Significance of Intense desire
Intense desire plays a significant role across various philosophical and spiritual traditions in India. In Jainism, it drives practitioners towards spiritual activities through Icchayoga. Vaishnavism emphasizes profound longings for divine connection, reflecting eagerness to engage with the Supreme Lord. In Purana and Kavya, intense desire highlights human passions and emotional yearnings. Similarly, in Shaivism, it manifests as a longing for offspring, while in Theravada, it leads to moral dilemmas. Overall, intense desire serves as a powerful motivator towards spiritual and emotional fulfillment.
Synonyms: Passion, Longing, Craving, Yearning, Lust, Hunger, Thirst, Urge, Ambition
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Intense desire'
In Buddhism, intense desire signifies a profound longing, exemplified by the king's yearning for another man’s wife, resulting in a disruption of sleep and prompting deep moral contemplation about attachment and its consequences.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The overwhelming yearning for another man’s wife, which leads to the king's lack of sleep and moral reflection.[1]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Tanha refers to a profound craving that exceeds ordinary wishes, akin to an insatiable hunger.[2]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) A strong craving or yearning to possess or achieve something, which leads to attachment and action (Kammabhava).[3]
Hindu concept of 'Intense desire'
Intense desire in Hinduism encompasses strong yearnings for connection with the divine, expressed through devotion, longing for spiritual encounters, and the passionate aspirations of individuals towards service and experiences with the Lord.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A strong wish or longing, particularly the speaker's wish for individuals to search for divine presence.[4] (2) Strong cravings and attachments that bind individuals to the material existence and prevent them from achieving spiritual goals.[5] (3) A strong yearning that arises in liberated individuals to engage in the service of the divine, specifically in the context of dasya (servitude).[6] (4) A strong and passionate longing or wish to experience or possess something, in this case, to live in the described abode.[7] (5) A strong longing and eagerness experienced by devotees to see and connect with the Supreme Lord.[8]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Profound and overpowering longings for both the special ecstasy and the darshana of the deity.[9] (2) The strong yearning developed by Gopa-kumara to attain the position of Indra upon witnessing his fortune.[10] (3) Reflected by the phrase 'yiyasum', indicating a strong yearning to leave for Nilacala.[11] (4) a strong longing or yearning towards the Lord[12]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The essential yearning for Lord Caitanya’s mercy that is necessary for spiritual advancement, underscoring the humility required in devotion.[13] (2) The passionate yearning of devotees to have direct darshana with Shrila Gurudeva instead of via a screen.[14]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Shaci's passionate wish to see Nahusha's vehicle carried by the Munis, highlighting her strategy to thwart Nahusha's advances.[15]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The strong longing expressed by characters, especially the brahman and Varuthini, reflecting human passion and the pursuit of experiences.[16]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The strong yearning expressed by both the king and the subjects to see prince Devavrata upon his return.[17]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A strong motivation to achieve liberation and understand the nature of Brahman that characterizes sincere seekers.[18]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) A strong yearning or longing for something, exemplified by the parents' yearning for a male heir.[19]
Jain concept of 'Intense desire'
In Jainism, intense desire signifies a profound craving for spiritual knowledge, essential for karma destruction, and acts as motivation for Icchayoga, inspiring practitioners to pursue activities that transcend the cycle of life and death.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Intense desire is the driving force behind the practice of Icchayoga, compelling practitioners to engage in spiritual activities aimed at overcoming life and death's cycle.[20] (2) A strong longing or craving, particularly for listening to spiritual discourses, fundamental to the process of understanding and the destruction of karmans.[21]
The concept of Intense desire in local and regional sources
Intense desire, exemplified by Kurmadas' strong wish to meet Krishna, highlights a profound devotion that reflects deep spiritual longing and connection with the divine, emphasizing the emotional depth of the relationship between devotees and their deities.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Strong and passionate longing, particularly in the context of wanting to gain spiritual knowledge.[22] (2) Kurmadas' strong wish to meet Krishna, showcasing his devotion.[23]