"The root and source of suffering is the reluctance

To part with the material desires and bodily pleasures of the world

If one is natural and acts without purpose

One would obtain easefulness of the mind and body

The more the desire, the more the vexation (irritation, displeasure)

The more the desire, the more the craving

When craving is unfulfilled, resentment is produced

When resentment is produced, suffering and anxiety follows

In cultivating Truth, one should take joy in TAO and be at ease in poverty

Contentment gives constant joy

Take the pursuit of wisdom as your main business

Regardless of whether you have renounced the world and leave home

Or live at home as a commoner

If you stay unpolluted from the worldly pleasures

And are not defeated by the Five Desires of the world

You will naturally gain peace and balance in your life"

What are the Five Desires?

There are the five senses

Things seen, heard, smelt, tasted and touched

There are also the other five desires, ie wealth, sex, fame, food-and-drink and sleep

Once I heard a story about a spiritual master who lived in a mountain

He had many disciples and time had come for them to spread the Truth

In his last sermon he said to his disciples

You have learned everything that you have to know

On your journey to spread the Truth

You will meet the opposite gender

You will be tempted with their sight, voice, smell and touch

This, master is not able to teach or protect you

You have to defend yourself and not be trapped

It is the hardest to avoid and do not fall into it

The bodily pleasures of the world is the hardest to avoid

Even very well known spiritual leaders had fallen into it

It has upset again and again and is not new in modern society

Even the strongest faith religious leaders are implicated

It is the root of suffering for countless people

Since religious people of high standing can fall into it

It is even easier for normal people

Saint has no desires

Sage has very little desires

Ordinary people have a lot of desires  

Ignorant people are overwhelmed with desires

Root out the source of suffering.