Significance of Material world
The material world, according to various philosophical perspectives, is defined as the physical and tangible universe characterized by impermanence, suffering, and sensory experiences. It includes both higher realms like heaven and lower realms like hell, where souls experience rebirth unless engaged in spiritual practices. This realm is often contrasted with the eternal spiritual reality, emphasizing attachments and distractions that can hinder spiritual growth. Commonly perceived as illusory, the material world is seen as temporary and fundamentally distinct from the true essence of spiritual realms.
Synonyms: Material sphere, Physical existence, Tangible world
In Dutch: Materiële wereld; In Finnish: Aineellinen maailma; In Spanish: Mundo 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 world'
In Buddhism, the Material World encompasses all physical entities, emphasizing impermanence and sensory experiences, contrasting with the eternal void. It influences perception while highlighting attachments and the lesser nature of existence compared to enlightenment.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The material world encompasses all physical forms and objects that can also influence perception and understanding, akin to the sentient world.[1] (2) The physical realm, including mountains, rivers, and buildings, as opposed to the true nature of existence inherent in enlightenment.[2] (3) The physical realm consisting of mountains, rivers, and manmade objects that is interwoven with the existence of living beings.[3] (4) The physical realm characterized by impermanence and decay, in contrast to the eternal aspect of the void.[4] (5) The aspect of the world encompassing all physical entities, such as mountains and rivers.[5]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The physical realms of existence, according to Buddhist doctrine.[6] (2) The physical realm of existence that includes sensory experiences and earthly attachments.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Material world'
In Hinduism, the Material world encompasses the physical realm characterized by temporary existence, illusion, and suffering. It contrasts with spiritual understanding and liberation, often leading individuals away from divine truth and enlightenment.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The physical realm that individuals often mistakenly equate with spiritual practices and divine worship.[8] (2) The realm maintained by divine incarnations in which living entities experience creation and destruction.[9] (3) The material world is described as temporary and full of threefold miseries, contrasting with the pursuits of heavenly pleasure.[10] (4) The physical universe, characterized by temporary forms and desires that contrast with the spiritual reality of Vaikuntha.[11] (5) The realm characterized by physical existence, suffering, and a cycle of birth and death.[12]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The physical realm of existence characterized by matter, as opposed to the spiritual realm.[13] (2) The material world signifies the physical realm and material possessions that bind individuals through ego and attachment.[14] (3) The temporary and physical realm of existence where beings operate before achieving a higher spiritual state.[15] (4) Refers to the physical, tangible realm inhabited by living beings.[16] (5) The physical universe characterized by illusions and temporary suffering.[17]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The physical realm where beings exist, contrasting with spiritual realms like Vaikuntha and Dhruvaloka.[18] (2) The environment made of five elements where perceptions and material objects are encountered.[19] (3) The physical realm that is characterized by material existence and which the glories of Vaikuntha transcend.[20] (4) Prapanca refers to the material world that encompasses all material existence.[21] (5) The physical realm where living beings exist, contrasted with spiritual existence.[22]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The physical realm perceived through the senses, characterized by suffering and impermanence.[23] (2) The physical realm characterized by temporary existence and the bondage of the living entity to material nature.[24] (3) The physical realm that can distract individuals from their spiritual duties, from which Shrila Gurudeva decided to renounce.[25] (4) The physical universe created by Lord Vishnu, characterized as true and under His jurisdiction.[26] (5) The physical universe characterized by temporary existence, often deemed unsuitable for spiritual seekers aiming for higher truths.[27]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The realm in which human beings dwell, often filled with challenges, suffering, and the cycle of birth and death.[28] (2) The physical realm described as being an illusory potency of the Lord, where all beings are subject to birth and death.[29] (3) The physical realm of existence from which Lord Gaura liberates souls through His mercy.[30] (4) The physical world described by Jagannatha Mishra as a lie, contrasting with the spiritual truth and elevation brought about by sannyasa.[31] (5) The realm of birth and death created through the energy of Goddess Katyayani, where all living entities reside.[32]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The temporary and imperfect realm in which living entities repeatedly take birth and experience suffering.[33] (2) The physical realm created by Mahamaya, which distracts living entities from realizing their eternal spiritual identity and qualities.[34] (3) The material world (jada-jagat) is discussed in relation to maya-tattva, which is separate from the eternal form of Bhagavan.[35] (4) The realm where myriad living beings possess various desires that Bhagavan fulfills through His different names.[36] (5) The temporal and physical reality that is associated with suffering and fear, from which one seeks liberation.[37]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The realm of physical existence characterized by illusion and suffering, as opposed to spiritual enlightenment.[38] (2) The physical realm characterized by impermanence and defects.[39] (3) The physical realm where the eternal bodies of the Lord manifest.[40] (4) Describes the physical reality we experience, where causes and effects manifest similarly to the emotional states mentioned.[41] (5) Refers to the physical universe in which beings live.[42]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The realm where the sublime and sensual are mutually exclusive and opposed to each other.[43] (2) The physical realm dominated by the unruly senses, where the Alvar felt trapped and yearned to escape from.[44] (3) The physical realm that encompasses all tangible aspects of existence, often contrasted with the spiritual realm.[45] (4) The physical realm that distracts individuals from spiritual pursuits, causing them to become attached to possessions and earthly relationships.[46]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The physical realm that is gross and perceivable through the senses, often at odds with the spiritual and symbolic worlds.[47] (2) The physical realm that is seen as a shadow of the spiritual world, where true understanding and connection to God is often obscured.[48]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The physical realm that is perceived through the senses, often viewed as an illusion in the context of spiritual knowledge.[49] (2) The physical realm that is considered separate from the immaterial spirit, characterized by change and perishableness.[50] (3) The physical realm filled with distractions and desires that Suchi strives to rise above.[51] (4) The physical reality that, according to the dialogue, is ultimately not substantial.[52] (5) The physical realm that appears infused with the spirit of God when viewed through spiritual perception.[53]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The realm of transient beings and gods contrasted against the eternal divine existence.[54]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The physical realm characterized by tangible objects, often associated with dualistic perceptions of pleasure and pain.[55]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) The physical universe that is a result of transformations of Prakriti according to the Samkhya philosophy.[56]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The physical realm from which spiritual liberation or yoga is sought, signifying the obstacles to achieving higher consciousness.[57]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The physical realm perceived by the senses, often mistaken as the ultimate reality by many individuals.[58] (2) The physical realm, characterized by duality, desires, and attachments, often viewed as temporary and ultimately illusory by spiritual seekers.[59] (3) The physical realm that individuals interact with, focused on fulfilling personal needs and desires.[60]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The physical realm comprising gross and subtle forms that are discussed in relation to Brahman's characteristics.[61] (2) The physical reality that arises from Brahman, analogous to the coils of a snake in their relationship to the snake itself.[62]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) The realm of physical existence where man's desires are identified and pursued through various forms of creation.[63] (2) The realm characterized by physical existence, which is perceived through sense experiences and is subject to changes like birth and death.[64]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A manifestation of Brahman, created as a result of a process of involution from the primordial consciousness.[65]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The earthly existence characterized by troubles and challenges faced by individuals.[66] (2) Refers to the worldly experiences of happiness, unhappiness, and bewilderment governed by fate.[67]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The physical realm and its possessions, which are viewed as insignificant by certain philosophical schools.[68]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The physical universe and all its components, created through the combination of subtile components and their respective evolutes.[69]
The concept of Material world in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Material world" encompasses the physical realm, highlighting its distractions, focus on possessions, and societal materialism. Sufi and Vedanta perspectives stress the importance of spiritual pursuits over temporary, superficial realities, fostering detachment from materialism.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The physical realm concerned with possessions and external measures of success.[70] (2) The physical existence that Vedanta emphasizes as temporary and ultimately unreal, encouraging detachment from it.[71] (3) The external realm of physical objects, which Thoreau argues should not overshadow the spiritual and meaningful aspects of life.[72] (4) Refers to contemporary society's focus on materialism, creating a context for serious cultural confrontations.[73] (5) Refers to worldly possessions and security, which Krishnamurti critiques as deceptive in attaining true happiness.[74]