Prayer before prayer
The Evolution of Desire: A Journey Toward Selflessness
Humanity is characterized by a continuous drive for fulfillment, an insatiable yearning that defines every aspect of life. Whether consciously or unconsciously, every action and thought is fueled by a desire for pleasure or an effort to escape pain. This duality — seeking pleasure and avoiding discomfort — forms the essence of human motivation. However, there comes a point when individuals begin to question the nature of these desires, searching for a higher purpose that transcends mere physical or social gratification. This journey requires developing a new kind of desire, one aimed at achieving a radically different state of existence.
From the moment we wake each day, we are propelled by an expectation of something more — an anticipation of pleasures greater than those we have already experienced. For some, this manifests as prayer or requests directed toward an undefined source; for others, it is the pursuit of fulfillment through personal effort or relationships with others. Regardless of the method, the underlying force remains the same: a longing for the “next best state.”
The Limitations of Basic and Social Desires
For millennia, unique empirical scientists have studied human nature, concluding that life is initially dominated by two categories of desires. The first includes instinctive needs such as food, sex, and family. The second comprises social aspirations for wealth, power, fame, control, and knowledge. While these desires drive much of human activity, they ultimately fail to provide lasting satisfaction. Many people eventually reach a point where these pursuits lose their appeal. For some, this disillusionment arises from an overabundance of material pleasures; for others, it is the result of significant suffering experienced in their pursuit. In either case, this dissatisfaction often prompts a deeper search for meaning and purpose.
Developing a New Desire
The shift toward a higher purpose begins with a fundamental question: What is the true meaning of life? This inquiry marks the start of a transformation. According to the aforementioned scientists, our ultimate purpose is to align with a singular, all-encompassing force that governs reality. This force is characterized by absolute, selfless, and unconditional love — a quality that stands in stark contrast to humanity’s inherently selfish and egoistic nature.
To embark on this path, individuals must develop a new kind of desire: a yearning for selflessness and altruism. This process typically unfolds within small, intentional groups where participants actively practice these qualities. The group dynamic is essential, as it magnifies the importance of achieving a state of selfless love and helps participants confront their own egotistic tendencies. Through this practice, they come to realize the full extent of their self-serving nature and the challenges of overcoming it.
The Prayer Before the Prayer
The journey toward selflessness reaches a critical point when individuals confront the limitations of their efforts. Despite their dedication, they discover that their original selfish ego is too powerful to overcome through willpower or collective support alone. This realization leads to a profound and despairing acknowledgment: true transformation requires abandoning the ego entirely, including all thoughts, desires, and perceptions tied to it. This level of surrender is daunting, as it necessitates relinquishing every anchor to the self.
At this juncture, individuals develop what is referred to as a “prayer before the prayer.” This is not a request for immediate transformation but a plea for the genuine desire to change — a desire to abandon the ego and embrace a new, selfless way of being. This initial request is the bravest step one can take, as it involves confronting the fear of losing one’s identity and entering an unknown dimension governed by selflessness and love.
The Role of the Governing Force
When this sincere desire is formed, it elicits a response from the governing force of reality. This force elevates individuals beyond their egos, cutting ties with their selfish nature and preparing them for a new dimension of existence. This transition is not easy; it involves a period of “levitation” between the abandoned ego and the yet-unrealized selfless state. During this time, individuals must consciously choose to let go of their old identities, fully embracing the qualities of absolute, selfless love and service.
A New Self
The result of this transformation is the birth of a new, non-physical personality — a transparent observer capable of perceiving reality through selfless and altruistic qualities. While the physical body remains intact, it becomes secondary to this new self. The primary focus shifts to navigating between the original egotistic nature and the qualities of the governing force, enabling a new form of human development.
Conclusion
The journey toward selflessness is the most profound and challenging endeavor a human being can undertake. It requires not only the courage to confront one’s ego but also the willingness to abandon it entirely. The “prayer before the prayer” is the ultimate act of bravery, signaling a readiness to step into the unknown and embrace a new dimension of existence. Through this process, individuals align with the fundamental force of reality, achieving a state of absolute, selfless love and service that defines true human purpose.