Significance of Fire of lust
The Fire of lust, as described in various philosophical and religious traditions, symbolizes the destructive and insatiable nature of desire. In Buddhism, it represents a consuming passion that leads to suffering and binds individuals to worldly experiences. Similarly, Vaishnavism and Purana depict it as an intense craving that diverts one from the spiritual path, while Kavya and Mahayana highlight its potential negative outcomes and tendency to self-destruction. Theravada emphasizes its intensity and continuous nature, marking it as a primary cause of suffering.
Synonyms: Desire, Passion, Craving, Yearning, Infatuation, Longing, Lustfulness
In Dutch: Vuur van lust; In Finnish: Himon tuli; In Spanish: Fuego de lujuria
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Fire of lust'
The "Fire of lust" in Buddhism symbolizes intense desire and craving that binds individuals to suffering, representing the destructive nature of worldly attachments. It signifies the necessity to control desires to achieve mental coolness and liberation.
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) One of the three kinds of fire that scorch beings, indicating the destructive nature of desire.[1] (2) A metaphor for attachment that, when extinguished, leads to a state of coolness in the mind.[2]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A metaphor for the intense and consuming nature of desires, which can lead to spiritual degradation.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The intense and dangerous desire that, if not controlled, leads to self-destruction.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A metaphorical description of the worldly desires that burn away the essence of life.[5]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) One of the causes of suffering; indicates the intense desire and craving that binds individuals to worldly experiences.[6]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A metaphor describing lust as the most intense and consuming fire, which burns continuously and without leaving anything behind.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Fire of lust'
The "Fire of lust" in Hinduism symbolizes insatiable desires that escalate with indulgence, causing spiritual turmoil and suffering. It represents intense cravings that distract from spiritual pursuits and can lead to moral decline.
From: Padma Purana
(1) A metaphorical term describing the destructive nature of uncontrolled desires.[8] (2) An insatiable desire that can only increase with indulgence and requires self-control to overcome.[9]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) An intense craving that fuels suffering and prevents individuals from finding true happiness.[10]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Symbolizes the strong and consuming desires that can lead a person away from spiritual path.[11]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A metaphor for the insatiable desires that cannot be easily pacified, causing turmoil in one's spiritual journey.[12]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) A metaphor for intense sexual desire that can lead to negative outcomes.[13]