Significance of Wrong belief
Wrong belief, or mithyadarshana in Jainism, refers to various forms of misperception that distort an individual's understanding of dharma and spirituality. It entails incorrect beliefs that misguide one鈥檚 spiritual journey, leading to harmful actions and moral decay. This erroneous state of mind is characterized by misconceptions about existence, pleasure, and life after death, ultimately diverting individuals from the true path of enlightenment. Overcoming wrong belief is essential for spiritual progress and aligning with true understanding.
Synonyms: False belief, Mistaken belief, Erroneous belief, Misconception, Fallacy, Delusion, Misunderstanding, Misbelief, Error, False impression, Mistaken idea
In Dutch: Verkeerde overtuiging; In Finnish: V盲盲r盲 usko; In Spanish: Creencia err贸nea; In German: Falscher Glaube
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wrong belief'
Wrong belief in Buddhism encompasses misconceptions about karma, reality, existence, and spiritual truths. It misguides individuals away from enlightenment and reinforces harmful practices, ultimately obstructing personal growth and understanding of the Dhamma.
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Erroneous views about the concepts of existence, particularly concerning the nature of the soul and the annihilation of being.[1] (2) Refers to misconceptions regarding fate and karma, particularly the erroneous idea that past kamma solely determines destiny.[2] (3) Misconceptions or false convictions about spiritual realities, including beliefs surrounding the soul and the existence of higher states like Nibbana.[3] (4) A false conviction about reality, such as the existence of an external creator or an eternal soul within beings, which reflects the misinterpretation that something absent is actually present.[4] (5) A dismissal of fundamental truths such as kamma and the Buddha's omniscience, leading to a form of total disbelief.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A misinformed assumption regarding reality that is detrimental to personal growth and wellbeing.[6] (2) Wrong beliefs are erroneous views that go against the teachings of the Buddha, leading individuals away from the right path.[7]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A misconception in Buddhist teachings that leads individuals to engage in harmful practices.[8] (2) A state of misunderstanding or misinterpretation that can lead to four specific lobha based dhammas.[9]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Misguided convictions held by individuals or sects that lead them away from wholesome teachings and understanding of the Dhamma.[10] (2) Misconceptions held by individuals, such as beliefs about existence, morality, and causality, which the Buddha aimed to correct.[11]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The mistaken understanding that Singalakamatu's son, Singalaka, had regarding worshipping the eight directions.[12]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A misconception or false understanding that leads individuals away from the true path of enlightenment.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Wrong belief'
In Hinduism, "Wrong belief" is interpreted as the misconception that one can fully comprehend Brahman, the ultimate reality, which is emphasized in various texts as an unattainable understanding.
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The idea that one can fully know Brahman, which is considered a misconception highlighted in the verses.[14]
Jain concept of 'Wrong belief'
Wrong belief in Jainism, or mithyadarshana, represents misconceptions that obstruct spiritual progression, distort truths, cause suffering, and misguide individuals away from dharma, requiring the cultivation of right belief to overcome these detrimental perceptions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A state of misperception affecting individuals' understanding of dharma and spirituality.[15] (2) Misconceptions or false opinions that divert individuals from the path of spiritual enlightenment.[16] (3) A state of mind that does not recognize the true principles of dharma.[17] (4) A type of deluding karma that pertains to incorrect beliefs.[18] (5) The mistaken ideology held by Citracula regarding the existence of virtue, vice, and soul.[19]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) A misconception or erroneous understanding that leads a soul to acquire different types of karmic bonds and perpetuates its cycle of existence.[20] (2) Mithyadarshana refers to a false understanding or erroneous belief, contrasting with right faith.[21] (3) Mithyadarshana; the opposite of right faith (samyagdarshana). It can be natural (naisargika) or derived from teaching (paropadeshapurvaka).[22] (4) A belief system that deviates from truth, leading to misconceptions and misguided conduct.[23] (5) Karma flowing into the soul due to erroneous perceptions, which can be altered by achieving higher spiritual states.[24]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Misinterpretations or misconceptions that lead individuals to harmful actions and moral decay.[25]
The concept of Wrong belief in local and regional sources
Wrong belief is an inaccurate conviction that obstructs spiritual advancement and devotion, as highlighted by regional sources. It emphasizes the importance of accurate understanding to facilitate one's spiritual journey and growth.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) An erroneous understanding or conviction that can hinder spiritual progress and devotion.[26]
The concept of Wrong belief in scientific sources
Wrong belief encompasses misconceptions and cultural myths about pregnancy and childbirth, potentially resulting in detrimental practices that adversely affect the health of mothers and infants, as highlighted by regional sources.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Misconceptions and cultural myths surrounding pregnancy and childbirth that may lead to harmful practices and poor health outcomes for mothers and infants.[27]