Significance of Worldly life
Worldly life is characterized as an existence filled with material concerns, desires, and attachments that often distract individuals from spiritual pursuits. In various philosophical traditions, it refers to a lifestyle focused on secular pleasures and physical existence, which may lead to suffering and hinder spiritual growth. This state of being is viewed as transient and ultimately empty, with many teachings advocating for detachment from worldly distractions to achieve spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cyclical nature of existence.
Synonyms: Earthly existence, Temporal life, Mundane existence, Secular life, Mortal life, Earthly sojourn
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 life'
Worldly life in Buddhism encompasses the secular aspects of existence characterized by attachments to material possessions and societal responsibilities, which can conflict with spiritual pursuits, prompting individuals to seek transcendence through meditation and practice.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A lifestyle that involves engagement in the material world and societal responsibilities, differing from ascetic pursuits.[1] (2) A life focused on material and mundane activities, contrasting a spiritual or ascetic existence; represented by the false ascetic's actions.[2] (3) A life focused on material and earthly concerns, which the five hundred persons abandoned.[3] (4) A life focused on material possessions, relationships, and earthly commitments.[4] (5) Describes the impure and secular aspects of existence that may conflict with spiritual aspirations.[5]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The secular existence characterized by attachment to material and temporal matters, which the aspirant seeks to transcend through initiation.[6]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) Worldly life represents existence focused on material concerns and distractions, which bodhisattvas seek to transcend through meditation and practice.[7]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The common experiences and mental images associated with everyday existence from which the satpurusha sought to detach.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Worldly life'
In Hinduism, Worldly life signifies active engagement in societal matters, characterized by suffering and distractions inherent in the cycle of birth and rebirth, contrasting with spiritual pursuits and the quest for enlightenment.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The state of existence characterized by attachment and suffering, where individuals are caught up in a continuous cycle of desire and fulfillment.[9] (2) The material existence filled with temptations that the preceptors and emissaries resist.[10] (3) The existence of those who are distracted by material concerns and thus oblivious to the divine and the resultant separation.[11] (4) The material existence characterized by struggles and distractions that lead people away from God.[12] (5) An existence filled with material concerns and distractions that detract from spiritual growth and understanding.[13]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The existence that involves material and temporal affairs, typically contrasting with spiritual or religious life.[14] (2) Existence characterized by material desires and sense gratification, which can lead individuals to experience the miseries of material bondage.[15]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Refers to living in a manner focused on mundane activities, contrasting with a spiritual life.[16]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The daily existence that brings fear and challenges, which can be alleviated by visiting Krishna's city with a devoted heart.[17] (2) The material existence that led individuals to commit sins and become detached from spiritual pursuits.[18] (3) The transient existence that individuals navigate, marked by their actions and decisions. The pilgrimage aims to help lineage members successfully cross over this life.[19] (4) The life burdened with troubles and hardships, which the daughters of Daksha became disgusted with.[20]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The cyclical and often harrowing existence that individuals navigate, involving a continuous process of birth and death.[21] (2) The cycle of existence characterized by birth, death, and associated struggles that one seeks to transcend.[22] (3) The material existence filled with attachments and desires, seen as transient and often leading to suffering.[23]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The existence characterized by material concerns and interests.[24] (2) The physical existence characterized by change, attachments, and the duality of experiences.[25]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Continuing to perform duties according to the injunctions of the Shastras without renouncing them.[26] (2) The practical, everyday existence people lead, which is seen as inferior compared to the life of an ascetic.[27]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The physical existence that is filled with suffering and distractions, often pertaining to the cycle of birth and rebirth (samsara).[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The transient and often painful existence characterized by karma, desires, and sufferings, viewed as a cycle that needs to be transcended.[29]
From: Sanatsujatiya (English translation)
(1) The life associated with material enjoyments that cause delusion.[30]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The general human experience filled with challenges, desires, and sorrow.[31]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The active participation in societal and material affairs, as opposed to abstaining from worldly acts.[32]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The state of existence characterized by various evils and sufferings, including pain in different life stages.[33]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The shared experiences and consciousness of individuals in everyday, practical circumstances.[34]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The existence filled with sorrows and sufferings experienced by individuals.[35]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) Worldly life encompasses the physical existence and attachments that are considered impermanent and ultimately empty.[36]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) The lifestyle of Lakshmana Surin, which contrasted with many of his contemporaries who renounced worldly ties.[37]
From: Vakyapadiya (study of the concept of Sentence)
(1) The life that Bhartrihari reportedly renounced in favor of a sannyasin lifestyle, indicating a spiritual transformation.[38]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Pertains to the everyday existence and experiences of individuals, often contrasted with spiritual or transcendent concepts.[39]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) The existence characterized by material attachments and experiences, often seen as a cycle of birth and death.[40] (2) The worldly entanglements that cloud the mind and hinder spiritual progress.[41]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The state of existence characterized by enjoyment and suffering, where all actions and experiences are considered fundamentally painful according to the philosophy presented.[42]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) The subject matter from which the themes of Prakarana works are derived, according to Bhavabhuti's Malatimadhava.[43]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The physical and material aspects of existence, contrasting with spiritual duties.[44]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The experience and existence in the physical realm while maintaining an understanding of one's elevated spiritual condition.[45]
Jain concept of 'Worldly life'
In Jainism, worldly life emphasizes material and familial obligations, desires, and attachments, detracting from spiritual pursuits. This existence often leads to harmful actions as individuals seek comfort in physical and earthly matters.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The material and physical existence in which individuals seek comfort and satisfaction, often leading them to commit harmful actions.[46] (2) A life focused on material and familial obligations, as opposed to spiritual pursuits.[47]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Refers to the existence and activities centered around material or earthly things.[48] (2) The life filled with desires and attachments, which Jamali sought to escape by embracing monkhood.[49]
The concept of Worldly life in local and regional sources
Worldly life encompasses material existence and distractions that hinder spiritual growth, marked by earthly desires and challenges. It juxtaposes secular pleasures against spiritual pursuits, prompting individuals like Santoba Powar and Mirabai to seek detachment and enlightenment.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The material existence that distracts individuals from spirituality and causes mental unrest.[50] (2) The life focused on material gains and earthly pleasures, contrasted with the sacrificial and spiritual life of the characters.[51] (3) A term referring to the material and temporal aspects of existence that often distract individuals from spiritual pursuits.[52] (4) The material existence that Mirabai suggests her mother should no longer be attached to, emphasizing the impermanence of life.[53] (5) The physical existence and experiences of individuals before they attain spiritual liberation or reach the divine realm.[54]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The tangible, day-to-day existence that interacts with and influences spiritual and moral pursuits in the Ramayana.[55] (2) The existence and experiences related to the physical world, marked by desires and distractions, which the ascetic seeks to transcend.[56] (3) The everyday existence and experiences which tempt the ascetic despite their desire for detachment.[57]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A lifestyle focused on secular pleasures and material concerns, as opposed to one devoted to religious pursuits.[58]