Significance of Worldly attachment
Worldly attachment, as described in Jainism, Vaishnavism, Purana, and Mahayana, highlights emotional and material ties that inhibit spiritual growth. In Jainism, it denotes a desire for material possessions, contrasting the detachment of true monks. Vaishnavism views it as societal desires that obstruct spiritual advancement. Purana emphasizes ties to family and possessions that distract from spiritual aims. Similarly, Mahayana describes worldly attachment as emotional connections that lead to suffering, motivating a desire for liberation. Overall, transcending worldly attachment is essential for spiritual progress across these traditions.
Synonyms: Materialism, Earthly attachment, Earthly desires
In Dutch: Wereldse gehechtheid; In Finnish: Maailmallinen kiintymys; In Spanish: Apego mundano; In German: Weltliche Bindung
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Worldly attachment'
In Hinduism, worldly attachment encompasses emotional and material ties that distract from spiritual growth. Devotees aim to transcend these bonds, including family and possessions, to achieve enlightenment and freedom from suffering.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Emotional and physical binding to material possessions or ideas that lead to suffering.[1] (2) The emotional connections and dependencies that bind an individual to material and social aspects of life.[2] (3) Emotional connections and dependencies that individuals have on material possessions and relationships.[3]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Material or emotional ties to the physical world that can hinder spiritual growth.[4]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Emotional or material connections to the physical world that hinder spiritual progress and enlightenment.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Connections and bonds to material or societal desires that hinder spiritual growth and freedom.[6]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Emotional or material connections that hinder spiritual progress, which devotees like Shri Gaura Narayana aim to renounce for spiritual advancement.[7]
Jain concept of 'Worldly attachment'
Worldly attachment in Jainism denotes the emotional or material bonds to earthly pleasures and possessions that individuals, like Nami and Vinami, struggle with, while true monks strive to transcend these desires to avoid suffering and distraction.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A strong connection or desire for material possessions and pleasures, which Bharata's brothers have abandoned.[8] (2) A condition that the Master is free from, which is reiterated throughout the text, contrasting with the worldly desires of Nami and Vinami.[9]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Emotional or material connections to the things and beings in the world which may lead to suffering or distraction.[10]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Emotional or material bond to earthly pleasures, which a true monk seeks to transcend.[11]
The concept of Worldly attachment in local and regional sources
Worldly attachment, as described, emphasizes the importance of overcoming bodily desires and troubles to achieve detachment, suggesting that mastering these challenges leads to greater indifference and liberation from physical needs.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) To further foster detachment from the body and indifference to its needs, they are expected to tolerate and eventually conquer the so-called twenty-two troubles.[12]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The things that a person must be free from in order to practice yoga correctly, implying a detachment from material possessions.[13]