Significance of Chastity
Chastity is a significant virtue across various philosophical and religious traditions in India. In Jainism, it signifies purity and moral integrity, emphasizing fidelity and sexual abstinence as paths to spiritual enhancement. Vaishnavism treats chastity as essential for devotion to Lord Krishna. Similarly, Purana highlights chastity as a means of spiritual excellence and marital fidelity. In Dharmashastra and Theravada Buddhism, it is linked to moral guidelines and monk's vows of celibacy. Overall, chastity embodies purity, commitment, and virtue, central to personal and spiritual identity.
Synonyms: Celibacy, Purity, Virtue, Continence, Modesty, Abstinence, Innocence
In Dutch: Kuisheid; In Finnish: Siveys; In Spanish: Castidad; In German: Keuschheit; In Malay: Kesucian; In Swedish: Kyskhet; In French: 颁丑补蝉迟别迟茅
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Chastity'
Chastity in Buddhism encompasses sexual purity, a practice of celibacy emphasized in brahmacarya, and a monk's commitment to refraining from sexual relations, reflecting ideals of purity and spiritual dedication amidst potential temptations.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) A key aspect of the Bhikkhus' conduct, wherein they face potential dangers that may compromise their vow of celibacy.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A commitment made by monks to abstain from sexual relations as part of their practice, reflecting the ideals of purity and dedication to spiritual growth.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The state of being sexually pure, which the prince loses upon being tempted by the maiden.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The practice of refraining from sexual intercourse, emphasized within the conduct of brahmacarya.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Chastity'
Chastity in Hinduism embodies purity, sexual fidelity, and virtue, exemplified by figures like Sita and Ganga. It emphasizes devotion, moral integrity, and spiritual rewards, reflecting a woman's strength and beauty through fidelity and honor.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The quality of being pure and virtuous, particularly in relation to sexual fidelity, highlighted as Sita's defense against Ravana.[5]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A quality attributed to the Bhargava women, which they used as a source of strength and virtue against their oppressors.[6]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Described as the beauty of a woman, equating moral integrity with physical attractiveness.[7] (2) A critical theme represented through the interactions between various characters, particularly the struggles to maintain honor and integrity.[8]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The state of refraining from extramarital or sexual intercourse, emphasized as an important moral guideline.[9] (2) A vow or practice that, when maintained by a woman, leads to spiritual rewards such as obtaining heaven after death.[10]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The virtue that Krishna instructed the gopis to preserve for the pleasure of Lord Balarama.[11]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) A state of sexual purity that is binding to individuals, and it is also a condition of life that is mentioned in scripture.[12]
Jain concept of 'Chastity'
In Jainism, chastity embodies a moral standard of purity in relationships and sexual conduct, linked to virtues like non-injury, sexual abstinence, and fidelity, while symbolizing purity and dedication, as seen in the character of Sulasa.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An aspect of dharma related to sexual abstinence and fidelity.[13] (2) A quality valued in Sulasa, symbolizing her purity and dedication, which remains central to her identity.[14] (3) A moral standard referring to the practice of remaining pure in relationships and sexual conduct.[15]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Defined as brahma, it leads to enhancement of virtues like non-injury.[16]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The practice of refraining from sexual activity, often associated with religious or monastic vows.[17]
The concept of Chastity in local and regional sources
Chastity is a multifaceted concept encompassing vows in monastic life, virtues of purity and restraint, and societal expectations, particularly for women, highlighting its significance in various cultural and literary contexts.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The state of being pure, and the quality of being faithful to one's partner, emphasizing the value of fidelity and moral integrity in relationships.[18] (2) A core principle in Yoga practice, regarded as the foundation for all spiritual practices, requiring complete abstinence and control over one's energy, which is seen as essential for spiritual growth and reaching God.[19] (3) This refers to the state of being pure and abstaining from sexual activity, especially for women, and the text emphasizes the need to intensify this ideal within women to develop strong character.[20] (4) Chastity is the secret of the race, which means that any one who unlawfully reads the letter, thereby becomes guilty of a crime similar to the one which drove those noble women of Chito to their death.[21] (5) Chastity is the central idea of the life of a modern Hindu lady, and the fixity of a circle depends upon, signifying its importance in family life.[22]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Binu believed that this was once considered divine, but later understood that it frequently stems from being forced or a form of servitude.[23] (2) Regarded by Bharathidasan as a necessity for both men and women, contrasting with Shelley's view that it is a superstition damaging to domestic happiness.[24] (3) A virtue representing purity and restraint, which is central to both Milton's and Valmiki's narratives.[25]