The Soul of Pleasure

Most religious traditions frown on the pursuit of pleasure. I think we can all imagine why this would be so - that the pursuit of pleasure can interfere with moral conduct. In particular, sexual pleasure and pleasures of food, 'pleasures of the flesh,' are considered dangerous temptations. Serious adherents of many religions seek deeper spiritual understanding through privation from physical pleasures. But I am prone to see pleasure as a worthwhile end in itself, one with spiritual or soulful contents.

Pleasure should not be confused with obsession or gluttony. Pleasure is actually something a bit difficult to achieve. The mindless pursuit of lusts does not create pleasure. Rather, pleasure is only the result of a refined attention and a patient experience. In some sense, pleasure grasped is pleasure destroyed. The pleasurable experience of the senses is something that requires an appreciation of the present, a keen awareness.

The soul of pleasure is thankfulness. Thankfulness is our most element and basic relationship with God. When we are capable of nothing else, no other capacity, we are still capable of thankfulness. In pleasure, we acknowledge God's gift of the senses, we acknowledge the amazing coincidence that is sweetness and beauty. A soulful pleasure, one that does not grasp or horde, is a melodious prayer to God's ears.

The soul of pleasure is increased still more when it is shared in good company. To share the gifts and bounty of nature with kindred spirits - is there a higher calling in our life than this? I think in the light of full awareness and full thankfullness, pleasure is a boon to the soul and not a burden.

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