Significance of Deceit
Deceit, as defined in various philosophical and religious perspectives, encompasses dishonest actions aimed at fulfilling worldly desires and often leads to moral degradation. In Jainism, it is viewed as a cause of ignorance and low existence. Vaishnavism describes it as misleading behaviors connected to characters like Shri Krishna. Other texts like Purana and Dharmashastra highlight its association with malevolence and fraudulent transactions. Natyashastra and Kavya explore deceit in narrative contexts, illuminating its complex role in human interactions and moral dilemmas.
Synonyms: Deception, Fraud, Trickery, Falsehood, Deceitfulness, Dishonesty, Subterfuge, Guile, Duplicity, Cunning
In Malay: Tipu; In Swedish: Svek; In Dutch: Bedrog; In Finnish: Petos; In Spanish: ·¡²Ô²µ²¹Ã±´Ç; In German: Betrug; In French: Tromperie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Deceit'
In Buddhism, Deceit embodies dishonesty and trickery, viewed as an evil trait. It involves misleading others, exemplified by the brahmacarin's covert consumption of butter, highlighting the importance of transparency and truthfulness in one’s conduct.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Describes a person characterized by dishonesty or trickery, which is considered an evil quality.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The act of misleading others, as demonstrated by the brahmacarin's hidden consumption of butter.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Deceit'
In Hinduism, Deceit encompasses various meanings, including trickery, misrepresentation, and moral complexity in relationships, as seen in Krishna and Radha's dynamic, illustrating the nuanced portrayal of human behavior and ethical dilemmas in narratives.
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Exemplified in stories where characters are tricked due to their folly and lack of discernment.[3] (2) A tactic discussed by the ministers as a necessary evil to achieve their goals, despite the moral implications it carries.[4]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Describing something that is misleading or dishonest, applied here to the four goals of human life as perceived by the devotees.[5]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) A characterization of Shri Krishna as perceived by the cowherdesses; they accuse him of stealing away their minds and wealth without regard for their feelings.[6]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of misrepresenting facts, which characterizes fraudulent transactions and is essential to their identification.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The quality of being dishonest or misleading, common among those who are malevolent.[8]
Jain concept of 'Deceit'
In Jainism, Deceit encompasses dishonest behavior driven by material desires, undermining moral integrity and contributing to ignorance and a lower state of existence, emphasizing trickery and intentional misrepresentation in one's actions.
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Engaging in dishonest or misleading actions, impacting the moral standing of individual activities.[9]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Touted as a cause for ignorance and lowly existence; it is characterized by trickery and the intent to mislead others.[10]