NEED

Solid Gold Toilet

"I need a vacation!" This is a common statement. The question is: Do you really need a vacation or do you want change in your life? 

The confusion between want and need in modern society is due in part to the easy accessibility of goods. On the way to the market, I may think, "Oh, I also need potato chips." Well, no human being needs potato chips, but it is very easy to learn to want them. 

I find that sorting out my needs from my wants is a basic part of my practice every day. I just moved. I have had to go to stores far more often than I like. However, making a house a functional place requires cleaning supplies and hardware. Scores of my decisions have to be screened for need vs.want. It is never a wasted effort. 

Happiness lies in having basic needs satisfied in order to pursue education, meditation and maximum health. The pursuit of 'fun' is often an avoidance of misery. That is not what I consider happiness. The person who finds peace and joy in daily practice has no need of "fun". Practice is its own reward. Wanting beyond the basic needs of nutrition, shelter and financial independence is its own curse.