Significance of Objects of enjoyment
Objects of enjoyment, as understood in various philosophies, encompass material possessions, experiences, and sensual pleasures that often distract individuals from spiritual growth. In Jainism, Vaishnavism, and other traditions, these items bring temporary happiness yet can lead to attachment and diversion from higher states of existence. While some schools emphasize detachment from such pleasures, they often highlight the divine oversight in material enticements. Ultimately, the concept serves as a reminder of the transient nature of worldly joys and the importance of seeking deeper, lasting fulfillment.
Synonyms: Sources of pleasure, Objects of pleasure, Hobbies
In Dutch: Objecten van genot; In Finnish: Nautinnon kohteita; In Spanish: Objetos de disfrute; In German: Objekte des Genusses
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Objects of enjoyment'
In Buddhism, "Objects of enjoyment" encompass the five sensory experiences that can lead to attachment and distraction, urging practitioners to reject these desires in pursuit of deeper spiritual freedom and enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to the various pleasures and desires associated with sensory experiences, particularly related to food.[1] (2) The five sensual pleasures (pancakamaguna) that are desirable in the world of men, which are linked to attachment and desire.[2] (3) The five sensory pleasures that distract worldly people from discovering deeper pathways to freedom from suffering.[3] (4) The five sensory pleasures (panca kamaguna) that often distract or solicit attachment from beings.[4] (5) The five sensory experiences that are the result of retribution related to bodhisattvas and that can tempt those on the spiritual path.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Objects of enjoyment'
In Hinduism, "Objects of enjoyment" encompass material possessions and pleasures that distract from spiritual growth, evoke desires, and may mislead individuals, urging them to seek detachment to achieve higher states of consciousness and true fulfillment.
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are part of the aggregate whose cause is the pradhana, and whose knowledge, if of the pradhana, would never lead to knowledge of the enjoyers.[6] (2) These are the performers of sacrifices and those who lack self-knowledge, who serve the gods and experience the fruits of their works, like a beast.[7] (3) Entities that are enjoyed or consumed by enjoyers, such as sound and dishes in the context of the discussed philosophy.[8] (4) Material entities such as husband, wife, and riches, which are deemed dear due to their connection with the Self.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The various entities or phenomena that can be experienced or enjoyed by sentient beings.[10] (2) Things that provide pleasure or satisfaction to beings and are part of the creation of Brahman.[11] (3) The term refers to the various desires and aspirations of individuals, which are viewed as contained within the small ether.[12]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The benefits or rewards that come to the practitioner who meditates correctly on the fivefold Sama.[13] (2) This phrase suggests that the stars serve as an enjoyable or desirable aspect for the Moon, linking them in the context of the teachings.[14] (3) The various pleasures and experiences that are available and enhanced by the changing seasons.[15]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The entities or experiences that the enjoyer (Jiva) partakes in. The text examines the notion that these objects become part of the experience of enjoyment.[16] (2) The status of souls in relation to the gods, emphasizing their role as sources of pleasure for divine beings.[17]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) The various physical and sensory pleasures, such as women, food, and drink, that the jiva pursues in the waking state.[18]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Things or experiences that provide pleasure and may distract from meditation.[19]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Refers to earth and food, which can be consumed and enjoyed by people, contrasting with fire and the sun.[20]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Referring to the various pleasures and worldly possessions that the deity oversees.[21] (2) Worldly possessions and pleasures that distract individuals from spiritual growth and true understanding.[22] (3) The things in the world that can be perceived and enjoyed by individuals, largely determined by their strength and capability.[23] (4) Material pleasures or luxuries that Galava questions the value of in his state of despair.[24]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Gifts given by Krishna to the maidens that included comforts and luxuries to enhance their happiness.[25] (2) The status of the beautiful dancing girls, who became the focus of desire and admiration among the Vrishni princes.[26]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The various worldly pleasures and distractions that trap individuals in cycles of desire and bondage.[27]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Items prepared or offered during worship that are meant to provide pleasure and satisfaction to the deities.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Items that provide sensual pleasure, such as sandalwood paste or scented oils, which are generally avoided by a sannyasi.[29] (2) Refers to the women in the material world who are perceived as the ones to be enjoyed by men.[30] (3) Material enticements and pleasures that are under the control of divine prowess, which mislead individuals attached to them.[31] (4) Women are described as such in the context of the strict principles guiding interactions, indicating that they should not be seen or conversed with by sannyasis.[32] (5) The perception that some have towards relationships, viewing partners as mere sources of pleasure, which the Lord did not adopt.[33]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Material possessions or experiences that bring pleasure and satisfaction to individuals.[34]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Material items that provide pleasure, which a devotee learns to detach from unless they are useful for serving Shri Krishna.[35]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The state that a qualified thing attains after undergoing changes, whereby it can be perceived and enjoyed by a conscious observer.[36]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Refers to the material or experiential pleasures pursued by the minds, which are managed by the directing singular mind.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Various items or riches that are to be given to the Brahmanas, which enhance their quality of life and represent the wealth of the king.[38]
Jain concept of 'Objects of enjoyment'
In Jainism, Objects of enjoyment are defined as various things or experiences that provide happiness and contentment, emphasizing the significance of positive experiences in achieving a fulfilling and joyful life.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Things or experiences that bring happiness and contentment to a person.[39]