Those who do good become good;
those who do harm become bad.
Good deeds make one pure;
bad deeds make one impure.
You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV.4-5
The provided quote from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad states that your deepest desires shape your will, which then dictates your actions, ultimately determing your destiny. This ancient Hindu scripture emphasizes that your inherent motivations and aspirations are the foundation of your choices and the trajectory of your life, making self-awareness of your desires crucial for shaping your future.
To understand the quote’s meaning:
- “You are what your deep, driving desire is.” Your fundamental nature and identity are defined by your most profound wants and aspirations.
- “As your desire is, so is your will.” Your deepest desire fuels your intention and determination to achieve it, forming the basis of your will.
- “As your will is, so is your deed.” Your firm intention then leads to corresponding actions or deeds that are aligned with your desire.
- “As your deed is, so is your destiny.” Your consistent actions and habits, stemming from your desire and will, shape the course and outcome of your life.
The essence of the verse is that we are all creators whether we are conscious or unconscious of our deepest desires. Thus, it makes sense to become aware of what our deep desires are because that vibrational energy drives us toward our destiny … if we so choose. As an example, in my “unconscious youth” my deep driving desires were attention, admiration, and accomplishment. As I became more aware of myself and my consciousness evolved, my deep desires also evolved into peace, love, and joy. As conscious creators, we can choose a different destiny.
The key takeaways from this Upanishad teaching are:
- Internal motivation is powerful: The quote highlights the importance of being internally motivated by true desire, rather than by external forces, in order to drive personal transformation.
- Self-awareness is essential: To influence your destiny, you must be aware of your own thoughts and desires and the direction they are taking you.
- Action connects desire to destiny: There is a direct causal link between your innermost wants, your willpower, the actions you take, and the life you ultimately create for yourself — desire-action-destiny.
And, as conscious creators, we are responsible for who we are in the present moment and who we want to become. So, become your greatest vision for yourself.
For more yoga actions and teachings, click here. Namaste.
