Significance of Material thing
The concept of material things varies across different philosophies and religions. In Buddhism, it includes physical forms and possessions that are ultimately transient. Vaishnavism views material things as fleeting pleasures that distract from spiritual fulfillment, suggesting they bind individuals to earthly desires. Purana emphasizes the illusory nature of physical objects, while Vyakarana considers them as entities needing support. In Vedanta, material things are aspects of the physical world created from Brahman. Overall, material things often divert attention from spiritual growth and realization.
Synonyms: Physical object, Concrete entity, Substance, Object
In Dutch: Materieel ding; In Finnish: Aineellinen juttu; In Spanish: Cosa material
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 thing'
In Buddhism, "Material thing" encompasses physical possessions, forms aiding beings, offerings for charity, and distractions from spiritual growth, emphasizing that true value lies in intention (cetana) rather than material wealth.
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The physical offerings in acts of charity, contrasting with the mental aspect of cetana.[1] (2) Material things are the physical items offered during acts of charity, which alone do not determine the outcomes; rather, it is the volition (cetana) that matters.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The physical offerings made by Ugga to the Sangha, which can include food and other goods intended to support the monks.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Physical items that are deemed necessary but not the true values sought for spiritual development.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Physical entities that intermix with the seeing-nature, contributing to Ananda's confusion and doubts about his understanding.[5]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Tangible items and worldly concerns that can distract from spiritual focus.[6]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The physical possessions and comforts that exist in abundance, especially noted in the context of France.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The forms that nirmanakayas take, appearing as paintings, reliefs, and natural forms, which serve to benefit beings.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Material thing'
In Hinduism, "Material thing" encompasses fleeting earthly possessions, distractions from spiritual pursuits, and transient experiences. It signifies the illusory nature of physical entities, emphasizing the need to transcend worldly attachments for spiritual realization.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Tangible and temporary objects or pleasures that are seen as fleeting and not fulfilling compared to spiritual connection.[9] (2) Earthly possessions and experiences that can lead to emotional fluctuations, which Bhakti practitioners are advised to transcend.[10]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Worldly attachments that distract the mind from spiritual realization and understanding.[11] (2) Items or aspects of the physical world that can distract from spiritual pursuits.[12]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) All entities of the physical world influenced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.[13]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Happiness derived from physical or worldly possessions.[14]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Physical possessions and worldly desires that Madhavendra Puri remained indifferent to during his travels.[15]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Worldly possessions and desires that bind individuals to the cycle of birth and rebirth based on their karma.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Any physical object that is subject to birth, growth, decay, and ultimate dissolution; it is asserted that no such thing exists without having been caused.[17] (2) Physical objects and experiences that are deemed unworthy of reliance due to their fleeting and insubstantial nature.[18] (3) The concept that all perceived objects and elements are illusions, not existent in their perceived forms.[19]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The physical realm, encompassing all elements such as ether, air, and other forms that emerged from Brahman.[20]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Physical entities in the world that the Self supports and maintains but does not get affected by.[21]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Physical entities that require a form of support or foundation, as outlined in the philosophical discussion surrounding the nature of existence.[22]
The concept of Material thing in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Material thing" encompasses physical possessions and wealth that can divert spiritual focus, and also includes creations by Vishvamitra as per divine instruction, emphasizing both distractions and divine origins of physical entities.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to the physical objects and living beings that were created by Vishvamitra as instructed by God.[23]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Physical possessions and wealth that people often pray for, which can distract from the true spiritual pursuit of connecting with God.[24]