Significance of Material pleasure
Material pleasure, according to various philosophical and religious traditions, encompasses sensory gratifications and worldly indulgences that can distract individuals from their spiritual paths. Buddhism and Theravada view it as aspects to abandon for spiritual growth, while Jainism sees it as a diversion from spirituality. In Vaishnavism, material pleasure includes transient physical enjoyments that divert seekers from lasting spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, these traditions emphasize the importance of transcending material pleasures to achieve higher spiritual satisfaction and avoid the cycle of worldly existence.
Synonyms: Sensory gratification, Physical enjoyment, Indulgence, Worldly pleasure, Sensual pleasure, Physical pleasure, Earthly delight
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'
Material pleasure in Buddhism encompasses worldly enjoyments that distract from spiritual understanding, sensory gratifications that some individuals choose to forgo, and luxuries rejected by the Bodhisatta in pursuit of enlightenment.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Worldly possessions and luxuries that the Bodhisatta rejected in favor of spiritual pursuits.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The worldly enjoyments that, according to the Buddha, hinder laymen from properly understanding others' spiritual attainments.[2]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The sensory gratifications and worldly indulgences that Sannitthapaka decided to abandon.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Material pleasure'
In Hinduism, material pleasure encompasses tangible enjoyments linked to wealth and comfort, viewed as temporary distractions from spirituality. While not entirely dismissed, they contribute to worldly cycles and challenge spiritual pursuit, differentiating worldly joy from true spiritual fulfillment.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Joy or satisfaction derived from physical or worldly experiences, regarded as entirely different from spiritual satisfaction.[4] (2) The transient joy typically felt by ordinary fathers-in-law, which is contrasted with Mother Shaci's spiritual ecstasy.[5]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The enjoyment derived from physical or sensory experiences, which is provided by Shri Shiva.[6]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Earthly or physical enjoyments that are said to follow the great goddess of devotion.[7]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Sensual experiences that people find endlessly captivating and are unwilling to relinquish despite their transitory nature.[8]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Temporary and ephemeral satisfaction that leads individuals away from their spiritual nature.[9]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Forms of enjoyment derived from physical or tangible experiences, often linked to material wealth and comfort.[10] (2) 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.[11] (3) The enjoyment derived from tangible physical experiences and possessions, often highlighted in discussions of sensuality.[12]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Worldly desires and enjoyments that contribute to the cycle of Samsara, or worldly existence and suffering.[13]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Material pleasures signify the distractions of the physical world that the practitioner becomes indifferent to through spiritual practice.[14]
Jain concept of 'Material pleasure'
In Jainism, material pleasure signifies physical or sensory enjoyments that distract individuals from their spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of renouncing such pleasures to attain higher spiritual goals.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Physical or sensory enjoyments that can divert a seeker from their spiritual path.[15]
The concept of Material pleasure in local and regional sources
Material pleasure signifies worldly distractions that practitioners are encouraged to shun during deep devotion and rituals, emphasizing the importance of spiritual focus over temporal enjoyment in the pursuit of spiritual growth.
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) A term indicating worldly distractions that devotees are advised to avoid during the period of intensive worship and ritual adherence.[16]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The central theme often explored in Thackeray's novels, indicating a focus on hedonistic pursuits.[17]