Significance of Covetousness
Covetousness is characterized by an intense desire to possess what belongs to others, resulting in negative emotions and unethical actions. In various philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Purana, and Dharmashastra, it is seen as detrimental to spiritual well-being and a source of conflict among individuals. This desire manifests in greed and selfish behavior, ultimately leading to personal downfall and discontent, as demonstrated by various narratives and teachings. Covetousness binds individuals to material attachments and significantly influences their spiritual journeys.
Synonyms: Greed, Envy, Desire, Longing, Avarice, Yearning, Insatiability, Cupidity
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Covetousness'
Covetousness in Buddhism signifies a harmful desire for others' possessions or status, often leading to unethical behavior and negative consequences. It binds individuals to the cycle of birth and death through unfulfilled desires and expectations of happiness.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Covetousness represents an excessive desire for wealth or possessions, which grows in the elder brother after he rises in power.[1] (2) An intense desire for something, often relating to material wealth or possessions, as exemplified by the Brother's character in the story.[2]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The first kayagantha that binds one to the cycle of birth and death through desires and expectations of happiness.[3] (2) The mental state of wishing to possess what belongs to others; when strong, leads to akusala kamma patha.[4]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The intense desire for possessions or attributes that belong to others, often leading to unethical actions.[5] (2) The intense desire that led the Bodhisatta to murder his half-brother, resulting in grave consequences for him in later existences.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Desiring the possessions of others; one of the four bonds that bind individuals.[7]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) An intense desire for possessions or status, which springs from specific types of akusala consciousness.[8]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) An intense desire to possess what others have, leading to negative emotions and actions.[9] (2) The desire for others' possessions or attributes, leading to discontent.[10]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A desire for something, specifically tasteful food, that leads to selfish behavior.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Covetousness'
In Hinduism, covetousness is seen as a harmful desire for others’ possessions, impeding spiritual growth and leading to conflict. Identified as a sinful ailment, it is linked to greed and detrimental to liberation.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A state of greed or desire that prevented Kashyapa from fully saving King Parikshit from Takshaka's curse.[12] (2) An insatiable desire for wealth and possessions, viewed by the sages as detrimental to spiritual well-being and liberation.[13] (3) The desire for what others possess, considered sinful and to be avoided in the pursuit of 'Tapas.'[14]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Desire for others' possessions that grew among the early humans, leading to conflict and the eventual decline of their well-being.[15]
From: Linga Purana
(1) An intense desire for wealth and possessions, which is identified as an ailment that persists with aging.[16]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The insatiable desire of Pururavas for wealth, which ultimately led to his downfall.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An intense desire to possess something, especially something that belongs to someone else.[18] (2) An intense desire for others' possessions that disqualifies an individual from being a reliable witness.[19]