The Difference Between Suppressing Kleshas and Eradicating Kleshas

Subduing afflictions and eliminating afflictions are two distinct concepts, representing two different levels of spiritual practice, with a vast—or rather, an immense—difference between them. Those who cultivate the concentration practices of non-Buddhist paths often attain high levels of meditative absorption, appearing to have eliminated sexual desire; many do not experience lustful thoughts even when seeing forms. However, upon the end of their lives, they still revolve within the cycle of birth and death. After taking rebirth in a new body, their lustful desires arise once again, and then, driven by these desires, they take rebirth once more. Without attaining the fruition, what is called "eliminating lustful desires" is not actual elimination but merely suppression—a temporary non-arising. Once the meditative absorption fades away, the lustful desires immediately reappear.