Significance of Worldly enjoyment
Worldly enjoyment, as described in various philosophical and religious traditions, refers to the pleasures and material pursuits derived from the physical world that can distract individuals from spiritual growth and understanding. Different perspectives highlight how these pleasures can either be experienced without hindrance to spiritual progress or perceived as sources of distraction and suffering. Common themes include the transient nature of material satisfaction, the potential for attachment to lead to spiritual downfall, and the importance of renouncing such distractions to pursue deeper spiritual fulfillment.
Synonyms: Pleasure, Indulgence, Gratification, Satisfaction, Amusement, Recreation, Delight, Entertainment
In Dutch: Werelds genot; In Finnish: Maailmallista nautintoa; In Spanish: Goce mundano
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Worldly enjoyment'
In Buddhism, Worldly enjoyment signifies the attachment to fleeting pleasures and desires that can mislead individuals, creating false perceptions of success and fulfillment, ultimately hindering true spiritual growth and enlightenment.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Temporal pleasures and desires that one may cling to, often leading to misguided interpretations of achievement.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Worldly enjoyment'
Worldly enjoyment in Hinduism involves the transient pleasures and material distractions that can ensnare individuals in cycles of desire, hindering spiritual growth and enlightenment, and diverting focus from deeper understanding and virtuous living.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The temporary pleasures derived from material possessions and sensual experiences that distract from spiritual well-being.[2] (2) Satisfactions related to temporal, materialistic experiences, which distract from spirituality.[3] (3) Temporal pleasures and desires that distract from spiritual enlightenment.[4] (4) The pleasures and distractions of life that keep individuals occupied in the cycle of existence.[5] (5) Pleasures and possessions that engage individuals in material pursuits, distracting them from the pursuit of truth.[6]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The temporal pleasures and satisfactions that can be experienced by devotees worshiping certain phallic images.[7] (2) Refers to the distractions and pleasures of mundane life that can hinder spiritual growth and liberation.[8] (3) The nature of material pleasure that is conferred through the worship of the phallic emblem.[9] (4) Benefits or pleasures that are bestowed by the deities through worship, facilitating a prosperous life.[10] (5) Pleasures and satisfactions derived from material and physical experiences.[11]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Attachment or desire for material pleasures or possessions, which is contrasted with the focus on spiritual duties in the text.[12] (2) Refers to the material pleasures and comforts of life that can lead to neglect of spiritual duties.[13] (3) The benefits of material pleasures and salvation that can be attained by propitiating a certain deity in the East.[14] (4) Temporal pleasures and satisfactions associated with the material world.[15]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The transient pleasures of life that corrupt moral virtue and contribute to one's demise.[16] (2) Temporary pleasures and material gains that can bind one to the cycle of life and death.[17] (3) The desires and pleasures associated with material life, which Jaratkaru has renounced in his quest for asceticism.[18]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The pursuit of sensual pleasures and transient experiences that distract the soul from its true spiritual purpose.[19]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Temporary pleasures causing grief that may lead to suffering over many lifetimes, emphasizing the importance of virtuous actions.[20]
From: Lalitopakhyana (Lalita Mahatmya)
(1) The pursuit of material pleasures and fulfillment of desires, which alongside spiritual practice leads to liberation according to the text.[21]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Temporal pleasures derived from materialistic pursuits that distract from spiritual growth.[22]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) This refers to the benefits and pleasures that one can gain through proper rites and offerings to the ancestors.[23]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The pursuit of pleasure and satisfaction derived from the material world, often disconnected from spiritual understanding.[24] (2) The act of engaging in pleasures and gratifications, particularly in the context of beauty and wealth.[25] (3) The pleasures and material comforts of life that Gaura renounced to fulfill his divine mission.[26] (4) Temporal pleasures and attachments to material life that are seen as distractions leading to spiritual downfall.[27] (5) The pleasures and pleasures of life that Vishvarupa chose to reject.[28]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Pleasures and satisfactions derived from material or temporal experiences as opposed to spiritual fulfillment.[29]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Sensory pleasures and attachments that may hinder spiritual growth and understanding.[30]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) Worldly enjoyment refers to the pursuits and pleasures of the material world that the wise person can engage in without attachment.[31]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the transient pleasures of life that can divert individuals away from pursuing deeper understanding and knowledge.[32]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) Material pleasures or earthly gains that are not desired by the devotee who practices devotion.[33] (2) Pleasures derived from material possessions or experiences within the material world, which are considered temporary and unsatisfactory in the context of spiritual aspiration.[34]
Jain concept of 'Worldly enjoyment'
Worldly enjoyment in Jainism encompasses physical pleasures, often viewed as sources of unhappiness and suffering. While some believe these experiences may not hinder spiritual growth, others see them as obstacles to true understanding and inner peace.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) The pleasures that are seen as inherently unhappiness in the apunarbandhaka state.[35] (2) The pleasures and material pursuits that are perceived as sources of pain and misery by the beholder of mitra drishti.[36] (3) Pleasures derived from physical existence, which both authors warn against in their respective works.[37] (4) Experiencing worldly objects and pleasures, which, for the kanta drishti beholder, do not obstruct spiritual progress or understanding.[38]
The concept of Worldly enjoyment in local and regional sources
Worldly enjoyments encompass the pursuit of physical pleasures and comfort, reflecting societal trends during Warangal's peak, where such pursuits became central to lifestyle and cultural expression, emphasizing leisure and gratification in everyday life.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The pursuit of sensual pleasures, which Nigama Sarma turns towards instead of adhering to the Vedic teachings.[39] (2) The pursuit of physical pleasures and comfort, which became a prevalent theme in society during the hey-day of Warangal.[40]