Significance of Desire
Synonyms: Wish, Craving, Longing, Aspiration, Yearning, Ambition, Inclination, Want, Lust, Urge, Hankering, Wishes
In Finnish: Halu; In Dutch: Wens; In Spanish: Deseo; In German: Wunsch; In Swedish: 脰苍蝉办补苍; In Malay: Keinginan; In French: 顿茅蝉颈谤
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Desire'
Desire in Buddhism encompasses cravings and attachments to physical pleasures, emotional ties, and sensual wants that hinder spiritual growth. The text highlights how overcoming Trishna is essential for achieving Buddhahood and escaping suffering.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A strong feeling of wanting something, which is portrayed as leading to suffering and sin in the narrative.[1] (2) A strong feeling of wanting, especially in terms of physical or romantic love, which the characters aim to overcome.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The cravings and attachments to physical pleasures that prevent spiritual growth.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Trishna, the craving that the Bodhisattva must overcome in order to achieve Buddhahood.[4] (2) Emotional attachment that many of the Buddha's disciples still felt.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Sensual wants and cravings that dominate and overwhelm individuals, as expressed by Upaka.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Desire'
Desire in Hinduism encompasses a spectrum of feelings and aspirations, from the gopis' wishes towards Narayana to personal longings that lead to attachment and suffering, ultimately influencing the soul's journey through the cycle of existence.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something.[7] (2) Refers to the aspirations or wishes of the addressed individual, central to the promise of fulfillment.[8] (3) the wish or longing that fills the heart, mind, intelligence, and senses.[9] (4) The feeling that motivates the maidservants to come to the Supreme Personality, signifying their longing for his garments.[10] (5) The emotional longing or wish, particularly in the context of the events taking place in the narrative.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, suggesting personal or spiritual aspirations.[12] (2) A strong feeling of wanting something, relevant to Sanatana Mishra's willingness to proceed with the marriage.[13] (3) The wishes or intentions attributed to Lord Jagannatha that are central to the question posed.[14] (4) In the text, desire (citte) reflects the inherent wish or longing that motivates actions and thoughts within the individuals, particularly in a spiritual context.[15] (5) The inner longing or aspiration to attain something; in this context, indicating the personal wish to perform worship.[16]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Refers to a longing or yearning for something, often with a sense of passion or craving.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Strong feelings of wanting, which can lead to satisfaction or suffering.[18] (2) The interests and pleasures sought by the subjects and attendants of King Duryodhana, from wealth to entertainment.[19] (3) The driving force of the material universe that binds souls to the cycle of existence and impedes emancipation.[20]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The wants and needs Sita acted upon during her time in Raghava鈥檚 abode.[21]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Longings or wants that can disrupt the peace of the mind and lead to restlessness.[22]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) Longings and cravings that lead to attachment and ultimately to suffering and rebirth.[23]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Described as Brahma's son, it is the force that gives rise to the physical body and plays a pivotal role in the cycle of existence.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Wishes or requests that devotees seek to be fulfilled through the worship of Savitri.[25]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A quality that signifies a strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, belonging to the realm of immaterial things.[26] (2) A psychological quality representing a strong feeling of wanting something, listed as one of the seventeen qualities.[27] (3) An inclination or want for something, which originates not from comparable qualities in the cause.[28] (4) A strong feeling of wanting or wishing for something, produced by the conjunction of the Self with the Mind.[29] (5) Desire, 鈥業ccha鈥� consists in the wishing for something not already obtained, either for one鈥檚 own sake or for the sake of another.[30]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) Worldly attachments or wants that must be renounced in pursuit of the higher knowledge encapsulated by Para Vidya.[31]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) These are the inherent longings that the subtle body possesses, influencing the soul's experiences.[32]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The concluding passage, 'So much for the man who desires,' indicates that the whole section refers to the soul implicated in the samsara.[33]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This is one of the sahamas, a set of concepts that aid in the outcomes of all the houses, in the same manner that fate supports the endeavors of people.[34] (2) This is one of the sahamas, signifying a strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen, as stated in the text.[35] (3) This sahama is produced by subtracting the ruler of the ascendant from the moon by day, and the reverse at night, or the moon as ruler of the ascendant from the sun.[36]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) An emotional drive that can lead to various psychological states in the context of love and passion.[37]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Goals or aspirations that participants in the Candrayana seek to achieve through the prescribed rituals.[38]
Jain concept of 'Desire'
In Jainism, Desire is seen as a conflict-inducing force, linked to attachment and worldly possessions, which ascetics strive to overcome to achieve spiritual growth and liberation, as exemplified by the detached figure of Vaishravana.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Passionate yearnings for worldly possessions or experiences that often lead individuals away from spiritual growth.[39]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Longings that the ascetic seeks to overcome, advocating for a lifestyle free from attachment.[40]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) In this context, a driving force that leads to conflict; Vaishravana is depicted as being free from it.[41]
The concept of Desire in local and regional sources
Desire signifies a fundamental aspect of human nature, characterized by cravings that lead to disquiet and suffering. It starts creation, represents yearning, and drives psychological needs, yet it is ultimately something to be understood and potentially renounced for spiritual growth.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Desire is a strong feeling of wanting something, and will is subject to desire.[42] (2) This is what creates the body, and there is a difference between desire and desire, and you cannot have the strong desire if its object was not outside for you already.[43] (3) This is like a dog jumping for a piece of meat which is ever receding from his reach, and dying a dog's death at last; this is something to avoid.[44] (4) This signifies the yearning for something, representing a fundamental aspect of human nature, which is to be understood and potentially renounced for spiritual advancement.[45] (5) Desires are without beginning, as they are fueled by the thirst for happiness and are sustained by cause, effect, support, and objects, and the text explains their nature and origin.[46]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) The happy vessel restored them to this, indicating a safe return and satisfaction.[47]