Eknath Easwaran's Commentary
Most of us are not aware to what extent our desires are compulsive. We do not realize how often they push and shove us about without any say on our part. But when we think “I would like a hot fudge sundae,” it would be more accurate to say that the desire is thinking us. Intellectually we may know that a hot fudge sundae means more calories than we need; but the desire has a hold on us, and we believe, temporarily, this is what will satisfy us. Not until we have eaten the sundae do we reflect, “That’s not what I really wanted. Why did I go and eat it?”
Not that there is anything wrong in eating sundaes. The important point is that we do not have the capacity to choose. For “hot fudge sundae” we can substitute our own favorite pleasures. Some may not be harmful in themselves, but when the inability to choose extends to destructive habits such as smoking, drinking, or taking drugs, we begin to cause suffering to ourselves and to those around us.