Significance of Cruelty
Cruelty is defined across various philosophical and religious contexts as the intentional infliction of suffering on living beings. In Jainism and Tibetan Buddhism, it is highlighted as a significant sin, denoting behavior that intentionally harms others. The Purana emphasizes that engaging in cruelty leads to severe punishment. Dharmashastra associates it with greed and a lack of empathy, while Theravada views it as harmful to wealth and overall well-being. Additionally, Indian history reflects on cruelty as a quality that evokes suffering.
Synonyms: Brutality, Savagery, Inhumanity, Wickedness, Barbarity, Heartlessness, Callousness, Malice, Harshness, Ruthlessness, Mercilessness, Malevolence, Viciousness
In Dutch: Wreedheid; In Finnish: Julmuus; In Spanish: Crueldad; In German: Grausamkeit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Cruelty'
In Buddhism, cruelty is defined as intentional behavior that inflicts suffering on others, categorized among the Ten Sins. It is viewed as damaging, leading to loss of wealth and overall harm to individuals and society.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Cruelty refers to behavior that intentionally causes suffering to others, which is also listed among the Ten Sins.[1]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Cruelty is highlighted as a detrimental practice that contributes to the loss of wealth and is regarded as harmful.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Cruelty'
In Hinduism, cruelty is seen as a trait linked to greed and injury towards others, marked by a lack of empathy, resulting in severe consequences in Yama's realm, driven by anger and hatred.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Harshness or actions stemming from anger that is fueled by hatred.[3] (2) A trait associated with greed and the act of injuring others, demonstrating a lack of empathy.[4]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Cruelty is the infliction of pain and the eventual destruction of all creatures, which, if part of the Lord's dispensation, would lead to accusations of a quality even disliked by common people.[5]
Jain concept of 'Cruelty'
In Jainism, cruelty is understood as the deliberate causing of suffering to any living being, highlighting its significance in moral teachings and the concept of sin, emphasizing compassion and non-violence.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The intentional infliction of suffering or harm upon other living beings, a central theme in discussions of sin within the text.[6]
The concept of Cruelty in local and regional sources
Cruelty embodies the essence of inflicting pain or suffering, emphasizing the moral implications of actions that cause distress, as highlighted in the context of the Sun's scrutinizing gaze on individuals' experiences.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The quality of causing suffering or pain, as questioned by the Sun regarding its gaze.[7]