Significance of False knowledge
False knowledge is a significant concept across various philosophical traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Vedanta. It refers to a range of misconceptions, erroneous beliefs, and misunderstandings that obscure the true nature of existence and the self. For instance, it involves misleading interpretations that prevent the recognition of spiritual truths, create illusions about reality, and perpetuate suffering. Overall, false knowledge is identified as a barrier to achieving true understanding and enlightenment, hindering one's realization of oneness with the Supreme Self.
Synonyms: Misconception, Misinformation, False information, Delusion, Misunderstanding, Fallacy, Erroneous belief
In Dutch: Valse kennis; In Finnish: V盲盲r盲盲 tietoa; In Spanish: Conocimiento falso; In German: Falsches Wissen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'False knowledge'
False knowledge in Buddhism signifies a misguided perception stemming from ignorance, resulting in a distorted understanding of reality. It emphasizes the importance of awareness and enlightenment to overcome these misconceptions and perceive truth clearly.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Illusory understanding that arises from ignorance, leading to misconceptions about reality.[1]
Hindu concept of 'False knowledge'
False knowledge in Hinduism encompasses misconceptions blocking true understanding, misidentification of the self with the mind, and ignorance of the true nature of existence. It leads to suffering, confusion, and a lack of spiritual clarity that must be overcome.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Misunderstandings or misconceptions about reality, particularly those that arise from dualistic thinking.[2] (2) False knowledge refers to misconceptions about the self, such as identifying it with the body and other incorrect notions.[3] (3) Misunderstanding or incorrect perception that is destroyed by the Om-kara.[4] (4) Illusions or misconceptions that are destroyed through the realization of the true nature of Turiya.[5] (5) An understanding based on incorrect beliefs or perceptions, which can be overcome when Brahman is rightly known.[6]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A misconception or ignorance that leads individuals away from the truth, contrasting with the knowledge that comes from realizing the essence of the Self.[7] (2) A misunderstanding or incorrect perception that leads to the belief in the reality of objects that are not truly real, applicable both in waking and dream states.[8] (3) An incorrect understanding or belief about the existence of objects, resulting from the mind's interaction with non-existent entities.[9]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Misinterpretation or misunderstanding resulting in ignorance, which leads to suffering and the cycle of transmigration.[10] (2) Misunderstandings or incorrect beliefs that lead to the dependency of works and their consequences.[11] (3) Misunderstandings or incorrect interpretations of the nature of existence, leading to the assumption that the individual soul鈥檚 experiences of fruition also apply to Brahman.[12]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The mistaken understanding that leads individuals to overlook their True Desires and actions rooted in superficial or material pursuits.[13] (2) A misconception or ignorance that obscures the understanding of one鈥檚 true desires and leads to the pursuit of untrue objects.[14]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A mistaken understanding that arises from erroneous relationships between the Atman and attributes like Buddhi, leading to misperceptions of reality.[15]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) The misconceptions and illusions that create identity and action, which must be overcome to understand the true nature of the atman.[16]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Knowledge arising from ignorance that leads to a dualistic understanding of reality, which is to be removed for the attainment of bliss.[17]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara鈥檚 Commentary
(1) Knowledge that is incorrect or misinterpreted, which can lead to significant negative consequences.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An incorrect understanding or belief that distorts true knowledge.[19] (2) The mistaken perception of reality that leads to a misunderstanding of the world as substantial or meaningful.[20] (3) Misunderstanding or ignorance about the true nature of existence, leading to misconceptions.[21] (4) Misunderstandings or incorrect assertions regarding the nature of existence and the essence of Brahma.[22] (5) Misunderstanding or incorrect beliefs, specifically regarding the self and its differentiation from the non-self, leading to bondage.[23]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Misunderstanding or misrepresentation of knowledge that leads to error.[24]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Knowledge derived from intellectual discussions that lacks substance and can lead to error and confusion in understanding spiritual truths.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Misguided understanding that lacks true enlightenment, which Prahlada argues is detrimental in the pursuit of wisdom.[26]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The mistaken identification of the self with mental modifications, leading to an erroneous sense of knowledge.[27] (2) Knowledge deemed untruthful or not reflective of reality, characterized as lacking the essence of real objects.[28] (3) Misconceptions or incorrect understanding that obstructs true discriminative knowledge and leads to disturbance in the mind.[29] (4) Any misconstruction or erroneous understanding that is absent in the process of essential cognition.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) A misunderstanding that perpetuates the cycle of suffering, leading individuals to engage in ignorance.[31] (2) Error or false beliefs that arise from misconceptions or unclear understanding.[32] (3) A form of Ignorance that contributes to the production of pain and suffering, which should be overcome by attaining perfect knowledge.[33]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A reference to misconceptions or misunderstandings that obscure the real nature of existence.[34]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The mistaken or incorrect understanding of spiritual truths that may arise if Vedic teachings and deliverance are not established.[35]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Misconceptions or erroneous beliefs that lead a person away from truth and spiritual understanding.[36]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The type of ignorance (avidya) that leads to the misunderstanding of the self and the perceived multiplicity of experiences.[37]
Jain concept of 'False knowledge'
In Jainism, False knowledge is interpreted as a deceptive understanding influenced by pride, obstructing the attainment of genuine virtues essential for spiritual growth and enlightenment. This misapprehension hinders one's path to true wisdom.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The misleading understanding gained from pride which prevents the acquisition of true virtues.[38]
The concept of False knowledge in local and regional sources
False knowledge involves misidentifying or confusing one thing for another, exemplified by the error of confusing mother-of-pearl with silver. This concept highlights the dangers of indiscrimination in perception and understanding.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This signifies the erroneous understanding that creates the illusion of duality, leading to the perception of a separate 'I' and 'you' and obscuring the underlying unity.[39] (2) This refers to indiscrimination, where one mistakes one thing for another, like mistaking a piece of mother-of-pearl for silver.[40]