The masters have said that one way to measure progress on the spiritual path is that the desires become less. Desires won't finish, but their grip on the personality which forces us to look for emotional, sensual and intellectual fulfilment will reduce. Involvement with desires gives birth to feelings of attraction and repulsion, to possessiveness and rejection.
The push and pull of duality which arises as the result of desire is the factor that creates confusion and conflict in our priorities. So to become stable in spiritual life, it is not a question of transcending desire, but knowing how to channel the direction of the desire that is important because this leads to your growth. In fact it is not even necessary to be concerned with personal desires or aspirations. It is sufficient to have a goal, a focus, and keep on walking that path. Remain true to the goal.
It is like being on a journey from one city to another. On the road we may stop many times, for something to eat, because of accidents, to admire the scenery. We can stop as many times as we like, but the aim is still to reach the destination. Similarly, once you have set your aspirations and direction for life, then keep that aim in mind. Continue to walk towards the fulfilment of that goal, and at the same time manage all the desires as and when they manifest, by determining their usefulness for your own fulfilment and growth in life.
