Significance of Yearning

Yearning, as described in various traditions, encompasses intense desires and emotional sentiments. In Vaishnavism, it signifies a profound longing for the Divine, reflecting the deep love and attraction between devotees and God. Kavya interprets yearning as a strong emotional desire linked to feelings of loss or separation, often evoking sorrow. In Mahayana Buddhism, yearning is seen as a dangerous desire among merchants that can lead to their downfall if left unrestrained.

Synonyms: Longing, Desire, Craving, Wistfulness, Aspiration, Eagerness, Hankering, Wish, Hunger, Thirst

In Dutch: Verlangen

In Finnish: Kaipuu

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Yearning'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Yearning signifies a potentially destructive desire, particularly illustrated by merchants whose cravings for wealth can lead to moral and spiritual decline if they allow themselves to be overtaken by such longing.

Significance of Yearning in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The desire felt by merchants that could lead to their downfall if they succumbed to it.^[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Yearning'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Yearning signifies a profound emotional desire linked to loss, evoking sorrow, and an intense longing for divine love, reflecting the deep attraction between devotees and the Divine.

Significance of Yearning in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) An intense desire or longing, often experienced within the context of divine love and attraction between devotees and the Divine.^[2]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Yearning in Kavya (poetry):

Kavya Books

From: Malatimadhava (study)

(1) A deep emotional desire stemming from loss or separation, often contributing to feelings of sorrow.^[3]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

The concept of Yearning in local and regional sources

History Books

Yearning signifies a profound longing, particularly illustrated by the desire to learn and experience bicycle riding, reflecting an innate drive to explore and connect with new experiences.

Significance of Yearning in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A deep desire for something, particularly the desire to learn and experience riding a bicycle.^[4]

Last Updated: 23 November, 2024