Significance of Passion
Passion in various philosophical and religious contexts is characterized by intense emotional experiences that can lead to suffering or irrational behavior. In Buddhism, passion contributes to suffering through emotional disturbances. Jainism identifies passion as kashaya, encompassing negative emotions like anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed that stain the soul and lead to wrongful actions. Across other traditions like Vaishnavism, Purana, and Mahayana, passion is viewed as a driving force of desire that can hinder spiritual progress. Ultimately, passion informs human behavior and spiritual practice, highlighting the need for emotional control.
Synonyms: Enthusiasm, Zeal, Devotion, Dedication, Eagerness, Love, Excitement, Fire
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Passion'
In Buddhism, Passion (klesha) refers to emotional disturbances that impede spiritual growth. These desires, often deemed inferior, can cause suffering and distract from peace, thus necessitating control to achieve enlightenment and clarity.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Referred to as klesha, these are the emotional disturbances that interfere with one's spiritual progress.[1] (2) Klesha signify the emotional and mental afflictions that undermine peace and clarity, stemming from ignorance and attachment.[2] (3) The emotional and mental disturbances that can affect the clarity or purity of the mind, often seen as obstacles on the path to enlightenment.[3] (4) The emotional disturbances or desires that the Buddha's Dharma aims to extinguish, in contrast to the heretical view that may condone such behaviors.[4] (5) The emotional disturbances (klesha) that can hinder a bodhisattva's progress; keeping them slight is crucial for advancement.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Desires that the Buddha’s teachings aim to still or diminish, contrasted against Udayin’s praise of sense-pleasures.[6] (2) Desires and emotional states that are generally considered inferior.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A strong feeling of desire or longing, often associated with suffering as it distracts from a calm and peaceful mind.[8] (2) Emotions and desires that need to be controlled according to the virtue being discussed.[9]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Intense emotional experiences that can contribute to suffering, as discussed in the context of life’s adversities.[10]
Hindu concept of 'Passion'
In Hinduism, Passion, or 'rajas,' embodies activity, desire, and strong emotions that drive individuals. It can lead to poor decision-making and attachment, ultimately resulting in downfall if uncontrolled, reflecting both energy and consequence in one's actions.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A quality identified with activity and production; it is the driving force behind successive actions.[11] (2) A quality characterized by desire, thirst, and attachment, which binds the soul through attachment to work.[12]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The strong emotion experienced by the Lion leading to his destruction.[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Emotional states that can lead a king to irrationality and poor decision-making if not controlled.[14]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Emotional intensity that drives characters to extreme actions, leading to their respective downfalls.[15]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Denotes strong emotion, energy, or enthusiasm, denoted by the term 'jvara.'[16]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The meaning of the term 'rajas,' which signifies the quality related to activity and desire.[17]
Jain concept of 'Passion'
In Jainism, Passion, or kashaya, encompasses four major emotions—anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed—that negatively impact spiritual growth, stain the soul, and lead to irrational behaviors, ultimately resulting in karmic bondage.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Emotional states or desires that can lead to deterioration in spiritual practice and understanding.[18] (2) An intense emotion that can lead to wrongful actions such as stealing, particularly when someone takes something out of desire or greed.[19] (3) Kashaya; includes feelings like anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed, which contribute to bondage.[20] (4) The emotional states that stain the soul through karmic influx, specifically identified as anger, pride, deceitfulness, and greed.[21] (5) Described as kashaya, these are the four major emotions or traits—anger (krodha), pride (mana), deceitfulness (maya), and greed (lobha)—that influence human behavior.[22]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Emotions that human beings experience, which are indicated to vary without claiming special importance.[23] (2) Attributes that affect living beings, akin to those with sense organs until the passion of greed.[24] (3) Emotional states such as anger, pride, attachment, and greed.[25] (4) Passions refer to emotional states like anger, pride, and attachment that determine the forms of beings.[26]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A category of karma characterized by emotional intensity.[27]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Intense emotions or desires that can lead to irrational behavior.[28]
The concept of Passion in local and regional sources
Passion, as defined in the text, pertains to emotional states in drama analyzed by Aristotle, emphasizing shared human experiences rather than individual feelings, making it accessible to all audiences.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The emotional states analyzed by Aristotle in drama, which are open to all audiences, contrasting the more personal sentiments experienced by the individual.[29]