Significance of Physical contact
Physical contact is a multifaceted concept across various traditions. In Tibetan Buddhism, it refers to the act of touching, essential for tactile experiences. Vaishnavism highlights the emotional desire for interaction with the divine, particularly noted in the relationship between Shri Krishna and the Gopis. In Purana, physical contact can lead to degradation, as seen in inappropriate relationships. The Vedanta perspective sees it as an interaction with the material world. Theravada Buddhism views physical contact with caution, recognizing its potential for misconduct and ethical issues, especially regarding monks and nuns.
Synonyms: Contact, Bodily contact, Physical interaction, Skin contact
In Dutch: Fysiek contact
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Physical contact'
Physical contact in Buddhism encompasses direct interactions that raise ethical concerns, particularly between monks and women. It involves consent, highlights the potential for misconduct, and emphasizes adherence to monastic rules to prevent various offences.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Direct touching or interaction that may lead to moral or ethical concerns within the context described.[1] (2) The act of touching or engaging physically that a nun, filled with desire, is warned against in relation to nuns' conduct.[2] (3) Involves the act of engaging in direct physical interaction, which can lead to criminal offences.[3] (4) The act of consenting to a bodily interaction, which leads to various offences.[4] (5) The act of touching or being close to another person, which in this context can lead to various unintended offences for monks.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Refers to any bodily touch between monks and women, deemed inappropriate in the monastic rules.[6] (2) The act of touching another person, which may lead to disciplinary actions if it violates monastic rules.[7] (3) Interaction between a monk and a woman that can lead to allegations of misconduct, closely associated with a monk's behavior.[8]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) Refers to the act of touching, which becomes a focus of concern regarding desire and propriety between Sundarinanda and Saliha.[9]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Physical contact refers to the tangible interaction between bodies or objects, contrasted with the immaterial contact described by phassa.[10]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The act of touching or being in direct contact, which is essential for the function of the tactile organ but not for the auditory organ.[11]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The primary focus of the text, detailing the four aspects of contact pertaining to physical sensations.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Physical contact'
In Hinduism, physical contact encompasses various interactions: spousal touch, inappropriate relationships, teacher-student boundaries, spiritual yearnings for divine connection, and the tension between physicality and purity, highlighting both emotional depth and potential degradation.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The interaction between the physical body and the external world that leads to degradation.[13] (2) Touching another person, in this context, relating to the interactions between spouses.[14] (3) In this context, refers to the relationship between Savitri and Pitamaha, which was deemed inappropriate.[15]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The desire for tangible interaction with the Lord, reflective of deep emotional and spiritual yearnings.[16] (2) The Alvar longs for tangible interaction with the Lord, recognizing the limitations of merely a mental connection amidst physical and material distractions.[17] (3) Refers to the moment when Shri Krishna interacts closely with the Gopis, facilitating a deeper engagement between them.[18]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to any direct touching of another person’s body, which is specifically prohibited regarding the teacher's wife.[19]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The direct interaction with unclean objects which the world sees, but does not stain the pure eye of the sun, analogous to the atman.[20]