Significance of Corruption
Corruption has various interpretations across different contexts. In Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, it signifies the impurities and negative traits hindering enlightenment and virtuous conduct. In the context of Indian history, it pertains to the misuse of power by public officials for personal gain, which severely impacts governance and public trust. This includes moral decay, unethical practices, and manipulation that challenge democracy and societal integrity, highlighting the urgent need for reform in political and judicial systems.
Synonyms: Fraud, Wrongdoing, Dishonesty, Malpractice, Graft, Misconduct, Exploitation, Deceit
In Dutch: Corruptie; In Finnish: Korruptio; In Spanish: °ä´Ç°ù°ù³Ü±è³¦¾±Ã³²Ô
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Corruption'
In Buddhism, corruption signifies defilements that Arahats have eradicated, negative traits obstructing enlightenment, and the impurities that worldly beings must eliminate to progress on their spiritual journey towards wisdom and liberation.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Negative traits or actions that lead to attachment and unwholesomeness, which the wise seek to eliminate.[1]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Defilements and impurities that an Arahat has completely eradicated, distinguishing them from still worldly beings.[2]
The concept of Corruption in local and regional sources
Corruption encompasses the abuse of power by public officials for personal gain, undermining trust in governance and the legal system. It leads to ethical dilemmas, hampers reforms, and threatens democratic integrity, particularly in India.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The abuse of power for personal gain that undermines public trust and effective governance.[3] (2) The unethical practice prevalent in the human judicial and governmental systems, pointed out by the animal discussions.[4] (3) The misuse of power by officials, which hampers the implementation of land reform legislation and the equitable distribution of surplus land.[5] (4) The abuse of power by a public official for private gain, characterized by moral perversion, lack of integrity, or susceptibility to bribery.[6] (5) The abuse of power for personal gain that undermines the enforcement of laws and the trust in the legal system.[7]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is what the reformation of Buddhism carried off from the times.[8]