Significance of Strong desire
Strong desire is a significant concept across various traditions, characterized by intense longings and aspirations. In Jainism, it motivates practitioners toward spiritual activities. Tibetan Buddhism views it as an emotional urge for fulfillment and deep connections. Vaishnavism emphasizes desires for spiritual engagement, divine experiences, and sometimes material cravings. Puranic texts illustrate yearnings for both indulgence and spiritual knowledge. In Dharmashastra, it marks intense passions, while in Theravada, it highlights aspirations for spiritual distinction. Overall, strong desire manifests as a powerful force influencing actions and motivations.
Synonyms: Intense longing, Fervent wish, Powerful craving, Deep yearning, Passionate desire, Yearning, Longing, Craving, Urge, Ambition, Aspiration
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Strong desire'
In Buddhism, strong desire encompasses profound longings for spiritual progress, emotional connections, fulfillment of needs, and aspirations toward personal distinction, reflecting both the intensity and potential pitfalls of such desires in one's spiritual journey.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The aspiration Venerable Pilindavaccha had to become a great bhikkhu as predicted by the Buddha.[1] (2) A profound wish expressed by Uttara for future distinction in spiritual practices such as jhana.[2] (3) The intense aspiration expressed by Khujjuttara and Samavati to follow in the footsteps of a successful female lay disciple.[3] (4) The intense wish of King Dighiti's queen to have specific desires fulfilled, illustrating the themes of longing and hope.[4] (5) The intense wish that Suppavasa had to achieve the status of a foremost lay disciple.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The intense emotional longing that the young monk felt towards Sirima upon seeing her beauty.[6]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A compelling wish that intensifies when one seeks to fulfill their needs, potentially leading to frantic craving.[7]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Intense wishes or aspirations that drive an individual to seek fulfillment or satisfaction in various experiences.[8]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A profound emotional urge or wish to meet or connect with someone deeply respected.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Strong desire'
In Hinduism, Strong desire signifies a deep longing, such as yearning for spiritual connections, revenge, or material pursuits. This powerful emotion can guide individuals toward spiritual fulfillment, illustrating the duality of desires in human experience.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) This refers to the child's inclination to become the master as their consciousness develops.[10] (2) A powerful urge that causes individuals to seek out material pleasures, distancing them from spiritual pursuits.[11] (3) a significant feeling of wanting or yearning[12] (4) Refers to the intense longing Krishna has to engage Haridasa in service and help him regain his true spiritual position.[13] (5) A powerful feeling of wanting or craving something.[14]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An intense longing for something, in this context referring to the longing for prema-bhakti, which drives the individual to renounce comforts.[15] (2) An intense wish that results from faith, ultimately leading an individual closer to Bhagavan.[16]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) An intense feeling of wanting something, which is encapsulated by the term 'kamam' in the text.[17]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The intense longing felt by the speaker to witness the divine form of the Lord.[18]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The intense longing that Shri radhanatha developed to renounce material life and engage in bhagavad-bhajana after hearing from the brahmacari.[19]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The intense longing exhibited by women to engage in sweet conversation and intimacy.[20] (2) The strong desire highlights the eldest son's longing to save his life, illustrating the conflict between self-preservation and familial loyalty.[21] (3) The intense longing expressed by Vena to hear more about Vishnu and his devotees, emphasizing the importance of spiritual stories.[22] (4) The phrase signifies a powerful yearning or longing that arises in the heart of the daughter of Rati to see all the worlds and deities.[23] (5) Menaka's request that the king fulfills her specific wish.[24]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The motivation expressed by the son named Shiva for wanting to obtain gold, indicating his greed.[25] (2) An intense yearning, exemplified by Bhavasharman's desires for hunting and indulgence in sinful behaviors.[26]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A powerful longing or yearning, in this context, for experiencing the original form of the Supreme Lord.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Emphasizes the lady's deep yearning for revenge against Bhishma and justice for her suffering.[28]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) Refers to Ashvatthama’s overwhelming urge for revenge following the death of his father, which drove him to commit further atrocities.[29]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An intense passion or yearning for something, which in this context pertains to a widow wishing for results that may come from the act of suicide.[30]
Jain concept of 'Strong desire'
In Jainism, strong desire acts as a potent motivator for practitioners, driving them in Icchayoga to actively pursue religious activities that foster spiritual growth and upliftment in their spiritual journey.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) A powerful motivator for practitioners in Icchayoga to engage in religious activities aimed at spiritual upliftment.[31]
The concept of Strong desire in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Strong desire" encompasses an intense aspiration for personal identity in literature, emotional responses to beauty, passionate scholarly pursuits, and a profound longing impacting legacy, demonstrating its broad significance across various contexts.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A powerful feeling of wanting something, illustrated by Sri Rama’s longing for a sapphire.[32] (2) A powerful yearning for physical or material gains, often overshadowing spiritual needs during prayers.[33] (3) A deep yearning or longing that influences a person's thoughts and actions, particularly regarding legacy.[34] (4) An intense aspiration among modern writers to establish their own literary identity separate from traditional influences.[35] (5) An intense feeling experienced by Sri Rama upon seeing a lovely sapphire which made him hesitant to enter the conquered city of Lanka.[36]
From: Lord Jhulelal: An Analytical Study
(1) The intense motivation driving researchers to delve deeper into the life and teachings of Lord Jhulelal.[37]