Mastering the Five Desires: A Journey into Japanese Zen
When travelers first arrive in Japan, they are often struck by a profound contradiction. On one hand, there is the neon-soaked sensory overload of Tokyo’s Kabukicho and Akihabara—districts dedicated to every conceivable human indulgence. On the other, there is the silent, austere beauty of a Kyoto rock garden, where emptiness is the ultimate aesthetic. This duality is not accidental; it is a cultural negotiation with what Buddhism calls Goyoku, or the “Five Desires.”
Understanding the Temptation of Five Desires is key to unlocking the soul of Japan. It explains the tension between the pursuit of worldly pleasure and the disciplined striving for spiritual peace that defines the country’s history and modern lifestyle.
Origins: What is Goyoku?
The concept of the Five Desires (Goyoku) is rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, which traveled to Japan via China and Korea in the 6th century. In Buddhist theology, suffering (Dukkha) arises from attachment and craving. These cravings are categorized into five specific temptations that distract the human spirit from enlightenment:
- Wealth (Zaiyoku): The greed for money and material possessions.
- Lust (Shikiyoku): Sexual desire and attraction to physical beauty.
- Fame (Meiyoku): The desire for status, reputation, and recognition.
- Food (Jikiyoku): Gluttony and the craving for fine flavors.
- Sleep (Suiminyoku): Laziness, lethargy, and the desire for excessive rest.
Historically, Japanese monks engaged in rigorous asceticism (shugendo) to conquer these desires. However, for the layperson, the goal was not necessarily total elimination, but rather awareness and moderation. This struggle formed the backbone of Japanese morality, influencing everything from the warrior code of Bushido to the tea ceremony.
Legend: The Fall of Kume Sennin
Japanese folklore is replete with cautionary tales about the Temptation of Five Desires. One of the most famous and humanizing stories is that of Kume Sennin (The Hermit of Kume).
According to legend, Kume was a devout ascetic who practiced rigorous self-discipline for years. Through his mastery over his desires, he gained supernatural powers, including the ability to fly on clouds. One day, while soaring over a river, he looked down and spotted a young woman washing clothes. As she scrubbed, her kimono was hiked up, revealing her white calves.
Overcome by Shikiyoku (Lust), Kume lost his concentration instantly. His supernatural power vanished, and he plummeted from the sky, crashing to the ground before the woman. Rather than being condemned to eternal damnation, the legend takes a humorous, earthly turn: Kume gave up his sorcery, married the woman, and lived a common life. The story is often cited to show how fragile spiritual attainment is in the face of the Five Desires, serving as a reminder that even the holy are human.
Modern Culture: The Balance of Excess and restraint
In contemporary Japan, the Five Desires are no longer viewed strictly through a religious lens, yet they dictate the rhythm of society. You can see the manifestation of Goyoku in the gourmet culture (Jikiyoku) where people line up for hours for the perfect ramen, or the obsession with luxury brands (Zaiyoku) in Ginza.
However, the counter-force is just as strong. The cultural concept of Gaman (perseverance and self-denial) acts as a check against these temptations. This is why a salaryman might indulge in heavy drinking and karaoke at night, only to return to a stoic, hardworking demeanor the next morning. The Japanese aesthetic of Wabi-Sabi (finding beauty in imperfection and poverty) is a direct cultural rejection of the desire for material perfection and wealth.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing the Duality
For a traveler, engaging with the concept of the Five Desires can transform a standard vacation into a cultural pilgrimage. Here is how you can experience this balance:
1. Confront the Desires in Osaka
To see the Five Desires in full swing, visit Dotonbori in Osaka. It is the kitchen of Japan and a hub of sensory indulgence. Eat Kuidaore style (eat until you drop), surrounded by flashing lights and loud music. This is the celebration of earthly pleasure.
2. Practice Restraint at a Shukubo
To understand the suppression of desires, stay at a Shukubo (Temple Lodging) on Mount Koya. Here, you will eat Shojin Ryori (devotional vegetarian cuisine), which is delicious but subtle, designed to sustain rather than excite. You will wake up early for prayers (conquering the desire for sleep) and sleep in simple tatami rooms (letting go of the desire for luxury).
3. Visit Enma-do Temples
Look for temples dedicated to Enma-daio (The King of Hell), such as the one in Kamakura. These often feature statues or paintings depicting the consequences of succumbing to the Five Desires, offering a fascinating, if slightly macabre, look at how seriously these temptations were taken in the past.
Sources & Further Reading
For those interested in the historical and theological roots of these concepts within Japan, the following texts are essential:
- The Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan): Offers early context on the arrival of Buddhism and its clash with indigenous beliefs.
- The Konjaku Monogatari Shu: A collection of tales from the late Heian period containing numerous stories about monks, supernatural beings, and the consequences of desire.
- Essays in Idleness (Tsurezuregusa) by Yoshida Kenko: A classic work on Japanese aesthetics that discusses the impermanence of worldly desires.