Significance of Objects of sense
Objects of sense in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, and Purana, refer to the sensory experiences that engage the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. These experiences can lead to attachment, distraction, and ultimately suffering if individuals become overly focused on the material pleasures they offer. Each tradition emphasizes the need to recognize the transient nature of these objects and to avoid becoming bound by them in order to pursue higher spiritual goals and achieve liberation.
Synonyms: Sensory objects, Tangible entities, Stimuli, Sensory elements
In Dutch: Objecten van de zintuigen; In Finnish: Järkeviä esineitä; In Spanish: Objetos de los sentidos
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Objects of sense'
In Buddhism, "Objects of sense" encompasses the five sensory experiences (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) that draw beings towards attachment, influencing perception and thought, which can ultimately lead to suffering.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) The various external stimuli that are perceived through the senses, crucial in forming discrimination and thought in the mind.[1]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The five main perceptible elements which include sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The five sensory experiences (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) that attract beings and can lead to attachment and suffering.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Objects of sense'
In Hinduism, Objects of sense encompass both tangible and intangible experiences, highlighting how sensory perceptions can lead to attachment, distraction, and spiritual distress, ultimately detracting from the pursuit of knowledge and liberation.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The real entities that the senses interact with, essential for deriving pleasure and knowledge, as indicated by the discussion.[4] (2) Physical entities that attract human attention and desire but are ultimately fleeting.[5] (3) Temporal pleasures and distractions that human beings often pursue, which can lead them astray from their true path.[6] (4) The five forms of perception: form, taste, scent, sound, and touch.[7] (5) The tangible manifestations that can be perceived through physical senses, which are considered fruits of actions.[8]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Physical desires or worldly pleasures that distract individuals from spiritual pursuits.[9] (2) Refers to the various pleasures and experiences that one enjoys in life, which Divyadevi experienced with Virasena.[10] (3) Refers to external stimuli that can evoke desires and sensations, often leading to distraction from higher thoughts.[11] (4) Material things that distract individuals from spiritual pursuits, metaphorically described as alligators in the context of the Kali age.[12] (5) Pleasures associated with physical desires and sensual experiences, which distract individuals from piety and duty.[13]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Entities or experiences that the mind attaches to, leading to pleasure or misery.[14] (2) Material pleasures or acquisitions that individuals may strive for, often at the cost of spiritual well-being.[15] (3) Physical and sensory experiences encountered in the material world that can lead to attachment and distraction.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The material or sensory experiences that can distract and bind the soul, preventing it from achieving liberation.[17] (2) Physical impressions that have no relation with the supreme soul.[18] (3) The tangible and perceptible entities that individuals regard as real, often misinterpreted by those lacking true understanding.[19]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Tangible or perceivable entities that can be experienced through human sensory faculties, yielding enjoyment and knowledge.[20] (2) The fuel that is offered up into the ten fires as described in the sacrificial context.[21]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) These are worldly possessions or sensory experiences that one is advised to not attach to in order to achieve true devotion.[22]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Physical entities or sensory experiences that can stimulate desire and distract the mind.[23]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Refers to the basic elements and experiences that are essential to life mentioned in the context of Brahma's supreme knowledge.[24]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) Material possessions and experiences that people perceive but, as Mucukunda reflects, can lead to distress.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The sensory experiences perceived by Janardana, the lord of the world, revealing his divine capabilities.[26]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The various elements perceived by human senses, forming the basis of experience in the material world.[27]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) External perceptions prevented from reaching the consciousness of the Jiva during the state of deep sleep.[28]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) External materials that attract the impure mind and can lead to bondage.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) These are the sensory experiences and perceptions that become minimized in comparison to limitless knowledge.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The tangible and intangible entities that can be perceived through sensory experience, forming the basis for understanding and knowledge development.[31]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Sensory experiences that can lead to distraction or attachment, which the Kshatriya is advised to avoid.[32]
Jain concept of 'Objects of sense'
In Jainism, "Objects of sense" encompass sensory experiences—touch, taste, smell, color, and sound—that can distract individuals, binding them to worldly desires, and represent the categories linked to the five senses.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The five categories of experiences that correspond to the organs of senses, which include auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, and tactile stimuli.[33]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The objects of the senses include touch, taste, smell, color, and sound, which are known through the five senses.[34]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Physical experiences and sensations that can distract or bind individuals to worldly desires.[35]
The concept of Objects of sense in local and regional sources
Objects of sense are material or sensory elements that can create distraction and foster attachment, highlighting their potential influence on human behavior and emotional responses, as noted by regional sources.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Refers to material or sensory things that can lead to distraction and attachment.[36]