Significance of Material object
In various philosophical traditions, the term "material object" holds significant meanings. Generally, it refers to tangible possessions and worldly attractions that divert individuals from their spiritual pursuits. Jains and Vaishnavas highlight how these physical items can lead to attachments and distractions, promoting humility and focusing on spiritual service instead. This concept further extends across schools like Vedanta and Theravada, where material objects are perceived as illusory and temporary, emphasizing their lesser value compared to true spiritual fulfillment and growth.
Synonyms: Physical object, Concrete object, Substance., Concrete thing
In Dutch: Materieel object; In Finnish: Materiaali esine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Material object'
In Buddhism, "Material object" encompasses tangible gifts like cloth and gardens for merit, discouraged footwear, and items aiding meditation. It reflects concepts of generosity, renunciation, and influences on spiritual practices and perceptions.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An item of wealth that is considered non-existent in the context of perfect generosity and renunciation.[1] (2) In the context of generosity, it refers to the tangible item, such as cloth, that is offered as a gift.[2] (3) Material objects refer to physical items given as gifts, which include gardens or monasteries that form the basis for generating merit.[3] (4) A material object is a tangible item that can be given as part of the act of dana.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Physical items that influence the actions of strange ghosts, leading them to take forms associated with those items.[5]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Aspects regarding form, sound, odour, taste, and tangibility found in the three Essentials, discounting element of cohesion.[6] (2) Tangible items that are correlational bases for concentration in meditation, impacting the development of jhanas.[7]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) Concrete items which can be pointed to; their representation in translation is critical to ensure clarity.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Various forms of footwear that were discouraged by the Lord, which included elaborate and decorative items made from various substances.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Material object'
In Hinduism, material objects are physical entities perceived through the mind, often distracting individuals from spiritual growth. They are viewed as less valuable than spiritual pursuits, leading to attachments that hinder one's connection to the divine.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A flawed perception of the Lord held by unfortunate individuals, which equates divinity with mundane forms.[10] (2) Tangible items, including wealth and physical belongings, which people seek to acquire and possess.[11] (3) Physical possessions that devotees do not aspire for, focusing instead on spiritual service.[12] (4) Physical items and possessions that individuals pursue to satisfy their senses.[13] (5) Tangible items or possessions that, for true devotees, hold no real value compared to the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment.[14]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Physical items related to the material world that one seeks to possess or enjoy, which can distract from spiritual practice.[15] (2) Physical items that provoke sensual attraction, leading to spiritual distractions and the destruction of one's life.[16] (3) Physical items that devotees learn to view with indifference as they cultivate their relationship with the divine.[17] (4) Worldly distractions that divert the mind from spiritual pursuits and devotion.[18]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Items that are physical or tangible and are seen as separate from spiritual existence.[19] (2) Physical items or worldly possessions that can distract or detract from one's spiritual focus.[20]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Physical entities that require a material cause for existence, underlining the nature of creation.[21] (2) An entity that requires a material cause for its existence, highlighting the dependence of the perceived world.[22] (3) Physical entities that the mind interprets; their unreality surfaces in contemplations of the internal world.[23] (4) Tangible things that are perceived in the waking state, their existences are questioned regarding their true nature.[24]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Physical belongings that are transient and ultimately irrelevant in the context of spiritual growth.[25] (2) Refers to worldly pleasures that the Jiva desires to experience fully, viewed as distractions or attachments to the physical form.[26]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Physical items and resources that provide material happiness but are considered temporary and insufficient for true fulfillment.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Any physical entity that can be perceived as separate from the mind's imagination.[28]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Any physical creation or entity that is produced by Hari.[29]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) Objects perceived by humans, which are considered illusory compared to the true reality of the soul.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Sensual objects that the mind should be free from for salvation.[31]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Physical possessions or worldly items that often distract individuals from the pursuit of spiritual growth.[32]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The external entities that are represented by words, indicating a relationship of cause and effect between words and things.[33] (2) Physical items that are associated with particular places.[34]
From: Vakyapadiya (study of the concept of Sentence)
(1) Language was depicted as a lamp that illuminates material objects, bringing them to understanding.[35]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Physical items that can be given or received but are deemed less valuable compared to spiritual offerings.[36]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A physical entity that serves as a reference point in understanding spatial relations and directions.[37]
Jain concept of 'Material object'
In Jainism, "Material object" encompasses tangible substances that are identifiable and interactable, as well as physical possessions that can detract individuals from their spiritual pursuits, highlighting the dual nature of materiality in spiritual practice.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Physical possessions and worldly attractions that distract individuals from their true spiritual path.[38]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Tangible substances which can be identified and interacted with in space.[39]