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Pleasure is not evil.

In fact, it is essential for engagement in life. But boy does the concept stir up a lot of moral baggage. Whether in a video game, a relationship, or a job, pleasure signals that something matters. It adds color, depth, texture. In a simulation, it helps the player immerse, believe, and continue the quest. Without pleasure, the avatar stands still, and the story ends.

Proper understanding is essential for the spiritual seeker. Pleasure persuades us that the game is real. It encourages emotional investment, attachment to outcomes, identity with the player-character. The pain-pleasure binary forms the walls of the game. Win and feel good. Lose and feel bad. Repeat. Level up, but never wake up.

The sweetness of the world or the prospect of pleasure is what makes the dream sticky. This episode investigates the construct of pleasure.