Difference between revisions of "Kama" - New World Encyclopedia
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| − | '''Kāma''' ([[Devanagari]]: काम) is the Sanskrit and Pali word for sensuality, which encompasses sensual gratification, sexual fulfillment, pleasure, love, and the aesthetic enjoyments of life. | + | '''Kāma''' ([[Devanagari]]: काम) is the Sanskrit and Pali word for sensuality, which encompasses sensual gratification, sexual fulfillment, pleasure, love, and the aesthetic enjoyments of life. Kama also refers to the Hindu god of love. |
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| + | ==Kama: The Principle== | ||
In [[Hinduism]], ''kāma'' is regarded as one of the four ends of man ([[purusharthas]]). Kama is the lowest step on the ladder of aims in [[Hindu]] life, below worldly status ([[artha]]), because even animals seek physical pleasures. The other two purusharthas are [[dharma]] and [[moksha]]. | In [[Hinduism]], ''kāma'' is regarded as one of the four ends of man ([[purusharthas]]). Kama is the lowest step on the ladder of aims in [[Hindu]] life, below worldly status ([[artha]]), because even animals seek physical pleasures. The other two purusharthas are [[dharma]] and [[moksha]]. | ||
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| + | ===Kama in Buddhism=== | ||
In [[Buddhism]]'s [[Pali Canon]], the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] renounced ([[Pali]]: ''[[nekkhamma]]'') sensuality (''kāma'') en route to his [[bodhi|Awakening]].<ref>See, for instance, ''Dvedhavitakka Sutta'' ([[Majjhima Nikaya|MN]] 19) [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.019.than.html (Thanissaro, 1997a).]</ref> More generally, especially in the [[Theravada]] school of Buddhism, Awakening is preceded by insight (''[[vipassana]]'') which is bolstered by concentration (''[[samadhi]]'') that is developed through the meditative cultivation of [[Dhyana|jhana]] states, which are preceded by withdrawal from sensuality (''vivicc'eva kāmehi'').<ref>See, for instance, ''Samadhanga Sutta'' [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an05/an05.028.than.html (Thanissaro, 1997b).] For a version in Pali using Roman letters, see SLTP (n.d.), [[sutta]] 5.1.3.8.</ref> Additionally, the Buddhist [[householder (Buddhism)|lay practitioner]] recites daily the [[Five Precepts]], the third of which is a commitment to abstain from "sexual misconduct" (''kāmesu micchācāra'').<ref>See, for instance, [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/khantipalo/wheel206.html#precepts Khantipalo (1995).] Typical of [[Pali Canon]] discourses, the [[Dhammika Sutta]] ([[Sutta Nipata|Sn]] 2.14) includes a more explicit correlate to this precept when the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] enjoins a follower to "observe celibacy or at least do not have sex with another's wife " (Ireland, 1982).</ref> | In [[Buddhism]]'s [[Pali Canon]], the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] renounced ([[Pali]]: ''[[nekkhamma]]'') sensuality (''kāma'') en route to his [[bodhi|Awakening]].<ref>See, for instance, ''Dvedhavitakka Sutta'' ([[Majjhima Nikaya|MN]] 19) [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.019.than.html (Thanissaro, 1997a).]</ref> More generally, especially in the [[Theravada]] school of Buddhism, Awakening is preceded by insight (''[[vipassana]]'') which is bolstered by concentration (''[[samadhi]]'') that is developed through the meditative cultivation of [[Dhyana|jhana]] states, which are preceded by withdrawal from sensuality (''vivicc'eva kāmehi'').<ref>See, for instance, ''Samadhanga Sutta'' [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an05/an05.028.than.html (Thanissaro, 1997b).] For a version in Pali using Roman letters, see SLTP (n.d.), [[sutta]] 5.1.3.8.</ref> Additionally, the Buddhist [[householder (Buddhism)|lay practitioner]] recites daily the [[Five Precepts]], the third of which is a commitment to abstain from "sexual misconduct" (''kāmesu micchācāra'').<ref>See, for instance, [http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/khantipalo/wheel206.html#precepts Khantipalo (1995).] Typical of [[Pali Canon]] discourses, the [[Dhammika Sutta]] ([[Sutta Nipata|Sn]] 2.14) includes a more explicit correlate to this precept when the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] enjoins a follower to "observe celibacy or at least do not have sex with another's wife " (Ireland, 1982).</ref> | ||
| − | ==The | + | ==Kama: The Diety== |
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| − | Kāmadeva | + | '''Kāma''' or '''Kāmadeva''' ([[Sanskrit]]: काम, कामदेव) is the divine personification of Kama, and takes his place in the [[Hindu]] pantheon parallel to that of the Greek [[Cupid]] as a god of love. <ref>The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning By Eva Rudy Jansen p. 93 </ref> His other names include '''Ragavrinta''' (''Stalk of Passion''), '''Ananga''' (''incorporeal''), '''Kandarpa''' ("God of amour"), '''Manmatha''' (''churner of hearts''), '''Manosij''' (''He Who Arises from the Mind''; the contraction of the Sanskrit phrase ''Sah Manasah Jāta''), '''Madana''' (''intoxicating''), '''Ratikānta''' (lord of the seasons), '''Pushpavān''', '''Pushpadhanva''' (''one with bow of flowers'') or just '''Kāma''' ("desire"). And, like Cupid, he too wields a bow which fires arrows capable of pairing lovers, both human and godly alike. |
| − | His companions are a [[cuckoo]], a [[parrot]], hummingbees, the season of spring, and the gentle breeze. All of these are symbols of spring season. | + | Kāmadeva is represented as a young and handsome [[wing]]ed man who wields a [[Bow (weapon)|bow]] and [[arrow]]s. His bow is made of [[sugar cane|sugarcane]], strung with a string of [[honeybee]]s, and his arrows are decorated with five kinds of fragrant flowers. His companions are a [[cuckoo]], a [[parrot]], hummingbees, the season of spring, and the gentle breeze. All of these are symbols of spring season. His bow is of sugarcane having the string of a line of humming bees and his arrow-shafts are topped with passion that pierce the heart. In spring he moves through woodlands and hunts birds, beasts and men. |
| + | ===Mythology=== | ||
According to the Shiva purānam, Kāmadeva is a son (actually a creation) of [[Brahma]], creator of the universe. According to other sources including the Skanda purānam, Kāmadeva is a brother of [[Prasuti]]; they are both the children of Shatarupa, a creation of Brahmā. Later interpolations consider him as [[Vishnu]]'s son.<ref>The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning By Eva Rudy Jansen p. 93 </ref> All sources concur on the fact that Kāmadeva is wed to [[Rati|Ratī]], a daughter of [[Prasuti]] and [[Daksha]] (another son/creation of Brahmā). According to some beliefs, Kāmadeva was also once reincarnated as Pradyumna, the son of [[Krishna]] and Rukminī. | According to the Shiva purānam, Kāmadeva is a son (actually a creation) of [[Brahma]], creator of the universe. According to other sources including the Skanda purānam, Kāmadeva is a brother of [[Prasuti]]; they are both the children of Shatarupa, a creation of Brahmā. Later interpolations consider him as [[Vishnu]]'s son.<ref>The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning By Eva Rudy Jansen p. 93 </ref> All sources concur on the fact that Kāmadeva is wed to [[Rati|Ratī]], a daughter of [[Prasuti]] and [[Daksha]] (another son/creation of Brahmā). According to some beliefs, Kāmadeva was also once reincarnated as Pradyumna, the son of [[Krishna]] and Rukminī. | ||
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Perhaps the best-known legend concerning Kāmadeva pertains to his annihilation and subsequent resurrection at the hands of [[Shiva]]. As related in the ''Kumārasāmbhavam'', Kandarpa (Kāmadeva) resolved to aid the maiden [[Parvati|Pārvatī]] in gaining the favour of [[Shiva]]. Kandarpa shot his arrows-of-desire at [[Shiva]] in order to disrupt the latter's meditation and help Pārvati gain the attention of the lord. The ploy backfired badly; Shiva was momentarily distracted but immediately realised what had happened. He was enraged, opened his dreadful third eye, and annihilated Kandarpa with a single fiery glance. Kandarpa's body was instantly reduced to ashes. The calamity was more than merely personal, since with the annihilation of Kāma (desire), the world became barren and infertile. Eventually, the marriage of [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati|Pārvatī]] nevertheless came to be held. Later, at the behest of the gods and upon the intercession made by Parvati in favour of Kāmadeva's lamenting wife [[Rati]], [[Shiva]] resurrected him to life, thus ensuring the procreative continuity of the world. Shiva resurrected Kandarpa, but only as a mental image, representing the true emotional and mental state of love rather than physical lust. [[Holi]], the Indian festival of colours, and especially the bonfire traditionally lit on that day, are believed by some to commemoration this legend. | Perhaps the best-known legend concerning Kāmadeva pertains to his annihilation and subsequent resurrection at the hands of [[Shiva]]. As related in the ''Kumārasāmbhavam'', Kandarpa (Kāmadeva) resolved to aid the maiden [[Parvati|Pārvatī]] in gaining the favour of [[Shiva]]. Kandarpa shot his arrows-of-desire at [[Shiva]] in order to disrupt the latter's meditation and help Pārvati gain the attention of the lord. The ploy backfired badly; Shiva was momentarily distracted but immediately realised what had happened. He was enraged, opened his dreadful third eye, and annihilated Kandarpa with a single fiery glance. Kandarpa's body was instantly reduced to ashes. The calamity was more than merely personal, since with the annihilation of Kāma (desire), the world became barren and infertile. Eventually, the marriage of [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati|Pārvatī]] nevertheless came to be held. Later, at the behest of the gods and upon the intercession made by Parvati in favour of Kāmadeva's lamenting wife [[Rati]], [[Shiva]] resurrected him to life, thus ensuring the procreative continuity of the world. Shiva resurrected Kandarpa, but only as a mental image, representing the true emotional and mental state of love rather than physical lust. [[Holi]], the Indian festival of colours, and especially the bonfire traditionally lit on that day, are believed by some to commemoration this legend. | ||
| − | == | + | ===Worship=== |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | Although not formally worshipped to the extent of other Hindu dieties, Kama still remains a prevalent character in Hindu practice, mainly in his connection with Shiva. The popular festival of [[Holi]] provides one such example fo this association. One variation of this holiday prevalent in South India, particularly in Tamilnadu and Kerala, is rooted in a version of the aforementioned Kama/Shiva legend. It is said that Kama once wandered through woodlands, hunting with arrows of affection. Eventually he stumbled upon Shiva who was engrossed in meditation and, overcome with pride, Kama aimed and fired his arrow at the ascetic god. The arrow found its mark and distracted Shiva, who, carrying on the familiar mytheme, reduced Kama to ashes. Kama's wife Rati begged Lord Shiv to take pity on her and restore her husband to life, and finally Shiva relented, granting her the boon that she could see her husband, albeit without physical form. Songs sung during Holi tell the pathetic tale of Rati and her lamentations. In Tamilnadu Holi is known by three different names - Kamavilas, Kaman Pandigai and Kama-dahanam.<ref>http://www.bawarchi.com/festivals/holi.html</ref> | |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | + | <references/> | |
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| − | + | ==References== | |
| − | * | + | * Benton, Catherine. ''God of desire: tales of Kamadeva in Sanskrit story literature.'' Albany: State University of New York Press, 2006. ISBN 0791465659 |
| + | * Doniger, Wendy. ''Asceticism and eroticism in the mythology of Śiva''. New York: Oxford University Press, 1973. ISBN 0197135730 | ||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
Revision as of 19:59, 16 November 2007
Kāma (Devanagari: काम) is the Sanskrit and Pali word for sensuality, which encompasses sensual gratification, sexual fulfillment, pleasure, love, and the aesthetic enjoyments of life. Kama also refers to the Hindu god of love.
Kama: The Principle
In Hinduism, kāma is regarded as one of the four ends of man (purusharthas). Kama is the lowest step on the ladder of aims in Hindu life, below worldly status (artha), because even animals seek physical pleasures. The other two purusharthas are dharma and moksha.
Kama in Buddhism
In Buddhism's Pali Canon, the Buddha renounced (Pali: nekkhamma) sensuality (kāma) en route to his Awakening.[1] More generally, especially in the Theravada school of Buddhism, Awakening is preceded by insight (vipassana) which is bolstered by concentration (samadhi) that is developed through the meditative cultivation of jhana states, which are preceded by withdrawal from sensuality (vivicc'eva kāmehi).[2] Additionally, the Buddhist lay practitioner recites daily the Five Precepts, the third of which is a commitment to abstain from "sexual misconduct" (kāmesu micchācāra).[3]
Kama: The Diety
Kāma or Kāmadeva (Sanskrit: काम, कामदेव) is the divine personification of Kama, and takes his place in the Hindu pantheon parallel to that of the Greek Cupid as a god of love. [4] His other names include Ragavrinta (Stalk of Passion), Ananga (incorporeal), Kandarpa ("God of amour"), Manmatha (churner of hearts), Manosij (He Who Arises from the Mind; the contraction of the Sanskrit phrase Sah Manasah Jāta), Madana (intoxicating), Ratikānta (lord of the seasons), Pushpavān, Pushpadhanva (one with bow of flowers) or just Kāma ("desire"). And, like Cupid, he too wields a bow which fires arrows capable of pairing lovers, both human and godly alike.
Kāmadeva is represented as a young and handsome winged man who wields a bow and arrows. His bow is made of sugarcane, strung with a string of honeybees, and his arrows are decorated with five kinds of fragrant flowers. His companions are a cuckoo, a parrot, hummingbees, the season of spring, and the gentle breeze. All of these are symbols of spring season. His bow is of sugarcane having the string of a line of humming bees and his arrow-shafts are topped with passion that pierce the heart. In spring he moves through woodlands and hunts birds, beasts and men.
Mythology
According to the Shiva purānam, Kāmadeva is a son (actually a creation) of Brahma, creator of the universe. According to other sources including the Skanda purānam, Kāmadeva is a brother of Prasuti; they are both the children of Shatarupa, a creation of Brahmā. Later interpolations consider him as Vishnu's son.[5] All sources concur on the fact that Kāmadeva is wed to Ratī, a daughter of Prasuti and Daksha (another son/creation of Brahmā). According to some beliefs, Kāmadeva was also once reincarnated as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukminī.
Perhaps the best-known legend concerning Kāmadeva pertains to his annihilation and subsequent resurrection at the hands of Shiva. As related in the Kumārasāmbhavam, Kandarpa (Kāmadeva) resolved to aid the maiden Pārvatī in gaining the favour of Shiva. Kandarpa shot his arrows-of-desire at Shiva in order to disrupt the latter's meditation and help Pārvati gain the attention of the lord. The ploy backfired badly; Shiva was momentarily distracted but immediately realised what had happened. He was enraged, opened his dreadful third eye, and annihilated Kandarpa with a single fiery glance. Kandarpa's body was instantly reduced to ashes. The calamity was more than merely personal, since with the annihilation of Kāma (desire), the world became barren and infertile. Eventually, the marriage of Shiva and Pārvatī nevertheless came to be held. Later, at the behest of the gods and upon the intercession made by Parvati in favour of Kāmadeva's lamenting wife Rati, Shiva resurrected him to life, thus ensuring the procreative continuity of the world. Shiva resurrected Kandarpa, but only as a mental image, representing the true emotional and mental state of love rather than physical lust. Holi, the Indian festival of colours, and especially the bonfire traditionally lit on that day, are believed by some to commemoration this legend.
Worship
Although not formally worshipped to the extent of other Hindu dieties, Kama still remains a prevalent character in Hindu practice, mainly in his connection with Shiva. The popular festival of Holi provides one such example fo this association. One variation of this holiday prevalent in South India, particularly in Tamilnadu and Kerala, is rooted in a version of the aforementioned Kama/Shiva legend. It is said that Kama once wandered through woodlands, hunting with arrows of affection. Eventually he stumbled upon Shiva who was engrossed in meditation and, overcome with pride, Kama aimed and fired his arrow at the ascetic god. The arrow found its mark and distracted Shiva, who, carrying on the familiar mytheme, reduced Kama to ashes. Kama's wife Rati begged Lord Shiv to take pity on her and restore her husband to life, and finally Shiva relented, granting her the boon that she could see her husband, albeit without physical form. Songs sung during Holi tell the pathetic tale of Rati and her lamentations. In Tamilnadu Holi is known by three different names - Kamavilas, Kaman Pandigai and Kama-dahanam.[6]
Notes
- ↑ See, for instance, Dvedhavitakka Sutta (MN 19) (Thanissaro, 1997a).
- ↑ See, for instance, Samadhanga Sutta (Thanissaro, 1997b). For a version in Pali using Roman letters, see SLTP (n.d.), sutta 5.1.3.8.
- ↑ See, for instance, Khantipalo (1995). Typical of Pali Canon discourses, the Dhammika Sutta (Sn 2.14) includes a more explicit correlate to this precept when the Buddha enjoins a follower to "observe celibacy or at least do not have sex with another's wife " (Ireland, 1982).
- ↑ The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning By Eva Rudy Jansen p. 93
- ↑ The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning By Eva Rudy Jansen p. 93
- ↑ http://www.bawarchi.com/festivals/holi.html
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Benton, Catherine. God of desire: tales of Kamadeva in Sanskrit story literature. Albany: State University of New York Press, 2006. ISBN 0791465659
- Doniger, Wendy. Asceticism and eroticism in the mythology of Śiva. New York: Oxford University Press, 1973. ISBN 0197135730
External links
- About.com page
- http://www.webonautics.com/mythology/kamadeva.html
- Kamadeva's holy sacrifice
- God Of Desire: Tales Of Kamadeva In Sanskrit Story Literature (book)
- Theosophical dictionary on Kamadeva
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