Does it make sense to not want to do things I normally enjoyed because they were simply pleasures and did nothing to help my spiritual development?
Yes, from a Jain perspective, that can make sense.
In Jain Dharma, reducing attachment to सुख-सुविधा and sense pleasures is part of moving toward vairagya and aparigraha. If something only gives temporary enjoyment and strengthens attachment, it may not support spiritual progress.
At the same time, Jainism does not encourage harsh self-denial for its own sake. The key is awareness and balance:
- If an activity increases attachment, carelessness, or passion, it may be worth reducing.
- If it supports health, discipline, peace, and right conduct, it can still have value.
- The goal is not to hate pleasure, but to become less dependent on it.
So if you no longer feel drawn to things that once only fed sensory enjoyment, that can be a sign of growing inner detachment. In Jain thought, that is often spiritually healthy.
The important question is: does the choice bring you closer to samyak darshan, samyak jnan, and samyak charitra? If yes, it is meaningful.