Significance of Affection
Synonyms: Love, Tenderness, Warmth, Attachment, Devotion, Care, Adoration, Intimacy, Endearment
In French: Affection; In Dutch: Affectie; In Finnish: Kiintymystä; In Spanish: Afecto; In German: Zuneigung; In Malay: Kasih Sayang; In Swedish: Tillgivenhet; In Finnish: Kiintymys; In Portugese: Afeição; In Italian: Affetto; In Polish: Sympatia
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, or sineha, signifies emotional attachment to loved ones, which may lead to entanglement and suffering. Wise individuals transcend such attachments by severing desires, ultimately freeing themselves from worldly concerns.
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) It is a feeling of fondness or love towards someone or something, the loss of which can bring about sorrow and apprehension.[1] (2) This is something that wise people leave behind when they cut the fetter of desires and leave the world free from cares.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) People gained this for the wanderers belonging to other sects who spoke dhamma.[3]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The venerable Ananda by reason of his strong affection for the Master was unable to acquiesce in this and cried, "Let this elephant kill me first."[4]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) To one who comes into contact, there become this; consequential to this distress come into being; looking at the rise of this, as a disadvantage, one should wander alone like a rhinoceros' horn.[5] (2) Described as sineha, it denotes the emotional attachment to family and loved ones, which can lead to entanglement.[6] (3) Emotional connection that develops as a result of contact, often leading to misery in both current and future existences.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Affection is described as made of desire and blameworthy in the mother and father, but among bodhisattvas, affection is made of pure compassion.[8] (2) Refers to preman, the Buddha has this for beings which penetrates to the marrow of the bones.[9]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) These are emotions or feelings that can cloud or influence one's awareness. The provided material contrasts individuals who are free from these influences with those who are affected by them.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Affection'
Affection in Hinduism encompasses deep emotional bonds, like those between Rama and Sita, expressions of love toward Krishna, and nurturing actions. It highlights both joyful connections and potential grief, emphasizing devotion to the divine and cherished relationships.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The content describes affection as a proof demonstrated by offering prayers, indicating a feeling of love, care, or fondness toward devotees, as evidenced by actions.[11] (2) Affection is felt by all the Vaishnavas for Murari, highlighting the deep respect and love they held towards him due to his inherent qualities.[12] (3) A profound emotion that has the power to transport people and fill them with a soft, tender feeling, especially when it comes to devotion to Krishna.[13] (4) Affection in this context represents a feeling of love or deep caring, and it is described as transcendental, suggesting a spiritual and extraordinary form of affection.[14] (5) The provided text mentions that if one has any affection for the Supreme Lord, then one should not speak about any topics other than topics about Krishna.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It describes a quality that is present in different degrees, with the highest degree being directed towards individuals who already show affection.[16] (2) Yashoda's cloth became wet as milk flowed from her breasts out of affection for her son, demonstrating her maternal love for Krishna.[17] (3) The presence or absence of affection, specifically genuine rati, is a key factor when classifying emotional expressions and understanding the nature of vyabhicari-bhavas.[18] (4) The feelings and emotions between the Lord and the devotee. It is the recognition of this sentiment that influences the intensity and presence of the devotee's own sentiments.[19] (5) It is expressed through skillful embraces between Radha and Krishna and represents a deep emotional connection.[20]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The affection for Shri Krishna was demonstrated by Nakula and Sahadeva, who proposed to worship Shri Krishna first during the Rajasuya sacrifice; everyone observed this display.[21] (2) A feeling of deep caring and fondness, demonstrated by the residents in their interactions, influencing their actions and expressions towards the narrator.[22] (3) Affection is the sentiment displayed by Shri Krishna towards Shri Ambika-devi, indicating care despite being self-satisfied.[23] (4) "Affection" described in the text indicates warm fondness, love, and care, fostering a close relationship.[24] (5) This is shown to the Supreme Lord, and the Lord is pleased by this display of affection.[25]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) It is a feeling that is present in the heart and is felt by both individuals.[26] (2) It is the emotion that the cows felt for their calves while staying in that location.[27] (3) The quality that motivated Radha to speak after considering the situation.[28] (4) the feeling of love and fondness indicated by the term 'su-sneham', representing a positive emotional bond.[29]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The love and respect that practitioners cultivate towards their spiritual guides and the divine.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The Lord sheds this in super-abundance, reclaiming an individual despite their determination to forget, showcasing a powerful grip.[31]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Affection is demonstrated by Yudhishthira when he addresses the liberated Duryodhana, offering him advice and urging him to reconcile with his brothers.[32] (2) Affection is a characteristic displayed by Ganga towards King Santanu, contributing to his gratification and enjoyment of her company, as described in the text.[33] (3) The dog became exceedingly attached to the Rishi because of this, demonstrating a heart like that of a human being.[34] (4) If one has conceived this for the pigeon, one must cut off a portion of their own flesh and weigh it against the pigeon.[35] (5) "Affection" is the reason the parrot remains with the withered tree, showcasing its loyalty and compassion despite the tree's desolate state.[36]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Sita is described as being filled with "affection", highlighting her deep love and emotional attachment, which influences her decision to follow Rama.[37] (2) Affection is the sentiment Sugriva is instructed to show towards Angada, Hanuman, Nala, and others, emphasizing the importance of valuing and caring for key individuals within his circle and promoting harmony.[38] (3) He is wise and generous, foremost in addressing others, speaking with affection, and supremely courageous.[39] (4) A feeling of deep care and love that motivates Vaidehi to give guidance on duty.[40]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) According to the text, egoism spreads the snare of affections, indicating that it uses emotional attachments to entrap individuals.[41] (2) Affections are the emotional attachments that bind individuals to the world, and their entire abandonment leads to true greatness and stability.[42]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Affection was shown equally to the two children by the King, who never made any distinction between them, though he later showed more affection to Satrujit.[43] (2) It is described as the origin of various kinds of unions, such as the union between father, mother, and their sons, which is considered good. Another union comes out of natural consequences.[44]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A form of attachment that can lead to pain and grief.[45]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A wife is a mother in this, according to the text provided.[46]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) The speaker mentions that Ruma claims a son's "affection" from him, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and love.[47]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Krishna has affection for the cowherds' women and children, and for Vraja, which is a contradiction that fills them with doubt.[48]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Varuthini claims to be full of affection, asking the brahman to be gracious and tell her the means by which he may go to his own home.[49]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The affections mentioned in the text refer to disorders or diseases affecting the three vital regions, which include the genito-urinary organs, the heart, and the head.[50] (2) The text suggests that affection is dependent on the maintenance of healthy manhood, implying that it is a desirable quality associated with virility, therefore affection is important.[51]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The deep emotional bond between Vikramaditya and Madanamala that influences their actions and decisions throughout the tale.[52]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A feeling one has towards a friend, which should not influence who is fed at a Shraddha.[53]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Affection is characterized as desire for the repeated experiencing of an object, indicating a longing for sustained interaction and enjoyment, and affection showcases a desire for continued positive experiences with something.[54]
Jain concept of 'Affection'
In Jainism, Affection encompasses deep emotional connections, exemplified by King Sumitra's bond with Padmavati, the supportive relationship between Bhadra and Svayambhu, and the admiration-based love between the protagonist and Vasantasena.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The affection between Sadhudasi and the herdswoman grew strong, like sisters, and the affection of cowherds resulted in gifting the merchant two beautiful bulls.[55] (2) The affection the King has for his wife is described as very dear, highlighting the depth and sincerity of their bond, making it significant.[56] (3) Rama and Bala showed great affection for Krishna, leading to bewilderment and grief after Krishna's death, which led Bala to carry Krishna's body for six months.[57] (4) Indra and Upendra are compared to Megharatha and Dridharatha, who enjoyed pleasures with their wives because of affection.[58] (5) Affection drove Mahendrasimha's actions, leading him to misinterpret sounds and search tirelessly for his friend Sanatkumara in the dangerous forest.[59]
The concept of Affection in local and regional sources
Affection is portrayed as a profound emotional bond, encompassing deep love towards others, unmet parental expectations, societal influences, selfless devotion to beloved objects, spiritual connections, and the warmth in relationships, highlighting its multifaceted nature.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A feeling that Asutosh's mother bestowed on him, combined with a father's firmness, ensuring that he did not feel the absence of his father and was raised properly.[60] (2) Affection is something the speaker in “The last gleam” sought but instead found venom, illustrating a theme of unfulfilled emotional needs and disappointment.[61] (3) It is not suffered by the individual, suggesting a lack of emotional attachment and connection to others, representing a state of emotional detachment and independence from interpersonal bonds.[62] (4) A feeling of fondness or tenderness that is killed by intense sexual desire, resulting in the demise of intimate feelings.[63] (5) Signifies a sense of care or fondness that the subject lacks, leading it to disregard the speaker's feelings and cause distress.[64]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Ties that Nama has given up, firmly grasping the feet of a divine entity, leading to a lack of things in domestic life.[65] (2) The bond that links devotees to their deity; it influences the behavior of both Tuka and Krishna.[66] (3) The feeling of love or fondness that is paradoxically defined in terms of societal norms regarding wealth.[67]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) A feeling of fondness and care towards another person, which can be questioned or doubted based on perceived slights or misunderstandings.[68] (2) These are bestowed upon the object, and the speaker said that love is something absolutely unselfish, that which has no thought beyond the glorification and adoration of the object upon which these are bestowed.[69]
The concept of Affection in scientific sources
Affection, a key element in human relationships, is explored in conjunction with sexuality. The analysis considers technology's impact on emotional connections and romantic opportunities.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Affection is a dimension that, when considered with communication, demonstrated a moderate effect size in the intervention group, although it did not reach statistical significance, suggesting a potential but unconfirmed influence.[70] (2) It refers to a parenting behavior that involves warmth and support.[71] (3) It refers to feelings and emotions, especially in the context of relationships, and how they are expressed or experienced by individuals.[72] (4) A gentle feeling of fondness or liking, often expressed through kind gestures and caring behavior, contributing to positive relationships and emotional well-being.[73]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) A feeling of warmth and fondness, facilitated by resilience and positive relationships.[74] (2) Affection is a sub-variable of brand engagement, reflecting the emotional aspect of customer involvement with the brand, influencing customer behaviors.[75]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) A feeling of fondness and care, which can sometimes hinder one's understanding of spiritual truths.[76] (2) Affection is examined alongside sexuality, considering how technology influences emotional connections and romantic possibilities, and is an important aspect of human relationships.[77]
Classical concept of 'Affection'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The father bestows his affection impartially on both of his children, embracing and kissing them, after the daughter spitefully accuses her brother of inappropriate behavior.[78] (2) A feeling of fondness and care that the parent shows towards one of its young, leading to nurturing and close attention.[79]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) Something that someone had laid upon him.[80]
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) This is a feeling of fondness or love, which is absent in the balanced disposition, highlighting the rational and considerate nature of the person embodying that trait.[81]