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Significance of Repentance

Repentance, as discussed across various philosophical and religious contexts, fundamentally involves feeling remorse for past actions and seeking atonement. In Vaishnavism, it represents a desire for change influenced by regret. The Purana emphasizes it as essential for expiation, while Yoga and Dharmashastra highlight its role in achieving moral improvement and true renunciation. Mahayana and Theravada also recognize repentance as crucial for healing and behavioral change. Overall, repentance serves as a vital process for self-awareness and spiritual purification across traditions.1
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Synonyms: Contrition, Remorse, Regret, Penitence, Atonement, Guilt, Sorrow, Apology, Penance

In Dutch: Berouw; In Finnish: Katumus; In Spanish: Arrepentimiento; In German: 叠耻脽别; In Malay: Taubat; In Swedish: 脜苍驳别谤; In French: Repentir

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Repentance'

Buddhism Books

Repentance in Buddhism encompasses feelings of regret and guilt for misdeeds, prompting remorse and acknowledgment of wrongdoing. It emphasizes the desire for atonement and behavioral change, critical for healing and forgiveness.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The feeling of regret that the Brahmin experiences at the end of the tale as he reflects on his life.[1] (2) The feeling of regret that individuals experience for past actions or omissions, especially regarding their obligations to family and elders.[2] (3) The sincere regret or remorse for past actions, prompting a desire to change one鈥檚 behavior for the better.[3]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The feeling of regret or guilt for one's misdeeds, which causes suffering for the evil doer both in this life and in the afterlife.[4] (2) The feeling of regret that arises from actions taken without awareness of potential negative outcomes.[5]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The feeling of remorse experienced by the terrestrial deva who assumed responsibility for his actions that led to misunderstanding.[6]

From: Cetasikas

(1) Repentance is recognized as the characteristic of regret (kukkucca), which represents sorrow for past misdeeds and shortcomings.[7]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) Acknowledgment of wrongdoing accompanied by a desire to atone, emphasized as a critical step for the king to seek forgiveness and healing.[8]

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) The act of feeling remorse for past actions, which can lead to exceptions in the application of precepts.[9]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The feeling of regret experienced by the brahmin for violating dietary purity.[10]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Repentance'

Hinduism Books

Repentance in Hinduism involves feeling remorse for sins, essential for true renunciation. It includes seeking atonement, acknowledging wrongdoings, and engaging in spiritual practices to attain forgiveness and moral improvement.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The act of feeling remorse for past sins or wrongdoings and striving for moral improvement.[11] (2) The feeling of regret that initiates the process of returning a purchased item either by the buyer or the seller.[12] (3) A state of dejection of mind expressed through feelings of regret for committing a misdeed.[13] (4) The emotional and cognitive process of feeling remorse for sins committed, which is necessary before true renunciation can take place.[14]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Yoga (school of philosophy):
Yoga Books

From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja鈥檚 Rajamartanda)

(1) An alternate meaning of 'anushaya,' which may imply a sense of remorse, though this interpretation is deemed less relevant in the given context.[15]

Yoga is originally considered a branch of Hindu philosophy (astika), but both ancient and modern Yoga combine the physical, mental and spiritual. Yoga teaches various physical techniques also known as asanas (postures), used for various purposes (eg., meditation, contemplation, relaxation).

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The feeling of remorse or regret for past actions, often leading to a desire for change and atonement.[16]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A state of reflecting on past actions and casting off cheerlessness, which Arjuna is encouraged to undertake.[17]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Repentance in local and regional sources

History Books

Repentance is a profound theme in the text, illustrating its role in self-reflection, moral awareness, and spiritual purification across different narratives. It serves as a pathway to personal growth and redemption in various cultural contexts.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The act of expressing sincere remorse for past mistakes or wrongdoings, particularly in the context of moral failures.[18] (2) The act of sincerely feeling remorse for one's actions, influencing Shanta Brahmani's refusal of food.[19] (3) A feeling that filled Kamal's mind as he reached the sacred pond, indicating his reflections on his actions and path.[20] (4) The feeling of remorse or regret that Narsi Meheta experiences after being admonished for his behavior.[21]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A theme highlighted in Narayan's works as a crucial step for achieving self-awareness and purification of the soul for salvation.[22]

The concept of Repentance in scientific sources

Science Books

Repentance involves expressing regret for one's actions, serving as a crucial component of rehabilitation. It emphasizes accountability and the desire for personal growth, ultimately facilitating positive change and fostering emotional healing.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) The act of expressing regret for wrongdoing, a key element in the rehabilitation process.[23]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.