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Significance of Immorality

Immorality is defined in various contexts in South Asia. It includes a prohibition in the Eight Precepts focused on unethical behaviors. Kavya emphasizes the theme of societal consequences related to immorality, particularly through the actions of suitors. Meanwhile, in Mahayana, immorality, referred to as dauhshilya, addresses the repercussions of disregarding ethical principles. Overall, immorality is depicted as a significant factor impacting both individual actions and societal norms across these perspectives.

Synonyms: Wickedness, Sinfulness, Dishonesty, Depravity, Vice, Corruption, Wrongdoing, Iniquity, Evil, Misconduct, Debauchery

In German: Unmoral; In Dutch: Immoraliteit; In Finnish: Moraalittomuus; In Spanish: Inmoralidad

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Immorality'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, immorality, termed dauhshilya, signifies the consequences arising from the violation or neglect of ethical precepts, highlighting its impact on one’s spiritual journey and moral conduct.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Known as dauhshilya, it outlines the consequences of violating or neglecting ethical precepts.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Immorality'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, immorality underscores the repercussions of unethical behavior and societal perceptions, exemplified by the suitors. This theme reflects the moral accountability individuals have toward their actions within the community.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Engagement in behaviors that are considered unethical or wrong.[2]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The theme highlighting the consequences and societal views related to unethical behavior, as seen with the suitors.[3]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry� and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry�.

The concept of Immorality in local and regional sources

History Books

Immorality, as defined by the Eight Precepts, denotes behaviors deemed unethical or prohibited. This concept emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral standards within a specific cultural or religious framework.

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) Another prohibition in the Eight Precepts, which defines unethical behaviors in this context.[4]