Significance of Desire and aversion
Desire and aversion are emotional responses highlighted in various philosophical contexts, including Purana, Vedanta, and Vaisheshika. These concepts represent strong feelings that influence spiritual journeys, moral struggles, and behaviors in society. They are seen as dual impulses that individuals must conquer for spiritual growth and liberation, with a focus on the motivations driving actions toward pleasure and away from pain. Additionally, desire and aversion bind individuals to the material world, obstructing self-realization and understanding.
Synonyms: Want, Wish, Longing, Craving, Affection, Inclination, Urge, Distaste, Aversion, Hatred.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Desire and aversion'
In Hinduism, Desire and aversion represent mental states influencing actions, moral struggles, and spiritual journeys. They reflect the Self's capacity to choose, impacting happiness and growth, while also binding individuals to the material realm.
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Desire and Aversion are mental states attributed to the Self, reflecting its capacity to choose and act based on experiences and feelings, signifying the active role of consciousness.[1] (2) Feelings that drive individuals toward or away from certain objects or experiences, resulting from the Conjunction of the Self with the Mind.[2] (3) Motivations that drive the second kind of effort leading to actions for acquiring pleasure and avoiding pain.[3] (4) Motivations that serve as efficient causes driving actions towards or away from certain experiences.[4] (5) Qualities that pertain to the motivational aspects of human experience, influencing one's preferences.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The dual impulses that individuals must conquer to achieve spiritual insight and self-realization.[6] (2) Emotional responses stemming from Nature, indicating a preference or dislike for certain objects.[7] (3) Strong feelings that can affect one's spiritual journey and correct behavior in society.[8] (4) Fundamental emotional states that cloud understanding and inhibit progress towards spiritual liberation.[9] (5) Conflicting feelings that can lead to moral struggles for individuals within their social status.[10]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Attributes discussed within Vaisheshika philosophy that relate to the nature of Atman and its connection to the experiences of happiness and misery.[11]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The fundamental emotional states that bind individuals to the material world, which the wise strive to eliminate.[12]