Significance of Material pleasure
Material pleasure is defined across various philosophical and religious traditions as sensory gratifications and worldly indulgences that can divert individuals from spiritual paths. In Buddhism, Jainism, and other practices like Vaishnavism and Theravada, material pleasure encompasses physical joys and distractions that can hinder spiritual growth. While acknowledged as part of human experience, these pleasures are often viewed as transient and ultimately separate from true spiritual satisfaction. Various traditions emphasize the importance of transcending these worldly delights to attain deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Synonyms: Sensory gratification, Physical enjoyment, Physical satisfaction, Indulgence, Worldly pleasure, Sensual pleasure, Physical pleasure, Hedonistic pleasure, Earthly delight
In Dutch: Materieel genot; In Finnish: Aineellinen ilo; In Spanish: Placer material; In German: Materielles Vergnügen; In Malay: Keseronokan material; In Swedish: Material nöje; In French: Le plaisir matériel; In Portugese: Prazer material; In Italian: Piacere materiale; In Polish: Przyjemność materialna
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 pleasure'
In Buddhism, material pleasure signifies the attachments to worldly enjoyments and sensory gratifications that impede spiritual understanding, as observed in the Bodhisatta's rejection of luxuries and Sannitthapaka's choice to abandon indulgences for deeper spiritual pursuits.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Material pleasures are the worldly enjoyments and possessions that the Buddha does not expect all followers to give up, but recognizes as short-lived and unsatisfying.[1] (2) Material pleasures make it difficult for ordinary laymen to judge whether others are arahats, as the Buddha explained to King Kosala regarding ascetics.[2] (3) Material pleasures are those related to the physical world, which are considered temporary and illusory, and transcending them is considered a greater bliss.[3] (4) The text says that beings are attached to 'material pleasures', which is a subject that is difficult to comprehend and is connected to 'Dependent Arising'.[4] (5) The worldly enjoyments that, according to the Buddha, hinder laymen from properly understanding others' spiritual attainments.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Objects of sensual enjoyment, which the Bodhisatta renounced in pursuit of enlightenment and the ultimate reality of Nibbana.[6]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Worldly possessions and luxuries that the Bodhisatta rejected in favor of spiritual pursuits.[7]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The sensory gratifications and worldly indulgences that Sannitthapaka decided to abandon.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Material pleasure'
Material pleasure in Hinduism embodies the transient physical and sensory experiences that, while not fully rejected, are viewed as distractions from the spiritual path towards Moksha, emphasizing the need for detachment and deeper spiritual connection.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Material pleasures are what Lord Vishvambhara rejected, demonstrating a detachment from worldly enjoyments and attachments.[9] (2) Joy or satisfaction derived from physical or worldly experiences, regarded as entirely different from spiritual satisfaction.[10] (3) The transient joy typically felt by ordinary fathers-in-law, which is contrasted with Mother Shaci's spiritual ecstasy.[11]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The text discusses how a faithful person will spurn all of this, and run to Lord Krishna when chanting the glories of the Lord.[12] (2) Sensual experiences that people find endlessly captivating and are unwilling to relinquish despite their transitory nature.[13]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Temporary and ephemeral satisfaction that leads individuals away from their spiritual nature.[14]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Earthly or physical enjoyments that are said to follow the great goddess of devotion.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The enjoyment derived from physical or sensory experiences, which is provided by Shri Shiva.[16]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Material pleasure, including sexual desire, is referenced in the Upanishads, indicating that these aspects of life were considered significant alongside spiritual teachings.[17] (2) Growth of material culture, emergence of new institutions, glorifications and modifications of material pleasure are some of them.[18] (3) Forms of enjoyment derived from physical or tangible experiences, often linked to material wealth and comfort.[19] (4) The physical and sensory enjoyments in life that are not entirely rejected in the context of pursuing Moksha, but are seen as part of the journey.[20] (5) The enjoyment derived from tangible physical experiences and possessions, often highlighted in discussions of sensuality.[21]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Material pleasures signify the distractions of the physical world that the practitioner becomes indifferent to through spiritual practice.[22]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Worldly desires and enjoyments that contribute to the cycle of Samsara, or worldly existence and suffering.[23]
Jain concept of 'Material pleasure'
In Jainism, material pleasure encompasses physical and sensory delights. These pleasures are seen as potential distractions, capable of diverting individuals from their spiritual journey toward enlightenment and self-realization.
The concept of Material pleasure in local and regional sources
Material pleasure denotes worldly distractions that devotees should shun during intense worship, a hedonistic theme in Thackeray's novels, and represents a selfish, acquisitive pursuit of beauty, unlike the appreciation derived from contemplation.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This type of pleasure is selfish and acquisitive, related to possessing a beautiful object, and is distinct from the pleasure derived from contemplating it.[24] (2) The central theme often explored in Thackeray's novels, indicating a focus on hedonistic pursuits.[25]