Significance of Doubt
Synonyms: Hesitation, Skepticism, Mistrust, Suspicion, Indecision, Disbelief
In Spanish: Duda; In Dutch: Twijfel; In Finnish: ·¡±èä¾±±ô±ôä; In German: Zweifeln; In Swedish: Tvivel; In Malay: Keraguan; In French: Doute
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Doubt'
In Buddhism, "Doubt" signifies a pervasive uncertainty about meditation, teachings, and spiritual truths, acting as a significant hindrance to progress and understanding. This mental obstacle complicates commitment to the spiritual path and can disrupt decisiveness.
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A mental condition that can hinder decisiveness and is excluded from certain types of conscious experience.[1] (2) A mental hindrance that can be suspended during the deep concentration achieved in Jhana.[2] (3) A state of uncertainty about beliefs or actions, leading to confusion and hesitation.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) A state of uncertainty that can lead to different consequences based on the monk's decision regarding the nature of the sleeping-room.[4]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A state of uncertainty regarding spiritual truths, teachings, or one's practice that creates obstacles to progress.[5]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A hindrance characterized by uncertainty about the teachings of the Buddha, which obstructs nurturing understanding.[6]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun� rules)
(1) The uncertainty regarding whether the robe has been given up or not, which affects the ruling on the behaviour of the nun.[7]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The uncertainty experienced by monks regarding the appropriateness of inviting others.[8]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Uncertainty regarding one's path and practices, forming part of Mara's Seventh Army, which hinders progress.[9]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Vicikitsa; uncertainties or hesitations about beliefs and practices that can hinder one's spiritual progress.[10] (2) The state of uncertainty concerning the existence of nirvana.[11] (3) A lack of conviction or uncertainty regarding meditation practices, considered another obstacle to achieving a meditative state.[12]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A mental state of uncertainty regarding beliefs or teachings, particularly in relation to the nature of reality.[13]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A hindrance that creates uncertainty and can impede one's commitment to the spiritual path.[14]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An uncertainty regarding a fact or concept, specifically referenced in the form of the term ‘Areka� in Kamalashila’s commentary.[15]
Hindu concept of 'Doubt'
In Hinduism, Doubt represents a cognitive state marked by uncertainty regarding beliefs, existence, and relationships, often undermining virtue and personal growth. It reflects confusion between perceptions and demands careful examination to seek truth and clarity.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about Radha's status, which the speaker claims to have overcome.[16] (2) A feeling of uncertainty, which the text assures does not apply to the attainment of Krishna.[17] (3) The certainty expressed regarding the inevitability of the separation due to the curse.[18] (4) the feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction that Nanda experienced upon realizing the necklaces were fewer than expected.[19] (5) A feeling of uncertainty regarding a situation or outcome.[20]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A feeling of uncertainty that requires careful attention from individuals to understand the truth revealed by Lord Gaura.[21]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The uncertainty experienced by individuals, particularly regarding their ability to maintain dedication amidst obstacles.[22]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This is something that the word 'but' discards in the discussion of the superintending deities, indicating a clarification or resolution in the argument.[23] (2) A state of uncertainty regarding whether the individual soul is produced from Brahman or exists independently and eternally.[24]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Questions or uncertainties regarding the nature of the Self and its relation to the physical world.[25]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Uncertainty or lack of conviction concerning one's beliefs or the nature of reality.[26]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A state of uncertainty or indecision regarding an object's nature or existence.[27]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A cognitive uncertainty that arises when a person perceives similar properties in two distinct objects but fails to recognize their distinctive features, leading to a pondering question of which object is being perceived.[28] (2) A cognitive state that involves uncertainty between two recognized objects, characterized by the remembrance of their peculiar traits.[29]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A destructive force that undermines virtue and wealth, creating a significant barrier to personal growth.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A disposition of the thinking principle that vacillates between both sides of a question, affecting the practice of Yoga.[31]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A state of knowledge characterized by uncertainty caused by lack of distinctive attributes or conflicting evidence.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the uncertainty regarding the paternity and maternity of the child when either the man or the woman is absent.[33]
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) This keyword refers to the state of uncertainty or lack of conviction, which is considered an aspect of the twelfth house in astrological judgments, as explained in the given text.[34]
The concept of Doubt in local and regional sources
Doubt is depicted as a multifaceted concept, representing uncertainties resolved through spiritual guidance, personal skepticism about promised blessings, and a hindrance to progress and unity among individuals, as illustrated in the text.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Questions or uncertainties that were alleviated through the spiritual instruction received by the devotees.[35] (2) The uncertainty expressed by Jaitpal's wife regarding the blessings and future promised by Tulsidas.[36]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An enemy that hinders progress and creates barriers to understanding and unity among humanity.[37]