Significance of Lust
Lust, as understood in various philosophical and religious contexts, is a distorted desire for physical enjoyment that obscures spiritual perception. In Vaishnavism, it is viewed as 'kamam', one of the six enemies that distracts from spiritual growth. Similarly, in Buddhism, especially Mahayana and Theravada, lust represents an intense desire for sexual gratification that obstructs spiritual progress and can lead to suffering. Overall, lust is characterized by overwhelming desire and attachment, impacting personal relationships and spiritual pursuits across different traditions.
Synonyms: Desire, Craving, Longing, Passion, Appetite, Yearning, Infatuation, Urge, Hankering
In Dutch: Lust; In German: Lust; In Finnish: Himo; In Spanish: Lujuria
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Lust'
In Buddhism, Lust represents harmful desires, particularly intense sexual cravings, which are seen as obstacles to spiritual advancement and purity, ultimately leading to despair rather than enlightenment.
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) Desires that are described as harmful and leading to despair, according to the teachings of the Blessed Buddha.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An intense desire for sexual gratification, regarded in Buddhist teachings as an obstacle to spiritual progress and purity.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Lust'
In Hinduism, lust, or 'kamam,' embodies a powerful yearning for physical pleasure that can hinder spiritual growth, foster attachment, and influence personal relationships, ultimately leading to suffering and distraction from divine connection.
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The distorted desire for physical enjoyment that clouds true spiritual perception and connection with the divine.[3]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A strong desire or craving, specifically referred to as 'kamam' in the Sanskrit text.[4]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) One of the six enemies characterized by overwhelming desire and attachment, causing distraction from spiritual growth.[5]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Intense sexual desire that can also influence people’s marital decisions in the context of the text.[6]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Lust is desire for sexual intercourse.[7]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A strong craving often tied to desires for physical pleasures resulting in suffering.[8]
The concept of Lust in local and regional sources
Lust, as described, represents harmful desires that lead individuals to compromise their morals and spiritual integrity, ultimately resulting in a loss of divine grace and inner peace.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Lusts are the desires that, when followed, cause people to stain their own consciences and lose the grace of God, according to the text.[9]