The Difference Between Suppressing Kleshas and Eradicating Kleshas

Suppressing afflictions and uprooting afflictions are two distinct concepts, representing two different levels of spiritual practice with a vast, or even immense, difference between them. Those who cultivate non-Buddhist meditative concentrations often attain very high states of samādhi, appearing to have severed sexual desire entirely, remaining unmoved even upon seeing forms. However, upon the end of their lifespan, they still revolve within the cycle of birth and death. In a new existence, their sexual desire arises once more, leading them to take rebirth driven by that very craving. Without attaining the fruition [of enlightenment], what is called "severing sexual desire" is not true eradication but merely suppression—a temporary non-arising. Once the meditative concentration fades, sexual desire immediately reappears.