What are those "many wishes" that cause unskillful qualities to grow?

Q & A
1

Good day guys, I hope you’re doing fine.

I was reading AN 1.62 (hope I quotted that right) and I encountered this phrasing that got me confuse:

“When you have many wishes, unskillful qualities arise and skillful qualities decline”.

What are those “many wishes” that the Buddha refered to? Looking forward to hear your questions. With much metta, Javier.

2

I understand it as desires, in general. Wanting for a lot makes one greedy, possesive, stingy, reinforces wrong views, solidifies the idea of self that can have, posses and achieve. Because one craves, one can steal, cheat, lie, scheme, kill or harm others, all in pursuit of something. Sensual desire is one of the five hindrances, and the Buddha said that whenever one of these hindrances overcomes the heart, one can’t even realize what’s good for oneself, for others or for both.

3

Yep!

Here is an index entry for “many wishes” Comprehensive Index of Pāli Suttas

I suggest using the top bar search in the index to look for “wishes” as there are a few other entries related.

4

AN8.30:14.3 and AN8.23 points to the aspect of being humble when one has few wishes. If one isn’t humble and wishes others to know of their good qualities, they will attract unnecessary gain, honour and fame. That will be the death of holy life for most. That’s how I understand it.

5

Or…we can counter those “many wishes” with wholesome wishes as stated in this sutta “If a Bhikkhu should wish.”