Significance of Worldly pleasure
Worldly pleasure encompasses temporary joys and satisfactions derived from materialistic or sensory experiences. Various philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and others, define it as distractions from spiritual growth. These pleasures, though appealing, are often seen as superficial and ultimately unsatisfying, leading to attachment and ignorance. They represent a significant conflict for individuals pursuing spiritual enlightenment, as these worldly delights can divert attention from deeper emotional or spiritual fulfillment, underscoring their transient and illusory nature.
Synonyms: Sensual satisfaction, Physical enjoyment, Material pleasure, Temporal gratification, Earthly joy
In Dutch: Werelds genot; In Finnish: Maailman ilo; In Spanish: Placer mundano; In German: Weltliches Vergn眉gen; In Malay: Keseronokan duniawi; In Swedish: V盲rldsligt n枚je; In French: Plaisir mondain
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 pleasure'
Worldly pleasure in Buddhism signifies sensual attachments and material gratifications that distract individuals from spiritual liberation. It represents fleeting joys that lead to suffering, contrasting with the ascetic values essential for enlightenment.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The anxiously pursued material and sensory gratifications; the verses highlight living happily without the effort to seek these pleasures.[1] (2) Sensual pleasures and material enjoyments that are to be renounced by those seeking a more ascetic and enlightened path.[2] (3) Sensual attachments that bind individuals to the material world, contrary to the quest for spiritual liberation.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The enjoyable and materialistic aspects of life that Sona contemplated returning to after his struggles with meditation.[4]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Sensory experiences and material indulgences that distract from spiritual practice and lead to ongoing suffering and dissatisfaction.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Material and sensual gratifications that the king is depicted as pursuing, highlighting his internal conflict with ascetic values.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Temporary satisfactions that distract individuals from pursuing the Path to enlightenment, highlighting a contrast with the focus of shramanas and brahmanas.[7] (2) The various desires and attachments that people seek in life that are ultimately fleeting and lead to suffering.[8] (3) Temporal satisfactions that often lead to suffering and attachment.[9] (4) Temporal joys and delights that, while sought, ultimately do not lead to lasting fulfillment or spiritual progress.[10] (5) The enjoyment of material and sensory experiences that lay practitioners participate in.[11]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Temporal joys and satisfactions derived from materialistic or sensual experiences.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Worldly pleasure'
In Hinduism, worldly pleasure encompasses temporary joys and material indulgences, often viewed as distractions from spiritual pursuits. While they provide enjoyment, they are contrasted with higher spiritual goals and enlightenment.
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Earthly delights or enjoyments that are granted to individuals by Brahmatirtha.[13] (2) Temporal enjoyments which Yayati experiences upon receiving youth through his son.[14] (3) Earthly delights and enjoyments that appeal to physical and material desires.[15] (4) Enjoyments experienced through means such as men, maidservants, and material possessions, considered less excellent than salvation.[16] (5) Temporal joys and satisfactions derived from material or sensory experiences.[17]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Temporary satisfactions derived from material existence that ultimately do not nourish the soul.[18] (2) Temporal and often distracting enjoyments that can lead to spiritual discontent and confusion.[19] (3) Temporary and transient enjoyment derived from physical means, ultimately leading to sorrow and distress.[20] (4) Enjoyments and temptations associated with material possessions and sensory experiences.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Temporal experiences and desires that distract one from spiritual pursuits.[22] (2) Temporary satisfactions or indulgences that distract from spiritual pursuits and self-realization.[23] (3) Temporary enjoyments and satisfactions derived from material existence, which can distract from spiritual growth.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Enjoyments and comforts experienced by Raivata Manu during his reign before ascending to the heavens.[25] (2) Refers to enjoyment derived from material life, categorized as the worst form of knowledge in the context of spiritual literature.[26] (3) Earthly delights and activities that Mandodari decides to renounce in her sorrow.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The enjoyment of material and physical experiences that life offers.[28]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Worldly pleasures denote the transient joys and attachments to materialistic pursuits that are often sources of distraction.[29]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Temporal and material enjoyment that can distract from spiritual pursuits.[30]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The temporary and often illusionary forms of joy derived from earthly or material experiences that ultimately do not lead to true fulfillment.[31] (2) Refers to the transient joys and indulgences associated with life, particularly those that lead individuals to pursue Svarga through austere penances.[32] (3) Temporal and mundane joys or satisfactions that distract individuals from spiritual growth and devotion.[33] (4) Temporal and material joys or delights that distract from spiritual pursuits.[34] (5) Temporary joys and indulgences that are often superficial and can lead to downfall when pursued excessively without regard to their fleeting nature.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Temporal desires and experiences that continue to influence individuals despite states of deep sleep or inner peace.[36]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Pleasures derived from external objects and personal accomplishments, contrasted with Brahman's Bliss.[37]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Enjoyments and distractions associated with material life that Sannyasins refrain from.[38]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) Refers to the distractions and indulgences of material life that practitioners are advised to renounce in pursuit of higher spiritual goals.[39]
Jain concept of 'Worldly pleasure'
Worldly pleasure in Jainism represents temporary, material delights that distract from spiritual growth and dharma. Such pleasures are often seen as leading to attachment, ignorance, and ultimately, a lack of deeper fulfillment.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Temporary enjoyments of life that can distract individuals from spiritual pursuits and following dharma.[40] (2) The temporary delights that lead beings to attachment and ignorance.[41] (3) The material enjoyments that Mahabala and his friends shared before deciding to pursue spirituality.[42] (4) The enjoyment and satisfaction derived from materialistic and sensory experiences in life, often contrasted with deeper emotional or spiritual fulfillment.[43] (5) Describes the enjoyment derived from earthly delights and satisfying desires, which the Queen finds meaningless.[44]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Physical or sensory delights that can distract from spiritual growth or ethical conduct.[45]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Pleasures of the material world that can lead to negative dispositions if not properly controlled.[46]
The concept of Worldly pleasure in local and regional sources
Worldly pleasure encompasses enjoyable life aspects that, when excessively pursued, can cause moral decline and distract from spiritual responsibilities, highlighting the balance between sensory experiences and the search for deeper spiritual truths.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Desires that lead to suffering; Buddha rejects the attachment to them as a hindrance to spiritual progress.[47] (2) The enjoyment derived from physical and sensory experiences, recognized as part of the human experience and not to be ignored in a spiritual context.[48] (3) Temporal enjoyments that distract humans from seeking spiritual truth.[49] (4) The enjoyable aspects of life that, when overindulged, may lead to moral decay and societal issues.[50] (5) The temporary and typically material enjoyments of life that can distract from spiritual goals.[51]