Significance of Sensual pleasure
Synonyms: Physical delight, Sexual pleasure, Carnal pleasure, Physical pleasure
In Dutch: Zintuiglijk genot; In Finnish: Sensuelli nautinto; In Spanish: Placer sensual
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 pleasure'
In Buddhism, sensual pleasure is viewed as temporary and deceptive, leading to attachment and suffering. It distracts individuals from spiritual advancement, emphasizing the need to transcend physical desires for true happiness and enlightenment.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The enjoyment derived from indulging in sensual experiences and desires.[1] (2) The temporary enjoyment derived from physical experiences, considered by some as the highest good by those ignorant of Nibbana.[2] (3) Pleasure derived from the senses, often tied to the desire for physical and emotional experiences.[3] (4) The enjoyment derived from living and non-living objects that provide gratification to the senses.[4] (5) The pursuit of physical gratification that can lead individuals to reject moral values and kammic laws.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Pleasures that are related to the senses, which a greedless man avoids.[6] (2) Gratifications derived from physical interactions or desires, often linked to attachment and suffering.[7] (3) The enjoyment of physical and emotional delights unique to divine beings, devoid of human-like filth.[8] (4) Worldly desires and experiences related to physical enjoyment, which Brahmas have seen the faults of and abstain from.[9] (5) Physical pleasures that include aspects like beauty and sound, often linked to kamma vitakka.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The worldly pleasures associated with sense desires that led to the unwholesome thoughts in Venerable Meghiya.[11] (2) Worldly delights that are deemed harmful distractions leading to rebirth in unfavorable conditions.[12] (3) Temporary indulgences that Yasa became bored with, leading him to search for deeper truths.[13] (4) Described as deceptively enjoyable, they are compared to a drop of honey on a sword's edge, ultimately proving to be harmful rather than fulfilling.[14] (5) The enjoyable aspects of life that Anuruddha yearns for, but finds hindered by the responsibilities of daily affairs.[15]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Experiences or enjoyment derived from physical senses, which the Buddha suggests are not conducive to true delight.[16] (2) The worldly temptations, desires, and attachments that the Buddha eschewed throughout his path to enlightenment.[17] (3) Temporary, worldly pleasures derived from the senses, often seen as distractions from spiritual growth and renunciation in the Buddha's teachings.[18] (4) Desires related to physical gratification, which are portrayed as unsatisfactory and painful even when wealth is abundant.[19] (5) Physical enjoyment or gratification, regarded as a source of happiness by certain people.[20]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Physical gratifications sought by beings in higher planes, which ultimately lead to negative consequences and lower rebirths.[21] (2) Physical and sensory enjoyments that can lead to a continuous cycle of craving and suffering.[22]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Experiences of enjoyment that can lead to misery, compared to dreams, indicating the fleeting nature of such desires.[23]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Desires and experiences of physical satisfaction that are discouraged in Buddhist teachings, seen as part of worldly attachment.[24]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A state of delight and enjoyment that the Lord deems as difficult for beings to transcend.[25]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Desires and cravings associated with physical and material experiences, which are to be avoided to maintain purity of the mind.[26]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Worldly enjoyments provided by King Suddhodhana to distract Prince Siddartha from his potential to become a Buddha.[27]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Temptations that can distract individuals from spiritual pursuits, indicating the worldly desires that must be transcended.[28] (2) Earthly enjoyment and distractions that can hinder spiritual progress.[29] (3) Enjoyments associated with physical senses that a householder enjoys in contrast to the ascetic lifestyle.[30] (4) Desires related to bodily enjoyment, which Asthisena recognized as dangerous, leading him to pursue a religious life.[31] (5) The five modes of enjoyment that the Trayastrimsha devas are endowed and gifted with, including aspects of voice, smell, taste, touch, and visual pleasure.[32]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Worldly desires that should be renounced in adherence to the principles of Shila.[33]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Delightful experiences that Ratthapala recognized as impermanent and of disadvantage.[34] (2) Attachments to physical or sensory experiences that distract a person from developing merit.[35] (3) Desires linked to physical or worldly enjoyment, which are to be overcome in the pursuit of enlightenment.[36] (4) The worldly delights experienced within various realms of existence that bind beings to the cycle of rebirth.[37] (5) The desires and comforts of physical and mental enjoyment that Nanda was originally attached to before his renunciation.[38]
Hindu concept of 'Sensual pleasure'
In Hinduism, sensual pleasure is viewed as a temporary distraction from spiritual pursuits, leading to despair and isolation. Such earthly desires divert individuals from divine connection and spiritual growth, ultimately resulting in unfulfilled cravings.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The gratifying experiences derived from the five senses that are often misleading and result in ongoing suffering.[39] (2) Refers to earthly desires and indulgences that can distract individuals from their spiritual path.[40] (3) The worldly desires and enjoyments that the Alvar sees as a threat to his spiritual integrity.[41] (4) Materialistic and physical enjoyments that occupy the minds of worldly beings, differing from spiritual pursuits.[42] (5) The misconception that the entertainment in Heaven involves carnal enjoyment, which is clarified to be different.[43]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Earthly desires and attachments that lead individuals away from spiritual goals and into material pursuits.[44] (2) Akrura acknowledges his attachment to worldly desires, which he believes hinder his spiritual progress.[45] (3) Material desires and experiences that distract individuals from seeking higher spiritual fulfillment.[46]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Earthly delights gained through devotion and rightful actions in accordance with spiritual laws.[47]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The indulgent experiences that Dattatreya engaged in while immersed in a lake.[48]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Earthly delights that ultimately lead to sorrow and the cycle of rebirth, as they distract from spiritual fulfillment.[49]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Ravana's desires and pursuits, which Sita sternly rejects.[50]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The temporary attractions and indulgences that distract people from recognizing the true nature of existence.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Excessive indulgence in physical gratifications that leads to the king's weakness.[52] (2) Enjoyments derived from physical relationships and interactions, such as those with a partner.[53] (3) Pleasures related to the senses that are noted to lead to suffering and should be avoided.[54] (4) Enjoyments derived from the senses, often leading to increased desire or craving.[55]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) Indulgence in sensory experiences that may contribute to an attack of Arocaka.[56]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) Sensual pleasure is highlighted as a distraction for individuals, akin to the royal elephant’s plight in the tale.[57]
From: Dvisahasri of Tembesvami (Summary and Study)
(1) Temporary sources of enjoyment that can lead one to downfall, as exemplified in the teaching from the pigeon.[58]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The physical and emotional joys associated with love that Satyavati longs for.[59]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Pleasure experienced through the senses, which serves as a means to comprehend Brahman's Bliss.[60] (2) Described as the enjoyment derived from external objects, contrasting with the deeper bliss experienced through realization of Brahman.[61]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) Enjoyments derived from physical experiences that are considered by Carvaka to be the primary goal of life.[62]
Jain concept of 'Sensual pleasure'
Sensual pleasure in Jainism encompasses transient physical enjoyments from worldly objects, leading to attachment and distraction from spiritual pursuits. It contrasts momentary gratification with the enduring nature of suffering, emphasizing the need for ascetic detachment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A profound physical enjoyment experienced by Yadava, likened to the bliss associated with divine figures of desire.[63] (2) What Vardhamana experiences with Queen Yashoda, despite his inner indifference.[64] (3) The indulgence in physical desires which characterized Kaushika’s life.[65]
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Types of enjoyment derived from worldly objects that provide immediate gratification but ultimately lead to suffering.[66] (2) Physical or sensory enjoyment that distracts from achieving true happiness and is linked to the external world.[67] (3) Physical enjoyments derived from worldly objects that can lead ordinary individuals to transmigration and attachment.[68]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Sensual-pleasures include the various physical and psychological enjoyments that an individual may seek; the distinction between the householder and the ascetic involves their attitudes toward these pleasures.[69] (2) Sensual-pleasures are temporary feelings of enjoyment that provide momentary relief from pain but do not lead to true happiness; they are contrasted with the enduring nature of suffering.[70] (3) Pleasures derived from sensory experiences that are considered ephemeral and contribute to attachment in worldly existence.[71]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The temptations that Citra warns Sambhuta against, representing the distraction from spiritual goals and the cycle of suffering they can invoke.[72]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The temporary and often distracting joys derived from physical enjoyment, leading to potential moral pitfalls.[73]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Physical or worldly delights that can distract an individual from spiritual pursuits and lead to attachment.[74]
The concept of Sensual pleasure in local and regional sources
Sensual pleasures, as described, encompass experiences that deliver both physical satisfaction and emotional joy, forming a core theme in 'Geeta Govinda', which highlights the interplay of desire and spiritual connection in relationships.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Experiences or feelings that provide physical gratification and emotional delight, which is central to the theme of 'Geeta Govinda'.[75]