Sadhguru explains about the Truth of Ease. It is more Being than Chasing. True fulfilment isn’t found in the accumulation of things but in the acceptance of who we already are.
Article | October 14, 2024
Sadhguru: In the ever-evolving landscape of modern life, we are constantly bombarded with messages pushing us toward endless striving—striving for wealth, possessions, recognition, and success. Our world often equates happiness with accumulation, leading many down a path that promises fulfilment through material gains and external achievements. However, as many eventually discover, this pursuit is akin to chasing shadows. Greed, the unquenchable thirst for more, does not fulfil; rather, it leaves us empty and disconnected from the true essence of being.
On the other side of this illusion lies ease—the truth that arises when we stop chasing, stop yearning for what we do not have and begin to reside fully in the present moment. Ease is the state of flow that emerges when we align with the natural rhythm of life. It is a profound state of acceptance, where fulfillment is not tied to accumulation, but is instead found in the quiet contentment of simply being.
In this article, we will explore how greed functions as a deceptive force in our lives, how it leads us away from fulfilment and into a hollow existence, and how embracing ease can reconnect us with a deeper truth, offering genuine fulfilment.
Greed is the mirage that lures us into an endless desert, while ease is the oasis of fulfilment within, waiting to be found.
The Nature of Greed: A Vicious Cycle of Desire
Greed is not merely the desire for more; it is the compulsive need to constantly acquire, consume, or possess in the hopes of finding happiness or satisfaction. The ancient texts and philosophical traditions across cultures have often equated greed with delusion. In Hinduism, for instance, greed is seen as one of the six internal enemies of the mind, called Shadripu. In Buddhism, it is categorized as one of the Three Poisons (Lobha), alongside hatred (Dvesha) and ignorance (Moha), that keep us trapped in the cycle of suffering.
What makes greed particularly dangerous is that it promises fulfilment, yet the more we chase after it, the more it evades us. It’s like running on a treadmill that goes faster and faster, while the destination remains forever out of reach. This cycle of desire, acquisition, and temporary satisfaction keeps us in a perpetual state of craving, where each new achievement or possession only fuels the hunger for more.
But why does greed persist despite its failure to deliver lasting happiness?
The answer lies in its illusory nature. Greed thrives on the belief that happiness lies outside of ourselves—that if we only had more money, a bigger house, a better job, or the perfect relationship, then we would finally be content. This belief is deeply ingrained in our societal conditioning, where success is often measured by what we own or how much we have accomplished. As a result, we chase after external rewards, thinking that they will fill the void within us.
The Hollow Promises of Fulfillment
When we look closely at the promises of greed, we find that they are ultimately empty. A new car, a promotion, a bigger house—these things might bring temporary pleasure, but the joy they provide is fleeting. Once the novelty wears off, we return to our baseline level of contentment, often feeling the need to chase after the next thing.
This phenomenon is known as the “hedonic treadmill,” a concept in psychology that explains how people tend to return to a relatively stable level of happiness, regardless of positive or negative events in their lives. No matter how much we acquire or achieve, our satisfaction level eventually returns to where it was before, leaving us hungry for more.
Moreover, the more we consume, the more disconnected we become from our true selves. Greed places our focus entirely on external things—material objects, achievements, and status—while ignoring the internal world of thoughts, emotions, and consciousness. In the process, we lose touch with the deeper aspects of who we are, mistaking possessions for purpose and external validation for inner peace.
In the words of the great Indian sage Ramana Maharshi, “Happiness is not to be sought in objects. Real happiness lies in one's own self.” Greed blinds us to this truth, leading us to believe that we can find happiness outside ourselves. But the more we chase after it, the further we drift from the genuine source of fulfilment.
The Emptiness Within Greed and Disconnection
At its core, greed is driven by a sense of lack—a feeling that something is missing and that external things can fill the gap. This feeling of lack is rooted in a misunderstanding of our true nature. In reality, we are already whole and complete, but greed convinces us otherwise. It creates a false narrative that we are incomplete and that the next big thing will finally make us whole.
This illusion leads to a profound sense of disconnection—not only from ourselves but also from others and the world around us. Greed isolates us, as it fosters a mindset of competition and comparison. We become focused on what others have, or on how we can get ahead, and this alienates us from the shared human experience. Rather than seeing ourselves as part of a larger whole, greed narrows our vision to the individual self and its desires.
This disconnection extends to our relationship with the natural world as well. Driven by greed, humanity has exploited the earth’s resources at an alarming rate, leading to environmental degradation and ecological imbalance. The pursuit of more—more wealth, more resources, more power—has led to unsustainable practices that threaten the very planet we depend on for survival. In our desire for material abundance, we have forgotten the simple truth that true abundance lies in harmony with nature, not in its exploitation.
The Shift from Greed to Ease: Letting Go of the Chase
If greed is an illusion that promises fulfilment but delivers emptiness, then what is the alternative? The answer lies in a radical shift in perspective—moving from a mindset of chasing and acquiring to a state of ease and acceptance. This shift involves letting go of the idea that happiness lies outside of ourselves and embracing the truth that fulfilment is found within.
Ease is not laziness or complacency; it is a state of being in alignment with the flow of life. It is the opposite of the frantic striving that characterizes greed. When we stop chasing after external things and start being present with what is, we enter a state of ease where life unfolds naturally and effortlessly. In this state, we are no longer driven by the need to acquire or achieve; instead, we are guided by a deeper sense of purpose and connection.
To live in ease means to trust that we are already enough and that we do not need to prove our worth through accumulation or success. It means to release the tight grip of control and allow life to unfold in its own time. This does not mean that we stop taking action or pursuing goals, but rather that we do so from a place of inner peace rather than desperation. When we are at ease, our actions are inspired by joy and creativity, not by the fear of not having enough.
The more we chase after material wealth, the further we stray from the true richness of simply being.
The Truth of Being: Finding Fulfillment in the Present Moment
At the heart of ease is the truth of being—the realization that we are not defined by what we have or what we do, but by the simple fact that we exist. Being is the essence of who we are, beyond all the labels, roles, and achievements that we accumulate throughout our lives.
When we stop chasing after external things and start being, we tap into a deep well of fulfilment that is always available to us. This fulfilment does not come from possessions or accomplishments but from the simple act of being present with ourselves and the world around us. In this state of presence, we discover that we are already complete, that there is nothing missing nothing is missing, and that true happiness is not something we need to chase after—it is something we can experience right here, right now.
The great spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle speaks of this state of being as the “power of now.” He writes, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.” When we live in the present moment, we are no longer caught up in the endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction. Instead, we find peace in the simplicity of being, and in this peace, we discover the true fulfilment that greed can never provide.
The Role of Gratitude and Acceptance
One of the most powerful ways to cultivate ease and let go of greed is through the practice of gratitude and acceptance. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we already have, and in doing so, it dissolves the illusion of scarcity that fuels greed. When we are truly grateful for the abundance that is already present in our lives—whether it is in the form of relationships, experiences, or even the simple gift of life itself—we no longer feel the need to chase after more.
Acceptance, too, plays a crucial role in moving from greed to ease. Acceptance does not mean resignation or passivity; rather, it means acknowledging the reality of the present moment without resistance. When we accept life as it is, we free ourselves from the constant need to change, control, or manipulate our circumstances. In this state of acceptance, we can find peace even amid challenges, knowing that true fulfilment comes not from external conditions, but from within.
The Path Forward: Embracing Ease as a Way of Life
In a world that constantly pushes us to strive for more, embracing ease can feel like a radical act. But it is a necessary one if we are to reclaim our sense of fulfilment and reconnect with our true selves. The path forward is not about rejecting all ambition or desire, but about shifting our focus from external accumulation to internal alignment. It is about recognizing that we are already enough, and that true happiness comes not from chasing after things, but from being fully present with what is.
To live in ease is to trust in the natural flow of life, to take inspired action without attachment to outcomes, and to find fulfilment in the simple act of being. It is a way of life that invites us to stop chasing and start living, to let go of the illusion of greed and to embrace the truth of our completeness.
In the words of Lao Tzu, “When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” Greed may promise fulfilment, but ease delivers it. All we have to do is stop chasing and start being.
I often emphasize the deep inner truths that govern our lives. When speaking on the topic of greed as an illusion and ease as the path to truth, Shree Siddhashram provides a unique and enlightening perspective rooted in ancient wisdom yet profoundly relevant to modern life.
Shree Siddhashram often points to two major aspects of human existence: the nature of desire and the state of being. Greed, as I describe it, is a byproduct of an unawakened mind, a mind that mistakenly seeks happiness through external accumulation and validation. On the other hand, ease is a natural state that arises when we align ourselves with the present moment, shedding the compulsive need to chase after material things.
Here’s an in-depth analysis of how my views might illuminate the concepts of greed as an illusion and ease as the truth:
1. Greed as a Product of Human Delusion
Greed is one of the core illusions that trap human beings in a state of restlessness. According to him, greed is not merely a desire for more; it is a form of delusion that creates an illusion of lack. When humans identify too closely with their ego, they begin to believe that happiness is something to be obtained from the external world. Greed, therefore, emerges as a manifestation of this inner void, an attempt to fill an emptiness that, in reality, doesn’t exist.
I often suggest that greed thrives on a misunderstanding of our true nature. Human beings, in their essence, are whole, complete, and connected to the universal consciousness. However, when disconnected from this awareness, they look outward, believing that fulfilment can be achieved through more possessions, more power, or more status. In this context, greed is the ultimate mirage—no matter how much we accumulate, it will never satisfy the inner longing, because it is born from a false premise.
Greed is a shadow that appears when you have forgotten the light within. It promises much but delivers little because it is rooted in the illusion of separation from your true self.
2. The Illusory Nature of Fulfillment through Materialism
I would likely highlight that modern society’s obsession with consumerism and materialism is a reflection of this deeper spiritual issue. Greed drives the constant pursuit of possessions, yet no matter how much one acquires, the sense of lack persists. This creates a vicious cycle, where the individual continues to chase after the next thing, hoping it will bring the lasting joy they seek.
I might use a metaphor from nature to illustrate this point. Just as a river flows continuously, never hoarding its waters but always replenishing itself, the human spirit is meant to flow in alignment with life’s natural rhythms. However, when greed takes hold, this flow is interrupted, and we become fixated on accumulating, hoarding, and controlling. In this sense, greed blocks the natural ease of life, leaving us disconnected from the source of true fulfilment.
You are like the river, meant to flow with the current of life. Greed dams that flow, convincing you that fulfilment comes from gathering more water, but it is only when you let go that you return to the ease of your true nature.
3. Ease as the Natural State of Being
In contrast to greed, I speak of ease as a state of truth that arises naturally when we stop striving and simply allow ourselves to be. Ease, according to me, is not about laziness or lack of ambition, but rather about alignment with the present moment. It is a state of non-resistance, where we accept life as it unfolds, trusting in the inherent abundance of existence.
Ease emerges when we stop attaching our sense of self to external outcomes. When we no longer believe that our happiness is dependent on what we achieve or possess, we are free to experience the fullness of life as it is. This state of ease allows for spontaneous joy, creativity, and fulfilment that is not contingent on external circumstances.
In my view, ease is the truth because it brings us into harmony with the natural flow of the universe. It is the recognition that we are already enough, that we do not need to chase after anything to complete ourselves. When we stop striving and start being, we enter a state of ease where life’s inherent beauty and abundance reveal themselves effortlessly.
Ease is not the absence of action, but the presence of trust—trust in the flow of life, trust in the perfection of each moment. When you reside in ease, you are no longer chasing the shadows of what could be; you are resting in the light of what is.
4. The Role of Awareness and Inner Fulfillment
For me, the key to moving from greed to ease lies in awareness. It is only through deep self-awareness that we can recognize the illusion of greed and the truth of ease. This awareness is cultivated through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and introspection, which allow us to observe our thoughts, desires, and emotions without being controlled by them.
I would likely emphasize that the journey from greed to ease is not about renouncing all desires or material possessions, but about shifting the foundation of our fulfillment from the external world to the internal. When we realize that true contentment comes from within, we are no longer driven by the compulsive need to acquire or achieve. Instead, we can engage with life from a place of inner peace and joy, where our actions are guided by inspiration rather than desperation.
Awareness is the light that dissolves the shadows of greed. In that light, you see that what you seek is already within you. And in that realization, ease arises naturally, like the dawn after a long night.
5. Practical Guidance in Shree Siddhashram: Letting Go of the Chase
In Shree Siddhashram practical guidance for those who seek to move from a state of greed to one of ease. His teachings focus on developing inner awareness, practising detachment from outcomes, and cultivating gratitude for what is. According to my realisation, the first step in letting go of greed is to recognize it as an illusion. This recognition alone is powerful, as it allows us to stop feeding the endless cycle of desire and dissatisfaction.
I may also encourage practices such as meditation, where one can experience the fullness of the present moment without the distractions of external pursuits. By spending time in silence and stillness, we can reconnect with our true essence, which is already whole and complete. From this place of inner fullness, we can engage with the world without being driven by the need to consume or achieve.
To let go of the chase, you must first see that there is nothing to chase. Be still. Be present. In the silence of your being, you will find all that you have been searching for.
In today’s world, where the pressures of materialism and consumerism often lead to a sense of emptiness. Greed is an illusion that can never bring true fulfilment, and that ease is the natural state we return to when we stop chasing and start being.
Through awareness, inner alignment, and trust in the flow of life, we can let go of the compulsion to accumulate and achieve. In doing so, we discover the deep sense of peace and fulfilment that arises from simply being present with ourselves and the world around us.
The journey from greed to ease is not just a personal one; it is a journey toward a more harmonious and compassionate world, where we live in alignment with our true nature and the abundance of life.
From Chasing Shadows to Embracing Light
The pursuit of greed is like chasing after shadows, always elusive and never truly satisfying. It promises fulfilment but leaves us feeling empty and disconnected. The truth, however, is that we do not need to chase after anything to find happiness. Fulfilment is already within us, waiting to be discovered in the present moment.
When we stop chasing and start being, we enter a state of ease—a state where we are in harmony with life, where we trust in our own completeness, and where we find joy in the simple act of being alive. This is the truth that lies beyond the illusion of greed, and it is the key to genuine, lasting fulfilment. By embracing ease, we can move from the emptiness of greed to the fullness of life, reconnecting with our true nature and finding peace in the present moment.
