Significance of Discrimination
Discrimination varies across different philosophical and religious contexts. In Jainism, it pertains to judgment and decision-making influenced by love. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes the ability to differentiate potential partners, while Vaishnavism associates it with spiritual discernment and social equity. The Purana refers to the distinction between real and unreal, while Natyashastra highlights judgment among qualities. In Yoga, it emphasizes distinguishing essence from illusions, and in Vedanta, it is key for discerning true self from false existence. Overall, discrimination encapsulates both distinguishing qualities and the importance of equal treatment across various frameworks.
Synonyms: Prejudice, Inequality, Intolerance, Bigotry, Exclusion, Unfairness
In French: Discrimination; In Dutch: Discriminatie; In Finnish: 厂测谤箩颈苍迟盲; In Spanish: 顿颈蝉肠谤颈尘颈苍补肠颈贸苍; In German: Diskriminierung; In Swedish: Diskriminering; In Malay: Diskriminasi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Discrimination'
Discrimination in Buddhism encompasses the mental processes of distinguishing qualities and categorizing experiences, often linked to suffering and attachment. It challenges the principle of Metta and is seen as an obstacle to enlightenment.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The act of making distinctions based on perception, often seen as a source of suffering in Buddhist teachings.[1] (2) The cognitive process of distinguishing between concepts, often associated with ignorance or attachment to dualistic views.[2] (3) The mental process of categorizing and labeling experiences, often leading to attachment and misunderstanding in the context of Buddhist thought.[3] (4) The mental act of categorizing and distinguishing between perceived phenomena, which leads to misconceptions about reality.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Cognitive distinctions or judgments made by the mind.[5] (2) Judgments or classifications made by the mind that can give rise to attachments and confusion.[6] (3) The distinctions made by consciousness between different sensory experiences, categorized as attractive or unattractive, pleasing or displeasing.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ability to perceive differences, which is acknowledged even in various subtle forms.[8]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ability to differentiate between true and false views, particularly in understanding self and non-self.[9]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The act of making distinctions that can lead to confusion and suffering; considered an obstacle on the path to enlightenment.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The practice of making unfair distinctions, which is counter to the principle of Metta that embraces all equally.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Discrimination'
In Hinduism, discrimination encompasses spiritual discernment, recognizing true self-identity versus physical illusions, and distinguishing reality from falsehood. This capacity is essential for spiritual growth, critical thinking, and understanding the nature of existence.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ability to discern truth in the Vedantic method, which facilitates the realization of Brahman as the ultimate reality.[12] (2) The ability to differentiate between knowledge and ignorance that leads to the realization of the self's identity with the Supreme Reality.[13] (3) The ability to discern truth from falsehood, allowing a person to see beyond superficial appearances, akin to a man not seeing dirt in the sky.[14] (4) The capacity for critical thinking and understanding necessary for is reaching profound insights into spiritual truths.[15] (5) The ability to discern between reality and illusion, enabling wise individuals to understand the true nature of existence beyond perceived dualities.[16]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ability to distinguish between separate identities or origins, which is absent when beings attain unity.[17] (2) The ability to discern and critically evaluate the nature of experiences, as exhibited by Indra's contemplation of Prajapati's teachings.[18] (3) The ability to separate the real from the unreal, permanent from impermanent.[19]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process through which the aspirant distinguishes between the true self (Brahman) and the false layers of existence (sheaths).[20] (2) The ability to discern and make judgements, a quality more developed in humans than in animals.[21]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ability to distinguish between different identities or characteristics, which is not present in honey.[22] (2) The ability to differentiate between the true nature of the Self and the incorrect notions associated with the physical body and senses.[23]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The mental process of discerning the real from the unreal, which is the primary duty of a Sannyasin in their pursuit of knowledge.[24]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ability to discern the real nature of existence as opposed to its illusory aspects.[25]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The capacity to make discerning judgments, which is crucial in overcoming the tendency to repeat undesirable deeds.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The ability to discern the true nature of the self and the distinction between the temporary and the eternal.[27]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The absence of bias as both men and women participated equally in the sankirtana movement.[28] (2) The social division and judgment among the residents of Navadvipa based on cultural differences.[29]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of distinguishing or differentiating between the real and unreal, often associated with spiritual understanding.[30] (2) The ability to recognize and differentiate between various qualities, in this context referring to spiritual discernment.[31]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)
(1) The mental process of distinguishing and discerning during meditation, which can be disrupted by external thoughts.[32] (2) The process of distinguishing differences among entities, typically based on kind, character, and habitat.[33]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The process of distinguishing the objective essence from the Purusha, facilitating the non-painful modifications.[34]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The ability to discern and differentiate among thoughts and qualities, considered crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.[35]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ability to distinguish between the real (ultimate reality) and the unreal (impermanent world).[36]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The ability to discern truth from illusion and liberate the mind from suffering; it is depicted as the force that checks the uncontrolled mind.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ability to differentiate and ascertain true knowledge, particularly by refuting doubtful or opposing views.[38]
Jain concept of 'Discrimination'
In Jainism, Discrimination pertains to the ability to make sound judgments and decisions, emphasizing how external influences, like love, can challenge one's clarity and discernment in pursuing righteousness and truth.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The quality of judgment and decision-making, which the astrologer questioned in light of love's influence.[39]
The concept of Discrimination in local and regional sources
Discrimination encompasses unfair treatment based on language, unequal experiences in policies, caste inequalities opposed by the Bhakti movement, religious prejudice, and overall injustices leading to social and economic disparities among different groups.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The unfair treatment of students based on the medium of instruction, particularly against those without English proficiency.[40] (2) Unjust treatment of different categories of people, often leading to social and economic disparities.[41] (3) Unequal treatment that British ship owners claim they would experience as a result of the Coastal Reservation Bill.[42]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Discrimination between the real and the unreal is necessary when thoughts of wealth and fame arise, and it should be practiced even in dreams, as the sword of discrimination is kept at the head of the bed.[43] (2) According to Ramanuja, this involves discerning between various things, including pure and impure food, and it is a crucial aspect of the path towards spiritual attainment, as described in the context.[44] (3) According to Ramanuja, this is the act of distinguishing between different things, including pure and impure food, which is a critical aspect.[45]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The social injustices that the Bhakti movement opposed, advocating equality among individuals regardless of caste.[46]