Significance of Luxury

In the context of India’s history, luxury is characterized by a state of great comfort and elegance. The narrator humorously critiques this notion by reflecting on how writers, despite their artistic pursuits, often possess tools and environments that embody luxury. This commentary highlights a contrast between the ideal of simplicity in artistic creation and the comforts associated with luxury, thereby providing an insightful exploration of cultural values related to wealth and artistic integrity.1
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Synonyms: Opulence, Extravagance, Richness, Grandeur, Indulgence, Sophistication, Elegance, Affluence, Comfort, Abundance, Splendor

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Luxury'
Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, **Luxury** signifies a destructive lifestyle that Bodhisattvas reject. This rejection stems from a profound disgust with worldly attachments and the harms such a life can perpetuate, leading to a renunciation of domestic living.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) A lifestyle considered destructive of life, which the Bodhisattva rejected, expressing disgust with living at home.[1]

Hindu concept of 'Luxury'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "luxury" is interpreted negatively, linked to worldly pursuits and knowledge that can corrupt pure souls, as exemplified by the "blighted waste of Nabadwip" being "glutted with every form of luxury."

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) The blighted waste of Nabadwip was glutted with every form of luxury, aggravated by the pursuit of worldly knowledge, which concerned the pure souls.[2]

The concept of Luxury in local and regional sources
History Books

Luxury is described as a state of great comfort or elegance, which the narrator humorously critiques, suggesting a disconnect between the idealized perception of luxury and the practical realities faced by writers and their tools.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) Luxury is associated with a religion preached in its name, which is seen as an irony of fate, urging a reversal for the sake of living.[3]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The state of great comfort or elegance, which is humorously critiqued by the narrator in context with writers and their tools.[4]

The concept of Luxury in scientific sources
Science Books

Luxury signifies high-priced, exclusive products, services, and brands recognized for excellent quality and unique beauty, as defined by regional sources.

Significance in Environmental Sciences:
Environmental Sciences Books

From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)

(1) Luxury is a keyword within the second sub-cluster, suggesting its connection to high-end fashion and its evolving relationship with sustainability.[5] (2) Luxury is part of Cluster 4, which delves into the intersections of high-end fashion, generational perspectives like millennials, and the importance of trust within the industry dynamics.[6] (3) Luxury, in the context of product categories, refers to goods that are often symbolic, emphasizing product quality, status symbolism, and a degree of brand exclusiveness, often being associated with higher price points and non-functional appeal.[7]

From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)

(1) For some individuals in communities where survival demands constant motion, depression is considered a luxury, meaning the space and time required to process it is a privilege not afforded to them.[8]

Classical concept of 'Luxury'
Various literature Books

Meaning of Luxury in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) The ancient Egyptians expressed a great abhorrence for luxury and erected a column to curse King Meinis, who led them away from frugality.[9]

Meaning of Luxury in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) It is the state of ease and self-indulgence enjoyed by one part, which contributes to the resentment and eventual rebellion of the other parts within the structure.[10]