Significance of Adharma
Synonyms: Immorality, Injustice, Wickedness, Sinfulness, Wrongdoing, Unfairness, Vice, Malevolence, Unrighteousness, Immoral behavior, Evil conduct, Wrongness
In Dutch: Adharma; In German: Adharma; In Finnish: Adharma; In Spanish: Adharma; In Swedish: Adharma; In Malay: Adharma; In French: Adharma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Adharma'
In Hinduism, Adharma represents the antithesis of Dharma, embodying chaos, immorality, and unrighteousness. It encompasses actions contrary to moral obligations, promoting negative behavior and societal decay, particularly emphasized in the context of Kali Yuga.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The opposite of Dharma, associated with falsehood and wrongful actions, referenced in the context of King Yudhajit's intentions.[1] (2) The principle of unrighteousness often contrasted with Dharma, seen in various negative forms.[2] (3) Unrighteousness or actions that are against the moral order and duties prescribed in scriptures.[3] (4) Actions that go against moral law, sin, or unrighteousness, as discussed by Shuka regarding the implications of Vedic rituals.[4]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Unrighteousness or moral wrongness; the Gita teaches the importance of fighting against it.[5] (2) 'Adharma' represents actions that are unrighteous or contrary to moral law and ethical duties.[6]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Adharma represents the opposition to Dharma and is personified as a force that promotes chaos, confusion, and negative behaviors.[7] (2) The opposite of Dharma, which leads to misfortune and should be avoided according to the teachings expressed.[8]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Actions that contravene ethical or moral duties, often resulting from inappropriate desires.[9] (2) The concept of incorrect action or a state of being that contributes to misconceptions.[10] (3) A concept referring to actions or conditions that are sinful or contrary to righteousness, which can contribute to the confusion and emergence of doubt.[11] (4) A quality of the Self that is conducive to sin and undesirable results, imperceptible, and destructible through the cognition of pain resulting from it.[12] (5) Immoral or unethical behavior that results from aversion towards others who uphold righteous conduct.[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Actions or qualities that are contrary to Dharma, often resulting in negative consequences.[14] (2) The concept of sin or wrong-doing that is central to the discussion at hand.[15] (3) A term often associated with moral and ethical conduct, referenced in the context of quoting Manu's verses.[16] (4) The opposite of Dharma, representing unrighteousness or actions that contradict moral and ethical obligations.[17]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The opposite of Dharma, referring to wrongful action or behavior that disrupts the cosmic order and leads to suffering.[18] (2) The concept of disorder or wrongdoing that stands in contrast to Dharma, representing selfish behavior leading to chaos and suffering.[19]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) That which is contrary to dharma, or the set of principles that goes against the foundational aspects of religion.[20]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The opposite of dharma, referring to chaos, immorality, or disorder.[21]
Jain concept of 'Adharma'
In Jainism, Adharma signifies the antithesis of Dharma, embodying chaos and disorder. It also serves as a medium that affects the stability and persistence of various substances within the universe.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The medium of rest that influences the stability and persistence of substances.[22]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The opposite of Dharma, representing chaos and disorder, also co-extensive with the world.[23]
The concept of Adharma in local and regional sources
Adharma embodies untruth and moral wrongness, opposing Dharma by signifying disorderly conduct and actions that undermine societal ethics. It reflects behaviors contrary to cosmic law, attracting punishment from deities like Varuna.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The concept representing disorderly conduct, immorality, or actions contrary to Dharma.[24] (2) The concept of untruth or moral wrong, representing the opposite of Dharma.[25] (3) A concept representing actions or behaviors that undermine the ethical fabric of society.[26]