Significance of Misfortune
Misfortune, as understood in various cultural and religious contexts, encompasses a range of adverse situations and negative outcomes. In Buddhism, it relates to the barriers to enlightenment caused by sensual pleasures. In Hinduism and Jainism, it signifies unfortunate events that one seeks to avert. South Asia illustrates misfortune through narrative examples, such as the struggles of a blind man or the predicted outcomes for characters. Other traditions, including Vaishnavism and Purana, discuss misfortune as consequences of karma, lack of faith, or disregarded advice, emphasizing its pervasive impact across belief systems.
Synonyms: Bad luck, Adversity, Hardship, Calamity, Woe, Tragedy, Distress, Disaster, Trouble, Difficulty, Mishap, Affliction
In Malay: Malang; In Dutch: Ongeluk; In Finnish: 贰辫盲辞苍苍别补; In Spanish: Desgracia; In German: 鲍苍驳濒眉肠办; In Swedish: Olycka; In French: Malheur
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Misfortune'
In Buddhism, misfortune encompasses adverse luck sought to be avoided, the suffering from pursuing sensual pleasures, and consequences from imprudent actions, highlighting the importance of mindful living and understanding in overcoming life's challenges.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Bad luck or negative occurrences that one seeks to avoid or ward off through the recitation of magical phrases.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The negative outcomes and suffering that result from pursuing worldly pleasures without understanding their consequences.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The negative outcomes that result from imprudent actions, in this case, from the tortoise's inability to remain silent leading to its demise.[3]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) The adverse outcomes associated with sensual pleasures, which hinder the path to welfare and enlightenment.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Misfortune'
Misfortune in Hinduism encompasses unfavorable circumstances influenced by past karma and astrological factors, leading to negative outcomes. It highlights rituals, divine perspectives, and the struggle towards spiritual realization amidst life's hardships.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The unfortunate state of pursuing worldly goals that detracts from spiritual realization and service.[5] (2) A state of being unfortunate, often attributed to misguided beliefs about divinity and the failure to recognize true spiritual authority.[6] (3) A circumstance that leads to neglect of spiritual responsibilities, particularly in the context of Nityananda.[7] (4) An unfortunate circumstance or event that results in loss or hardship.[8] (5) Misfortune in this context refers to the unfortunate condition of a living entity lacking faith in scriptural guidance, leading to ignorance.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An unfortunate situation or event that has caused distress, particularly in the context of feelings of unworthiness for divine mercy.[10] (2) Refers to Shri Draupadi's belief that it is unfortunate that Shri Krishna does not visit them as He did before.[11] (3) A term referring to the unfortunate circumstances or adversity faced by individuals, specifically discussed by Shri Prahlada.[12]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A state of experiencing bad luck or negative circumstances.[13]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) An unfortunate condition that leads one to feel separated from Shri Krishna and results in spiritual suffering.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A term describing unfortunate outcomes that befall a king who disregards wise counsel and acts without proper consideration.[15] (2) The unfortunate situation that Rama faced after being banished from his kingdom, referring to his separation from Sita.[16] (3) A calamity that has befallen Rama and Lakshmana due to the theft of Sita.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The unfortunate events and tragedies that occurred during the battle, lamented by Duryodhana.[18]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Adverse situations that befall an individual, emphasizing the concept that one encounters them alone.[19]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Unfortunate events that are mentioned in the context of conditions affecting the continuation of Veda recitation.[20]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A state of bad luck or unfavorable circumstances.[21]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) Misfortune is a central concept in the text, and it is influenced by various astrological factors, with the text detailing how certain planetary configurations can cause, or conversely, cancel its effects.[22] (2) This is an astrological concept, and its determination and cancellation are important aspects of the analysis in the astrological document.[23] (3) Misfortune, mentioned in the text, is associated with loss, and is considered in relation to planetary configurations that influence outcomes and events related to the eighth house.[24]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Unfortunate events symbolized by arrows that the sacrificial performance aims to avert.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) An unfortunate event or situation that could lead to negative outcomes.[26]
Jain concept of 'Misfortune'
In Jainism, Misfortune denotes an unfortunate event or adverse circumstance, highlighting the belief in the impact of karma and the importance of spiritual understanding in navigating life's challenges.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A term indicating an unfortunate event or adverse circumstance.[27]
The concept of Misfortune in local and regional sources
Misfortune in the text encompasses various adverse events faced by characters, including consequences of actions, betrayals, abductions, and predestined unfavorable outcomes, highlighting the overarching theme of calamity affecting multiple interconnected lives.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The unfavorable outcome predicted for the seven girls associated with the boy born under the Tamarind tree.[28] (2) The series of unfortunate events that befall the blind man throughout the story, including his wife's betrayal and hunger.[29] (3) A theme in the lamentation where a woman expresses the misfortune of several characters involved in the narrative.[30] (4) The consequence the boy faces if he touches the first string of the guitar.[31]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The unfortunate event of the girl being abducted by the bonga, which prompted her parents鈥� reaction.[32]