The Simile of Kama: Comparing the Benefits and Disadvantages of Kama from Uncontrolled Desire

Abstract

This article aims to present a comparison of Kama with something that humans can clearly see, see every day, to the point that sometimes we may overlook it, to the point that we do not realize that the behaviors that are expressed, the mental conditions that result, are actually driven and pushed by the influence of Kama, which we often see as the happiness that we experience as true happiness. There is no more happiness apart from what we experience. So, we all have a one-sided view of sensual pleasures, one aspect: sensual pleasures. Sensual pleasures have qualities. When sensual pleasures have qualities, what is the use of rejecting sensual pleasures? When sensual pleasures have qualities, we continue to cling to sensual pleasures, not seeing the disadvantages of sensual pleasures, seeing only the qualities of sensual pleasures. For this reason, he made a comparison with Kama in the Tripitaka to make it clear, leading to easier contemplation and understanding that since Kama is like this, our clinging to lust, which the Buddha said has few benefits but many disadvantages, without yet seeing the disadvantages of Kama, is not considered to be living as a practitioner in order to escape from the bonds of Kama or the power of Kama.