temptation stems from a wandering mind that chases fleeting worldly pleasures rather than eternal truth. Human impulses with the Five Thieves (vices): Kaam (lust), Krodh (anger), Lobh (greed), Moh (attachment), and Ahankar (ego). These have to be overcome and one must draw upon the power of the Divine to resist the temptation.

Every moment of resistance to temptation one gains strength and a victory over it, hence efforts to cultivate Naaam Simran (divine remembrance) and sangat (holy congregations) is a must to purify the mind.

Temptations often arrives in company, but resistance is usually a deep-rooted personal act.  

When temptation comes remember that the strength to overcome already lie within you, and the grace of the Divine is always available to support that effort.

Bring forth that indomitable power and energy…., pray not for a life without temptation, but for the awareness, courage and wisdom not to surrender to it.

Stay blessed.