You learned in grade school science class that energy could appear in either the potential or kinetic form. The electricity in the wiring of your home is available for any use you choose. When you turn a light switch to the on position, energy appears in the form of light. This is the kinetic state because the energy is being used or expended. However, when you turn the light switch to the off position, the energy remains in the potential state — ready to be used at the flick of the switch.

The inherent power of fear, anger, and desire can also be stored potentially or expended kinetically, and it is your personal attention that determines in which state the energy resides. When the mind’s conscience, known as buddhi in Sanskrit, defines a particular thought as a form of energy that will enable you to fulfill the purpose of your life (shreya), this suggests that you transform the state of that thought energy from the potential into the kinetic by taking some appropriate action. In other words, you are encouraged to think about the shreya, speak in service to the shreya, and take physical action in service to the shreya.

Such emotions as fear, anger, and greed are not inherently bad or negative. When they’re handled skillfully, they can become helpful resources. If the conscience (buddhi) recognizes them as merely ego or sense gratifications that conflict with your inner wisdom (known as preya), you are being asked to renounce your attachment to them so that their intrinsic power can be transformed and stored for future use.