The Camaldolese Institute
for East-West Dialogue

Purity of Heart and the Recreation of Desire

by Bede Healey, OSB Cam

This paper explores the concept of desire from a Christian perspective. Specifically an outline for a process of the re-creation of desire is offered as a way, a path for the attainment of purity of heart. This dynamic process is explored from a human, psychological perspective and from Christian spiritual perspective. Calling upon the ideas of Sebastian Moore, the role of fear in the distortion of desire is explored. The varied meanings of fear, desire and purity of heart are explored. 

Utilizing an object relations psychoanalytic model of human development and experience, a model that is relationally-based, one that sees all of human experience as primarily relationship-based, the process of general development and growth is reviewed, specifically true and false self development. False self development is ubiquitous in the human condition, and the conditions associated with the development of the false self are outlined.  In addition, reasons for the continued building up or maintenance of the false self are offered. The relationship between self development and our desires is then explored. False self development is linked to the distortion of our desires. The role of fear in this process of distortion is then examined.  Specific attention is given to our sexual desires and the role they play in our lives, especially in the light of Object Relations theory. Our sexuality is not primarily a drive to be discharged, but a lens through which to explore and understand our relationship with ourselves, others, and God.  The concept of a lovemap, developed by John Money is explored. Following this is a discussion of the issue of embodiment and its particular importance for our times. Although an important corrective, it too can be distorted by fear and inadvertently work toward the further development of our distorted desires rather than bring us to integration.

This discussion is also cast in the light of Christian spirituality and theology. The role of the Incarnated-one, Jesus Christ, of Baptism and of the Paraclete are given special attention.  Issues of immanence and transcendence are discussed.  God is described as the Desiring One, and we, in Moore’s terms, “desire to be desired by the one we desire.”  Recognizing that we are desired by the Desiring One can lead us to the surrendering of our falseness.

Following this, an outline of a model for the re-creation of desire is offered. It includes the following elements:

• Experiencing crisis moments calling for a re-alignment of our identity, of ourselves-in-relationship

• Allowing the awareness of the:

  • distance between where we are and who we are; the sense of being strangers to ourselves

  • unfreedom of our current way of living

  • the power of our desires, especially our sexual desires

  • fear, and often an intensification of fear

  • gentle call of Love, of Desire, calling out to us

  • our true self, the true desiring self, wishing to surrender

• Surrendering to the risk of uncovering

• Abiding in the disorganization that usually follows

• Embracing this altered, more embodied self.

These elements are explored and the central role of uncovering is discussed. The paradox of emptiness and fullness is examined. Again, the role of sexuality and embodiment are reviewed in the light of re-created desire.  Although this process has a strong psychological component, it is much more than that; it is a way of being, of becoming in the fullest sense of that word. The centrality of the Incarnation and our individual incarnational experience is discussed.

 A connection between the process of re-creation of desire and attaining purity of heart is then offered.

The relationship of these ideas and some related historical issues in the Christian tradition is then explored, followed by an examination of some of the Buddhist thinking on these issues, including Buddhist-informed psychological theory and practice.