Significance of Sensual enjoyment
Sensual enjoyment is interpreted across various traditions, often viewed as distractions from spiritual or moral paths. In Jainism and Purana, it indicates physical pleasures that can lead to moral deviations. Arthashastra highlights inappropriate interactions attracting penalties, while Vaishnavism reflects on its role in Indra’s downfall. In Kavya, it manifests through intimate relations, whereas Yoga urges control over such cravings for spiritual discipline. Overall, sensual enjoyment encompasses transient physical gratifications that distract from deeper understanding and higher pursuits.
Synonyms: Pleasurable experience, Erotic pleasure, Sensual pleasure, Pleasure, Delight, Indulgence, Gratification, Satisfaction, Hedonism
In Dutch: Zintuiglijk genot; In Finnish: Sensuelli nautinto; In Spanish: Disfrute sensual; In German: Sinnlicher Genuss
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sensual enjoyment'
Sensual enjoyment in Buddhism is interpreted as an experience showcased by bodhisattvas to worldly beings and those engaged in meditation, highlighting its significance in understanding attachment and pursuit of deeper spiritual experiences.
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) This is something the bodhisattvas display to the worldlings, and trances to the meditative, according to the text.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Sensual enjoyment'
In Hinduism, sensual enjoyment encompasses physical pleasures that can tempt, distract, or even lead to spiritual downfall. While briefly satisfying, indulgence in these desires is often seen as a hindrance to deeper spiritual pursuits and self-discipline.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Sensual enjoyments are not relished by the man who has no desire nor any object in view, finding delight only in inquiries after truth by the light of the sastras.[2] (2) The errors of thought disappear from that mind, which is unattached to these.[3] (3) One cannot have a distaste to these, as long he thinks on the objects of sense.[4] (4) Association with the wise produces an aversion to these, exciting the reasoning power.[5] (5) Temporary pleasures that are linked to physical experiences, which Janaka views with skepticism regarding their long-term value.[6]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Pleasures related to physical or sensual gratification, which Indra sought to tempt the three-headed being into pursuing.[7] (2) Physical pleasure which Indra sought to divert the three-headed being towards to mitigate his threat.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The Devas acknowledge that they become immersed in sensual enjoyments and forget the Devi, but emphasize that this is due to Moha (delusion), showcasing human frailty.[9] (2) These are things that Jivas repeatedly seek through karma, leading to attachment and potential for faults, discrepancies, and calamities.[10]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Pleasures derived from physical desires, which the text advises kings to avoid for effective governance.[11]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The text refers to physical pleasures, implying that they are fleeting.[12]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Shatanika became dissatisfied with these, leading him to seek spiritual knowledge.[13]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The phrase 'sensual enjoyment' describes a state that Indra acknowledges he has been consumed by, along with illusion, leading to his downfall and subsequent humbling before Krishna.[14]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) These are all available in the three worlds–Bhur, Bhuvar, and Svar.[15]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Behaviors involving secretive or inappropriate interactions between men and women that attract fines.[16]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) The lack of this for the mother during pregnancy can negatively impact the corresponding sense-organ of the child.[18]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Omitting the prescribed act, or performing the forbidden act, or being addicted to "sensual enjoyments", man will have a fall, according to the text.[19]
Jain concept of 'Sensual enjoyment'
In Jainism, Sensual enjoyment represents sensory pleasures perceived as distractions that detract from one's spiritual and moral development, emphasizing the importance of self-discipline and restraint in the pursuit of higher spiritual goals.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Pleasures derived from the senses, often seen as distractions from spiritual or moral pursuits.[20]