Significance of Pleasure
Synonyms: Enjoyment, Delight, Satisfaction, Happiness, Joy, Gratification, Contentment, Amusement, Diversion
In Dutch: Plezier; In Finnish: Ilo; In Spanish: Placer; In German: Vergnügen; In Swedish: Nöje; In Malay: Keseronokan; In French: Plaisir; In Italian: Piacere; In Polish: Przyjemność; In Portugese: Prazer
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pleasure'
In Buddhism, "pleasure" has varied interpretations, from worldly desires that cause suffering and rebirth to positive sensations from offerings and experiences, and even a mental faculty contributing to a bodhisattva's experience.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The apprehension of distinction cannot come about through the influence of the 'ultimate individualities' in question because it comes about in succession, like pleasure and the rest, suggesting that it occurs sequentially.[1] (2) Pleasure, according to the text, lacks self-awareness and cannot perceive external objects, becoming knowable only through a cognition residing in the same substratum.[2] (3) According to the text, pleasure is used as an example of something immobile and immaterial, questioning the necessity of a receptacle like the soul to contain it.[3] (4) A positive sensation that could not be experienced if the soul remained in a constant state without the capacity for change or differentiation.[4] (5) The content discusses pleasure as one of the states of the soul that appears and disappears, contrasting it with the continuous nature of sentience, where 'pleasure' is a temporary experience.[5]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) It is something that people grasp at, causing them to forget the purpose of existence; being free from it results in freedom from grief and fear, and looking for it is painful.[6] (2) These are described as extravagant and luxurious, leading individuals to become immersed in lust and continuously experience cycles of birth and decay as a consequence of their desires.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The desires and attachments that bind individuals to the cycle of rebirth and worldly suffering.[8]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) It is something that people seek sources of, driven by tanha, and without tanha, people would feel discomfited.[9]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Pleasure represents one of the desires that the mind seeks, highlighting the need for restraint to prevent the mind from being led astray by fleeting gratification.[10]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Pleasure, also known as somanassa, is a pleasurable feeling, and some types of consciousness are accompanied by pleasure, indicating a state of happiness or joy, as described in the provided details.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) According to the text, pleasure, along with happiness, arises in the body and mind through the joy of the Dharma, enabling the yogin to concentrate the mind more effectively.[12] (2) This is an emotion that the Buddha did not experience when praised with five hundred eulogies.[13] (3) Pleasure is a positive sensation that accompanies the mental faculty, contributing to the bodhisattva's experience.[14] (4) The worldly enjoyment that the king urges his sisters to transcend in favor of spiritual practices.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Pleasure'
In Hinduism, "Pleasure" encompasses spiritual fulfillment, divine joy, earthly delights, and sensory satisfaction. It ranges from devotion to Vishnu to the joy of virtuous actions, and Krishna's actions. It is a human aim, an immaterial thing, and a quality of the Self.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) It is described as one of the elements, alongside morality and profit, that individuals pursue, and success comes from balancing all three.[16] (2) Pleasure is one of the three states of the mind, influencing one's experience and understanding of reality as an attribute of Chit.[17] (3) Rama had to range the forest renouncing all pleasures, even though he was equal unto Sakra in prowess and invincible in battle, according to Markandeya.[18] (4) Flowing from them are all the great objects of life, which include Pleasure, along with Righteousness, Wealth, and Emancipation.[19] (5) United together, became its Trivenu.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The sense of enjoyment or satisfaction Shurpanakha is expected to derive from the assistance of the valiant demons.[21]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The pupil seeks an explanation of what this is, along with other concepts like sin.[22]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Pleasure is something that the king cleaves to every hour, according to the provided text.[23]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A reason for deities like Surya and Vishnu to visit Ganga and a holy center.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A state of happiness that arises from the Sattva quality, making everything seem delightful.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) This is a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment. The account of the Yadu race confers the fruit of all wishes, including this.[26]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) This is the satisfaction or delight that the speaker intends to bring to the devotees by removing the burden from the earth.[27] (2) A state of happiness or enjoyment, referred to by the term sukham.[28] (3) This phrase refers to the individual associated with the enjoyment of land, senses, and the bovine creatures, representing a source of joy and delight.[29] (4) The state of satisfaction and joy that Lord Krishna aims to bring to the cows and gopis through his divine actions.[30]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The feeling experienced by the desirous woman upon embracing Krishna, indicating joy and fulfillment.[31] (2) The joy experienced by friends upon receiving the flute's sounds, which convey messages about Krishna.[32]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The pleasures refer to the enjoyable experiences available at that location, which the speaker was invited to relish during their stay.[33] (2) A feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction that can arise from spiritual experiences.[34]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) It is produced in the Self through Virtue and Vice, and also the action of burning &c., in the Fire (kindled at sacrifices).[35] (2) It is characterized as an efficient or instrumental cause, but not a material or immaterial cause according to the text.[36] (3) A feeling of happiness or enjoyment, one of the qualities of the Self, which can not belong either to the Body, or to the Sense-organs; because these are found to be coexistent with the notion of ‘I’ and is due to contact proving the existence of Conjunction in the Self.[37] (4) A state of happiness or satisfaction that arises from virtues, corresponding to the positive aspects of moral excellence.[38] (5) A quality associated with joy or satisfaction, categorized as an immaterial thing.[39]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A sensation or feeling that does not affect the individual who knows Brahman and exists without identifying with a physical form.[40] (2) A state of enjoyment or satisfaction is mentioned, along with other experiences, as belonging to the non-Self, not the Pure Self.[41]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Pleasure is discussed in relation to ether as potentially being a qualifying attribute of Brahman, but the true nature of Brahman is constituted by supreme delight, which makes pleasure a crucial concept.[42] (2) It is a characteristic referred to in the text. It is mentioned in connection with the passage 'Ka is Brahman, Kha is Brahman' where Ka represents pleasure.[43]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A state of satisfaction or enjoyment regarding the practice of Vidyas.[44]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) Pleasure, while seemingly positive, can lead to bondage if the mind becomes dependent on it, hindering detachment and true liberation.[45]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The enjoyment and satisfaction that individuals seek, particularly in the context of the generative organ, is mentioned as a key aspect.[46]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The text suggests that one may enjoy these, but excessive longing for them should be avoided.[47] (2) This is a concept, represented by clarified butter, which signifies the smoothness and enjoyment derived from the recitation of the Veda, according to the provided context.[48] (3) The various joys or delights that are considered rewards given to individuals.[49]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This term represents positive experiences, and is mentioned in the context of the sixth house, indicating a specific aspect of life influenced by this house's astrological interpretations.[50] (2) The enjoyment and satisfaction derived from various experiences, including fine clothes, jewels, and sweet foods, are linked to the influence of a strong Venus, according to the text.[51]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) This represents a type of fruit that arises from life-state, life-period, and life-experience when influenced by virtuous actions, and it is something that is perceivable and enjoyable.[52]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) This is one of the feelings that manifest themselves, along with pain and bewilderment, influencing the soul's perceived form.[53]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) Also known as Kama, one of the three aims of human life, which is essential as food for sustaining the body, and the pragmatists reject the practice of it.[54]
Jain concept of 'Pleasure'
In Jainism, pleasure is viewed as worldly enjoyment that causes attachment and bondage to the cycle of Samsara. It can lead to loss of physical form and distract from liberation. Austerities aim to remove attachment to pleasures.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The act of preferring certain enjoyable things will result in the loss of one's physical form for an indefinite duration, without the chance of regaining it.[55] (2) The enjoyment that is offered to individuals, which a wise person should avoid in order to attain liberation, according to the text.[56] (3) The enjoyment or satisfaction gained from worldly affairs, often difficult to reject and associated with pain when lost.[57]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Sensory or emotional indulgences which can distract one from achieving discernment and spiritual goals.[58] (2) Earthly enjoyment that creates attachment and leads to bondage in the cycle of Samsara.[59]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Pleasures are the target of austerities, and the aim is to remove attachment to pleasures, and to proclaim the glory of the teachings of Lord Jina.[60]
The concept of Pleasure in local and regional sources
Pleasure encompasses happiness, joy, and enjoyment found in various aspects of life. It can arise from simple pleasures, devotion, or luxury. However, it's often intertwined with pain, highlighting the duality and cyclical nature of experiences, and the balance of life.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Describes the motivation behind the subject's actions, suggesting that it derives enjoyment from displaying a sense of superiority over the speaker.[61] (2) Pleasure signifies the enjoyable and satisfying experiences that occur alongside the difficulties, providing balance and moments of happiness during life.[62] (3) It is a sensation experienced within the agony of a restless night, suggesting a complex and intertwined relationship between opposing feelings.[63] (4) A principle that is not a degradation of the poet's art, but an acknowledgement of beauty and a homage paid to the native and naked dignity of man, born of the happy union of thought and feeling.[64] (5) This refers to a specific work by K. M. Kale, exploring the obstacles faced by individuals in their lives.[65]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Every instance of this is inevitably accompanied by pain, highlighting the duality of experiences, and illustrating the cyclical nature of sensations, which emphasizes the balance of life.[66] (2) The sage gives up this, and also pain, becoming a witness to the panorama, without attaching himself to anything.[67] (3) Pleasure is a feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment, and the text uses the example of a child putting its hand in a flame to illustrate it.[68] (4) Pleasure represents the feeling of happiness the author experienced, which was a result of receiving the letter from the recipient.[69] (5) Every ounce of pleasure brings its pound of pain, and it is the same energy that at one time manifests itself as pleasure and at another time as pain.[70]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The joys and rewards that come to those devoted to their guru.[71] (2) The enjoyment experienced by the couple as they lived without fear, enjoying their luxury.[72]
The concept of Pleasure in scientific sources
Pleasure, as described, is the capacity to experience enjoyment. Its absence, anhedonia, stems from impaired psychological and neurobiological functions, representing a significant concern.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) A feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction derived from participating in a learning activity, enhancing motivation, engagement, and overall learning experience.[73] (2) Pleasure refers to the degree to which individuals feel happy, joyful, or satisfied, and prior empirical evidence shows that the emotional state is the main driver of impulse behavior, particularly when it comes to pleasure.[74] (3) "Pleasure" is a feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction, and lessons on autonomy, pleasure, and consent are vital components of sexuality education, according to the information given.[75] (4) The text mentions something that bring me the pleasure now, which seems to imply a focus on immediate gratification or enjoyment as a motivator for certain behaviors.[76] (5) Pleasure is related to functional neuroanatomy, explored in Trends Cogn. Sci 2009, providing insights into the brain regions associated with pleasurable experiences.[77]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Pleasure perception is associated with areas having higher scores for perceived occurrences of natural sounds, indicating that natural sound sources contribute to a sense of pleasure.[78] (2) It is enjoyment, happiness, or satisfaction. It has positive e ff ects on flow and behavioral intentions. It significantly a ff ects flow.[79] (3) Pleasure during the consumer experience, also known as hedonism, influences consumer choices, as they seek enjoyment and excitement from using products with eco-design packaging.[80] (4) An experience that increases social commitment and serves as an influential factor regarding social presence and relational embeddedness, sharing and communicating matters of interest.[81] (5) This is one aspect of emotional valence, evaluated using the SAM image emotional scale.[82]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text describes pleasure as something that perfects operation, not directly like a physician heals a man, but indirectly by making the agent more intent on their action, ultimately increasing their appropriate activities.[83] (2) The gratification derived from experiences activates specific neural pathways and influences the systems responsible for fear responses, reward evaluation, and motivation.[84]
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) The ability to experience this is lost in anhedonia, which results from the dysfunction or impairment of normal psychological and neurobiological mechanisms, and is a major factor.[85]
Classical concept of 'Pleasure'
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) Pleasure is referred to in conjunction with matters, virtues, and friendship, indicating that it is another aspect that requires sufficient treatment or understanding.[86] (2) This is discussed in various forms, including pure and generous forms, and bodily forms. It is explored in relation to happiness, with a distinction made between activities pursued for their own sake and those pursued for the sake of something else.[87] (3) Experiences that accompany and complete activities, differing in kind based on the activities they are associated with, such as thought and senses.[88] (4) The provided text suggests that pleasure is a whole and complete thing, not a movement, and it completes activities like the bloom of youth completes those in their prime, and it arises when the senses are at their best.[89] (5) Based on the provided information, pleasure is not necessarily a quality, nor is it always considered a good thing, as it can be indeterminate and admit of degrees, and not all forms of pleasure are desirable.[90]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) A feeling that diminishes with repetition of a specific action, eventually leading to a desire to revert to previous practices and routines.[91] (2) A momentary enjoyment derived from consuming something desirable, but ultimately resulted in a negative consequence for those seeking it.[92]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) Something to occupy oneself with daily, never ceasing to enjoy, emphasizing the importance of seeking happiness and fulfillment in life, as it is fleeting and should be embraced.[93]