Significance of Material desire
According to Vaishnavism, material desire encompasses earthly cravings and attachments that distract individuals from their spiritual pursuits and inhibit their path toward enlightenment and true devotion to God. These worldly inclinations bind individuals to the cycle of birth and death, making it crucial for devotees to overcome such distractions through sincere spiritual practice. The Purana also notes that these desires can be mitigated by reciting specific texts, such as the eighteenth chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita, reflecting the importance of spiritual discipline.
Synonyms: Materialism, Consumerism, Greed, Covetousness,, Want, Craving, Longing, Yearning, Aspiration, Ambition
In Dutch: Materiële begeerte; In Finnish: Aineellinen halu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Material desire'
In Hinduism, material desire encompasses earthly cravings and attachments that distract individuals from spiritual practice and devotion, hindering their pursuit of true love for God and enlightenment, as addressed in the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Earthly cravings and attachments that can divert individuals from spiritual pursuits.[1] (2) Worldly wants and attachments that are mentioned as something from which the Kumaras seek liberation.[2] (3) Worldly longings and attachments that distract individuals from spiritual pursuits.[3] (4) Earthly inclinations that distract one from understanding spiritual texts and engaging in genuine devotional service.[4] (5) Worldly inclinations that bind living beings, which great sages strive to overcome through devotion.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Earthly wants or cravings that can distract one from pure spiritual practice and devotion.[6] (2) Vasana; describes the desires that are linked to material existence and attachment.[7] (3) Desires stemming from worldly attachments that can distract or deter a devotee's path toward true love for God.[8] (4) Wants and cravings related to the physical world that signify a diseased heart and hinder spiritual progress.[9] (5) Worldly yearnings that devotees have completely relinquished.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Earthly cravings that bind individuals to the cycle of birth and death, which devotees seek to overcome.[11] (2) Varieties of worldly cravings that lead individuals away from spiritual practices and can pollute one's heart.[12] (3) Earthly wants or cravings that are often pursued by individuals, which may lead them to worship higher powers in hopes of fulfillment.[13] (4) Desires associated with worldly attachments and comforts that ultimately distract and impede spiritual growth.[14] (5) Earthly attachments and cravings that are overcome through the chanting of the holy name.[15]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Selfish aspirations that distract from spiritual growth and devotion.[16] (2) The desires that are rooted in worldly attachments and lead to sinful reactions; these cannot be uprooted by pious activities alone.[17] (3) Earthly wants or needs that those sincerely worshiping the Supreme do not seek.[18] (4) Earthly cravings or wants that individuals possess, which can influence their spiritual journey.[19]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Worldly desires that distract individuals from pursuing pure spiritual goals and bind them to the cycle of birth and death.[20] (2) Earthly yearnings and cravings that bind individuals to the cycle of birth and death.[21]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Earthly cravings that people find hard to resist, believed to be distractive and leading to suffering.[22] (2) The worldly attachments and cravings that distract the soul from spiritual advancement and devotion to God.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Wants or cravings for tangible goods or sensory experiences that arise from being influenced by passion.[24]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) Earthly yearnings that are eliminated through the recitation of the eighteenth chapter of the Shrimad Bhagavad-gita.[25]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) Worldly cravings and attachments that bind an individual to the cycle of birth and obscures spiritual progress.[26]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The various longing for physical or worldly satisfactions that are considered less significant compared to spiritual pursuits.[27]
The concept of Material desire in local and regional sources
Material desire encompasses the cravings for physical possessions and comforts, which the narrative emphasizes should be transcended to achieve spiritual growth, suggesting a shift in focus from materialism to deeper, more fulfilling pursuits.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to the cravings for physical possessions and comforts, which the narrative suggests should be transcended for spiritual growth.[28]