Significance of Material enjoyment
Material enjoyment, as understood in Vaishnavism, encompasses the transient pleasures of the physical world that can detract individuals from their spiritual growth and devotion to Krishna. It highlights how attachments to sensory pleasures and worldly possessions lead to distraction and spiritual blindness. Material enjoyment is often seen as inferior, pulling devotees away from deeper spiritual truths and connection with the divine. Ultimately, this pursuit of temporary gratification is viewed as a barrier to achieving true spiritual fulfillment and liberation.
Synonyms: Sensory pleasure, Physical pleasure, Indulgence, Sensory gratification, Pleasure, Luxury, Affluence, Opulence, Wealth, Comfort
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 enjoyment'
Material enjoyment in Hinduism signifies the temporary pleasure derived from worldly possessions and experiences, often distracting individuals from spiritual devotion, leading to dissatisfaction, sinful activities, and a disconnection from the divine, particularly Krishna.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The physical or worldly pleasures that individuals experience in life before achieving liberation.[1] (2) Pleasures or satisfactions derived from physical possessions or worldly experiences.[2] (3) The pursuit of sense gratification which distracts from true spiritual goals and understanding.[3] (4) The pursuit of sensory pleasures from material objects, which can be seen as an opposite of devotional service.[4] (5) The temporary pleasures sought by the material world, contrasted with the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The inclination for bhogaunmukham.[6] (2) common pleasures that are easily attained[7] (3) Material enjoyment consists of earthly pleasures and satisfaction gained from sensory experiences, which the sakama devotees partake in.[8] (4) Pleasures experienced in heavenly realms that are devoid of sorrow, described as being aligned with one's desires.[9]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The pursuit of sensory pleasures and worldly pleasures that can lead to a lack of deeper emotional connection, referred to as rati.[10] (2) The pleasure derived from worldly possessions and experiences rather than spiritual fulfillment.[11] (3) Refers to the pleasure derived from physical or worldly experiences, which can be attained through virtuous deeds known as punyas.[12] (4) Temporal pleasures granted by the Lord to worshipers not engaging in bhakti.[13]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The pursuit of physical and sensory gratification, associated with the gross type of the Shakta Cult, which is contrasted with pure devotion.[14] (2) The desire for worldly goods and experiences that distract individuals from the pursuit of spiritual aims.[15]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Transitory pleasures derived from worldly possessions, which ultimately contribute to spiritual suffering.[16] (2) Refers to the desires for physical pleasures or satisfactions, contrasted with spiritual liberation.[17]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The temporary pleasures derived from physical desires, which are ultimately unsatisfying.[18]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Temporary pleasures derived from sensory experiences that ultimately lead to suffering and dissatisfaction.[19]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Physical or worldly pleasures that can distract from spiritual pursuits.[20]