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What does 煩悩は使えば使うほど増えていく mean?

My understanding is "The more we give in to our earthly desires, the more they
increase."

However, I'm confused by the use of the verb 使う. Does anyone have any
thoughts?

Thank you!
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2019-11-29T20:48:09.250
73284
2019-12-01T14:32:12.863
2019-12-01T14:32:12.863
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question
meaning
Meaning of "煩悩は使えば使うほど増えていく”
> 「煩悩{ぼんのう}は使{つか}えば使うほど増{ふ}えていく」

While "earthly desires" seems to be a common translation of 「煩悩」, it can also
justifiably translated to " **negative/destructive emotions** ".

Then, by using "apply" or "employ" for 「使う」 instead of "to give in to", the
phrase in question could easily be translated.

In fact, "to give in to" is **_not_** even what 「使う」 can mean all by itself.
Rather, "to give in to" was selected forcibly to go well with "earthly
desires", IMHO.

> "As for negative emotions, the more one applies, the more they increase."
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2019-11-29T21:45:39.993
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2019-11-30T02:26:47.490
2019-11-30T02:26:47.490
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answer