Significance of Five desires
The Five desires in South Asian and Mahayana Buddhist contexts refer to various temptations and material cravings that distract individuals from spiritual enlightenment. They encompass indulgences such as wealth, lust, food, fame, and sleep, which lead to attachments and suffering. These desires are seen as significant hindrances to achieving tranquility and overcoming the cycle of existence. The narrative highlights the importance of recognizing the emptiness of these cravings, as transcending them through practices like dhyana is essential for attaining true inner bliss and spiritual progress.
Synonyms: Five wishes, Five aspirations
In Dutch: Vijf verlangens; In Finnish: Viisi toivetta; In Spanish: Cinco deseos
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Five desires'
The Five Desires in Buddhism encapsulate material cravings, particularly for wealth, lust, fame, food, and sleep, which distract individuals from spiritual progress and bind them to suffering. Recognizing and transcending these desires is essential for achieving inner peace and enlightenment.
From: Buddhacarita
(1) Common human cravings for pleasure, possessions, and status that lead to conflict.[1] (2) Worldly pleasures and wants that the Crown Prince is advised to consider in his life decisions.[2] (3) Refers to the cravings that distract individuals from achieving spiritual goals, as discussed by the Buddha.[3] (4) The material cravings for sensory pleasures which are seen as obstacles to enlightenment.[4] (5) A realm of indulgence which the sovereign king embodies, showcasing every skill in battle.[5]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Attachment to worldly pleasures and desires that can lead one away from the path of enlightenment.[6] (2) Desires for wealth, lust, food and drink, fame, and excessive sleeping that led the king to abandon his righteous path.[7] (3) The objects of sense cravings: wealth, lust, food, fame, and sleep, which lead to attachment and suffering.[8] (4) Material and sensory cravings that bind individuals to the cycle of birth and death, hindering spiritual progress.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The cravings or attachments that need to be condemned in order to attain the first dhyana.[10] (2) The cravings that distract one from achieving true inner bliss; recognizing their emptiness is vital for progress.[11] (3) The cravings and attachments that distract individuals and must be transcended through dhyana.[12]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) Sensory pleasures that the bodhisattva actively experiences while also practicing meditation (dhyana).[13]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The fundamental temptations that can lead individuals away from spiritual disciplines, which include wealth, sex, fame, food, and sleep.[14]
From: The Sutra of Queen Śrīmālā of the Lion’s Roar
(1) The sensory pleasures fulfilled in Shrimala's future buddha land, ensuring happiness for its inhabitants.[15]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The cravings for sensory pleasures that bind beings to material existence.[16] (2) The fundamental human cravings that can lead one away from spiritual pursuits if overly indulged.[17] (3) The inconstant thieves that trouble the heart and are perceived as major obstacles to peace.[18] (4) The sensory pleasures that obscure realization and understanding of deeper truths.[19] (5) Refers to the basic human cravings that bind individuals to the cycle of birth and death.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Five desires'
In Hinduism, the Five Desires encompass cravings associated with the senses—taste, sight, touch, hearing, and smell—which must be controlled to achieve spiritual growth and enlightenment.
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The cravings linked to the five senses (taste, sight, touch, hearing, and smell) that need to be subdued for spiritual advancement.[21]
The concept of Five desires in local and regional sources
The "Five desires" encompass temptations that divert people from enlightenment, highlighting how these desires can obstruct spiritual growth and self-discovery by enticing individuals towards worldly attractions instead of inner peace and understanding.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A reference to the temptations and attractions that lead individuals away from enlightenment.[22]