Significance of Sense gratification
Sense gratification, as described in Vaishnavism, refers to the pursuit of pleasure derived from physical and material experiences that often diverts individuals from their spiritual nature and true devotional practices. This pursuit typically prioritizes temporary and sensory pleasures, leading to material entanglement and neglect of spiritual growth. It is viewed as an undesirable focus that creates obstacles in achieving higher spiritual understanding and fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of detachment from such pursuits to foster genuine spiritual realization and devotion to Krishna.
Synonyms: Pleasure seeking, Indulgence, Sensory pleasure, Hedonism, Sensual pleasure, Physical enjoyment, Sensory satisfaction
In Dutch: Zintuiglijke bevrediging; In Finnish: Aistityytyväisyys
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sense gratification'
In Buddhism, sense gratification signifies the pursuit of immediate pleasures and sensory experiences, often leading to excessive indulgence. It emphasizes avoiding such extremes in favor of balanced living for spiritual well-being.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) An extreme to avoid in conduct, this refers to seeking excessive pleasure and indulgence as opposed to balanced living.[1] (2) The pursuit of pleasures and sensory experiences without regard for long-term consequences.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Sense gratification'
Sense gratification in Hinduism encompasses the pursuit of pleasure through materialistic means, often distracting individuals from spiritual growth and leading to attachment, misinterpretation of texts, and spiritual pitfalls, contrasting with genuine devotion.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The pursuit of mental pleasure and enjoyment of the senses, leading to a misunderstanding of spiritual texts.[3] (2) A concept referring to the pursuit of pleasure through material means, which leads to misinterpretations of the Bhagavad-gita and Shrimad Bhagavatam.[4] (3) The pursuit of enjoyment derived from material possessions and experiences.[5] (4) Denotes the pursuit of pleasing the senses, typically viewed in the context of householders who prioritize material enjoyment.[6] (5) The pursuit of pleasures that pertain to the five senses, often contrasted with spiritual endeavors.[7]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The pursuit of sensory pleasures, which the narrator could not discern whether it was part of the Kumaras' discussion.[8] (2) The pursuit of pleasure derived from sensory experiences, which the vraja-vasis have abandoned entirely.[9] (3) The act of seeking pleasure through sensory experiences, which the residents of Vaikuntha have transcended.[10] (4) Desires that fruitive sakama devotees pursue, which are subject to criticism.[11] (5) Attachment to pleasurable experiences which can hinder spiritual progress and lead to lower planetary realms during cosmic annihilation.[12]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) bhuktih—Sense gratification; the pursuit of pleasures through sensory experiences.[13] (2) The pleasure or satisfaction derived from fulfilling sensory desires and needs.[14] (3) The pursuit of pleasure through the senses, often leading to a cycle of desires and attachments.[15] (4) A desire for pleasurable experiences and material enjoyment that distracts from pure knowledge and self-realization.[16] (5) The fulfillment of physical desires and pleasures, often linked to ego and immediate satisfaction.[17]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The pursuit of pleasure through sensory experiences, which the nondevotees attempt to control but find challenging.[18] (2) Seeking pleasure through the senses, which is discouraged in favor of pursuing bhakti and spiritual realization.[19] (3) The pursuit of sensory pleasures and material enjoyment, identified as one of the four principles of religiosity.[20] (4) The pursuit of pleasure through the senses, recognized by devotees as less significant when focused on spiritual goals.[21] (5) The pursuit of sensory pleasures that distract individuals from spiritual awareness, often deemed insignificant in comparison to higher spiritual pursuits.[22]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The pursuit of pleasure and comforts through material means, often viewed as a hindrance to spiritual advancement.[23] (2) The pursuit of temporary pleasure derived from the senses, typically leading to unfulfilling and transient happiness.[24]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The pursuit of pleasures associated with the physical senses, often leading to distraction from spiritual progress.[25] (2) One of the four goals of life; it pertains to the pursuit of pleasure and personal enjoyment, which is rejected by true devotees.[26]
From: Bhagavad-gita-mahatmya
(1) The pursuit of pleasure and material enjoyment, as seen in both the tiger's and Durachara's lives.[27]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The desire for physical pleasure, which Kashyapa reflects upon as he falls victim to Diti's charms.[28]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) The desire for sensory pleasures which is not sought after by those who meditate on Krishna’s feet.[29] (2) The pursuit of pleasure or enjoyment through sensory experiences.[30]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The pleasure derived from sensory experiences and material objects, which can create attachments that hinder spiritual progress.[31]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The notion of women being viewed as sources of pleasure and satisfaction for men.[32]
The concept of Sense gratification in local and regional sources
Sense gratification involves the initial pleasure from sensory experiences, which in Wordsworth's work transitions to a deeper spiritual understanding, highlighting the evolution from superficial enjoyment to profound awareness.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The initial pleasure derived from sensory experiences, which evolves in Wordsworth's work towards a more profound spiritual awareness.[33]