When we reject the pursuit of instantaneous pleasures and temporary joys, we open the door to true liberation.

A Higher Joy Beyond the Moment

When we reject the pursuit of instantaneous pleasures and temporary joys, we open the door to true liberation. This process is not simple: it requires a conscious battle against the constant desire to satisfy our physical needs. Instead of giving in to fleeting impulses, one is capable of finding within oneself a stable and profound tranquility.

At the core of this approach is the idea that true joy does not lie in momentary satisfaction but is born in the struggle against inner attachments. By renouncing temporary pleasures, we free the soul and minimize the suffering associated with dissatisfaction. This is not merely a renunciation of material goods – it is a path to emotional and spiritual perfection, where inner harmony becomes the highest value.

Thus, by overcoming desires, we do not lose joy but gain it in a new, higher form. This energy of inner fullness and serenity can transform our lives, bestowing long-term satisfaction that surpasses any instant gratification.

How can one experience the joy of liberation from physical desires and dependence on material circumstances?

The understanding of true joy here does not lie in obtaining short-lived pleasure, but in overcoming and battling the burdens of our physical desires. The essence of this liberation is that when a person renounces the constant drive to satisfy fleeting needs, they free themselves from the suffering associated with dissatisfaction. Such a struggle with desires allows one to move from superficial pleasure to a higher form of joy, emerging from inner peace and profound spiritual fullness.

As stated in one source:
"But would it not be more logical to fight our desires, to overcome them, thereby freeing ourselves from the sufferings associated with their dissatisfaction? Orthodoxy perceives joy as a normal, natural, and proper state of the human soul. However, joy here is understood not as instantaneous pleasure brought about by a temporary release from suffering through the satisfaction of desire, but as the supreme joy that a person receives from the presence of the Holy Spirit in their heart." (source: link txt, page: 43)

This perspective emphasizes that true liberation from material attachments allows one to experience a joy that transcends ordinary sensory satisfaction. Renouncing the chase after temporary pleasures and material goods paves the way to a deeper emotional and spiritual state, bringing long-lasting fulfillment and peace.