Note: in this, and rest of the dialogues in this book, the person "Q" represents the seeker of truth, or at least the opponent of it, while person "A" represents truth.
Q: What is the difference between lust and desire, and what is wrong with them?
A: Lust is like the root of a tree and desire is the branches. Lust is the root desire, the basic hunger for permanence and power. Desire is a modification of lust; it is directed and controlled lust. Lust is also foolishness, for nothing is lacking in reality. In Nature everything is perfect from the very beginning.
However, if you are not enlightened, then lust is a part of your being and you cannot realistically hope to be instantly free of it. In this case it is good to lust for Truth and for God. Only a ravenous hunger for God can quash lust and desire. If a child cries loudly enough for its mother, she soon comes running. The fire grows until the fire brigade are called into action; then it is rapidly quenched. If you love the Truth enough, it will not be able to evade you.
Likewise, if you wish to possess anything at all, whether it be man, woman, or money, then make sure you always occupy your mind with it, and desire it with all your heart. You will gradually come to identify yourself so closely with the object, that you will feel inseparable from it. The foolish find much pleasure in such loss of identity. They say they "lose themselves" in the things they love. The wise weep over their plight.