Significance of Affection
Affection is a profound emotional connection characterized by love and attachment within various philosophical frameworks, including Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, Kavya, and Kavyashastra. In Buddhism, it often leads to suffering due to emotional entanglement, while Jainism highlights affectionate bonds between characters like Bhadra and Svayambhu. Vaishnavism emphasizes love towards spiritual guides and the divine, showcasing emotional warmth. Across the traditions, affection plays a crucial role in guiding relationships, influencing actions, and nurturing connections, ultimately reflecting the complexity of human emotions.
Synonyms: Love, Tenderness, Warmth, Attachment, Devotion, Care, Adoration, Intimacy, Endearment
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Affection'
In Buddhism, Affection (sineha) represents emotional connections with family and loved ones that can foster attachment, ultimately leading to suffering in both present and future lives due to entanglement from such relationships.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Described as sineha, it denotes the emotional attachment to family and loved ones, which can lead to entanglement.[1] (2) Emotional connection that develops as a result of contact, often leading to misery in both current and future existences.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Affection'
Affection in Hinduism encompasses emotional bonds tied to material associations, love exemplified in relationships, and deep care often directed towards the divine, shaping devotion and interaction among characters in mythology and everyday life.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A feeling of fondness and tenderness towards someone, showcasing emotional warmth and care.[3] (2) A gentle feeling of fondness or liking, highlighting emotional warmth and care.[4] (3) The emotional bond exhibited by Lord Balarama towards the residents of Vraja, particularly the gopis.[5]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The expression of love and care present in the actions of Devaprastha while attending to Krishna.[6] (2) A deep emotional attachment often directed toward the divine, playing a pivotal role in the practice of devotion.[7] (3) A feeling of deep care and love, which compels the wife of Nanda to perform acts of nurturing.[8]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) the feeling of love and fondness indicated by the term 'su-sneham', representing a positive emotional bond.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A significant emotion portrayed between characters, emphasizing the bonds they share.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The love and respect that practitioners cultivate towards their spiritual guides and the divine.[11]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The emotional bond that binds individuals to their material associations.[12]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A feeling of deep care and love that motivates Vaidehi to give guidance on duty.[13]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The deep emotional bond that Rama had with his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita, integral to his state of mind.[14]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A form of attachment that can lead to pain and grief.[15]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The deep emotional bond between Vikramaditya and Madanamala that influences their actions and decisions throughout the tale.[16]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Rati, the sthayi-bhava associated with the emotive flavor of love or romantic sentiment, represented in shringara-rasa.[17]
Jain concept of 'Affection'
In Jainism, Affection signifies deep emotional bonds, illustrated through relationships such as Bhadra and Svayambhu's supportive love, King Sumitra's connection with Padmavati, and the protagonist's admiration for Vasantasena's virtues and beauty.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Denotes the love shared between the protagonist and Vasantasena, arising from admiration of virtues and beauty.[18] (2) The strong emotional bond between king Sumitra and Padmavati, underpinning their relationship.[19] (3) The bond shared between Bhadra and Svayambhu, representing love and supportive relationships.[20]
The concept of Affection in local and regional sources
Affection encompasses the connection between devotees and their deities, shaping behaviors like Tuka and Krishna's; it reflects societal views on wealth; and signifies emotional warmth that Virabhadram finds challenging to express towards Durga.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The bond that links devotees to their deity; it influences the behavior of both Tuka and Krishna.[21] (2) The feeling of love or fondness that is paradoxically defined in terms of societal norms regarding wealth.[22]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A feeling of love or fondness that one expects to receive from parents, which the daughter claims was not granted.[23] (2) The emotional warmth and care that Virabhadram struggles to show towards Durga despite their shared past.[24]