Significance of Desire
Desire, in various philosophical contexts, encompasses strong feelings of wanting or longing that often distract individuals from spiritual growth. In Jainism, it is seen as a force causing conflict and attachment that ascetics aim to overcome. Vaishnavism views desire as a personal aspiration related to worship and spiritual fulfillment. Similarly, in Puranic texts, desire is depicted as both a motivating force and a source of suffering, perpetuating cycles of existence. Different traditions, including Yoga, Vedanta, and Buddhism, articulate desire as a significant barrier to enlightenment, emphasizing its dual nature as an impetus for action yet a cause of spiritual suffering.
Synonyms: Wish, Craving, Longing, Aspiration, Yearning, Ambition, Inclination, Want, Lust, Urge, Hankering
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Desire'
Desire in Buddhism signifies cravings and attachments that hinder spiritual progress, leading to suffering. It encompasses sensual cravings, emotional attachments, and the Bodhisattva's challenge of overcoming Trishna to attain Buddhahood.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A strong feeling of wanting something, which is portrayed as leading to suffering and sin in the narrative.[1] (2) A strong feeling of wanting, especially in terms of physical or romantic love, which the characters aim to overcome.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The cravings and attachments to physical pleasures that prevent spiritual growth.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Trishna, the craving that the Bodhisattva must overcome in order to achieve Buddhahood.[4] (2) Emotional attachment that many of the Buddha's disciples still felt.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Sensual wants and cravings that dominate and overwhelm individuals, as expressed by Upaka.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Desire'
In Hinduism, Desire signifies a powerful force linked to existence and motivations, manifesting as aspirations and cravings that can lead to spiritual attachment or suffering, ultimately influencing one's actions, relationships, and pursuit of enlightenment.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.[7] (2) Refers to the aspirations or wishes of the addressed individual, central to the promise of fulfillment.[8] (3) the wish or longing that fills the heart, mind, intelligence, and senses.[9] (4) The feeling that motivates the maidservants to come to the Supreme Personality, signifying their longing for his garments.[10] (5) The emotional longing or wish, particularly in the context of the events taking place in the narrative.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, suggesting personal or spiritual aspirations.[12] (2) A strong feeling of wanting something, relevant to Sanatana Mishra's willingness to proceed with the marriage.[13] (3) The wishes or intentions attributed to Lord Jagannatha that are central to the question posed.[14] (4) In the text, desire (citte) reflects the inherent wish or longing that motivates actions and thoughts within the individuals, particularly in a spiritual context.[15] (5) The inner longing or aspiration to attain something; in this context, indicating the personal wish to perform worship.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to a longing or yearning for something, often with a sense of passion or craving.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Strong feelings of wanting, which can lead to satisfaction or suffering.[18] (2) The interests and pleasures sought by the subjects and attendants of King Duryodhana, from wealth to entertainment.[19] (3) The driving force of the material universe that binds souls to the cycle of existence and impedes emancipation.[20]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A motivating force driving Parvati to perform penance; also referenced within the context of Spriha, or sacred desire for spiritual attainment.[21] (2) The objectives or aspirations that individuals hope to achieve through taking holy baths.[22] (3) Aspirations or wishes that can be fulfilled through the act of prayer and worship of deities.[23]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A strong feeling for something, which motivates Yayati post-exchange with Puru.[24] (2) The multitude of cravings that clutter the human condition, often referenced to describe the distractions from spiritual purity.[25]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The wants and needs Sita acted upon during her time in Raghava’s abode.[26]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Longings or wants that can disrupt the peace of the mind and lead to restlessness.[27]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The specific aspirations or goals that individuals seek to achieve through the performance of rituals and sacrifices.[28]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Longings and cravings that lead to attachment and ultimately to suffering and rebirth.[29]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Described as Brahma's son, it is the force that gives rise to the physical body and plays a pivotal role in the cycle of existence.[30]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Wishes or requests that devotees seek to be fulfilled through the worship of Savitri.[31]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A quality that signifies a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, belonging to the realm of immaterial things.[32] (2) A psychological quality representing a strong feeling of wanting something, listed as one of the seventeen qualities.[33] (3) An inclination or want for something, which originates not from comparable qualities in the cause.[34] (4) A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, produced by the conjunction of the Self with the Mind.[35] (5) Desire, ‘Iccha’ consists in the wishing for something not already obtained, either for one’s own sake or for the sake of another.[36]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) Desire is characterized as having the capability to bring about its own existence through the sense organs, but its efficacy wanes with the onset of old age.[37]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) An emotional drive that can lead to various psychological states in the context of love and passion.[38]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Worldly attachments or wants that must be renounced in pursuit of the higher knowledge encapsulated by Para Vidya.[39]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) These are the inherent longings that the subtle body possesses, influencing the soul's experiences.[40]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Described as dohada in Amarakosha, it encompasses a range of passionate wants or longings expressed among characters within a dramatic framework.[41]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Eager wishes or cravings that can lead to attachment and suffering, which meditation aims to alleviate.[42]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Goals or aspirations that participants in the Candrayana seek to achieve through the prescribed rituals.[43]
Jain concept of 'Desire'
In Jainism, desire embodies passionate cravings for worldly possessions that hinder spiritual growth. Ascetics strive to conquer these longings, promoting a lifestyle devoid of attachment, while illustrating desire as a source of conflict, contrasting with Vaishravana's freedom from it.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Passionate yearnings for worldly possessions or experiences that often lead individuals away from spiritual growth.[44]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Longings that the ascetic seeks to overcome, advocating for a lifestyle free from attachment.[45]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) In this context, a driving force that leads to conflict; Vaishravana is depicted as being free from it.[46]
The concept of Desire in local and regional sources
Desire is a psychological drive linked to memory that generates cravings. It influences individuals' need for identification with larger entities, highlighting its significant role in shaping motivations and personal connections.
From: Self-Knowledge in Krishnamurti’s Philosophy
(1) Desire is a psychological drive stemming from memory that creates cravings and influences the need for identification with greater entities.[47]