Significance of Evil act
The concept of Evil act varies across different religious traditions, each emphasizing the detrimental consequences of harmful actions. In Jainism, it reflects personal negative behavior leading to misfortune, while Tibetan Buddhism highlights actions causing harm to others. Vaishnavism defines it as immoral acts hindering spiritual growth. The Purana elaborates on transgressions impacting caste and morality, while Mahayana associates it with negative karma. In Theravada, any harmful deed towards the virtuous is seen as self-destructive, showcasing a universal theme of moral accountability in these teachings.
Synonyms: Wicked deed, Immoral act, Sinful action, Nefarious act, Wrong deed, Felonious act, Wrongdoing, Misdeed, Immorality, Crime, Iniquity, Sin, Misconduct, Transgression
In Dutch: Kwaadaardige daad; In Finnish: Paha teko; In Spanish: Acto malvado; In German: B枚se Tat
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Evil act'
In Buddhism, an evil act encompasses actions contrary to Dharma, harmful deeds resulting from negative mental states, and immorality causing suffering, emphasizing moral restraint and their detrimental effects on karma and enlightenment.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Immoral behaviors that a person capable of lying can commit, as per the teachings mentioned in the text.[1] (2) A wrong-doing that one should not underestimate, regardless of its size.[2] (3) Actions that are harmful or destructive, representing a lack of moral restraint in Buddhist teachings.[3] (4) Any action that causes harm or suffering, which the Buddha advises against to avoid future suffering.[4] (5) Any harmful or wrongful deed directed toward a virtuous person which is destined to boomerang on the perpetrator.[5]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Actions that are morally wrong and are often the result of a belief in annihilation after death.[6]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Immoral or harmful actions that contribute to negative karma and suffering for individuals and their families.[7]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Actions that go against the principles of Dharma, leading individuals away from enlightenment.[8]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Actions that cause harm to others, which do not produce positive impressions or outcomes in the intervolved chain of causation.[9]
Hindu concept of 'Evil act'
In Hinduism, "Evil act" encompasses unrighteous deeds that hinder spiritual growth and lead to negative consequences. It includes harmful intentions, immoral behaviors, and wrongful actions, resulting in suffering, social downfall, and spiritual repercussions.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Refers to the wrongful actions committed by Duryodhana against the Pandavas, stirring conflict.[10] (2) Various forms of immoral behavior that originate from covetousness.[11] (3) Any action that is categorized as morally wrong or harmful, which arises due to covetousness.[12] (4) Wrongdoings committed against the Pandavas, which provoke Vrikodara's desire for revenge.[13] (5) Evil acts performed by any brother may lead to forfeiture of family shares and can bring infamy to the family lineage.[14]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A wrongful deed committed by the monarch that leads to negative consequences, including suffering and a loss of rightful support.[15] (2) The deed that Ravana committed, which Sita suggests will lead to his destruction.[16] (3) Describes the wrongful decision of the king to exile Rama, made under the influence of Queen Kaikeyi.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Negative actions that lead to disagreeable experiences or outcomes for an individual.[18] (2) An action that leads to unfavorable outcomes or negative experiences, resulting from unvirtuous intentions.[19]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The actual commission of harmful deeds that impede a person's spiritual progress.[20] (2) Immoral or wrong actions that are mentioned as typically persistent among the subjects in contrast to the virtuous nature of the sinner's daughter.[21]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Actions that are deemed harmful and can lead to the onset of insanity when committed.[22]
Jain concept of 'Evil act'
In Jainism, an "Evil act" is interpreted as actions that result from one's negativity, reflecting the consequences of personal misbehavior, as illustrated by Goshala's misfortunes, attributed to his own wrongful actions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The actions attributed by the Master to Goshala's misfortunes, suggesting that they stem from his own negative behavior.[23]
The concept of Evil act in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Evil act" suggests a significant wrongdoing, implying that attributing blame to a higher power, like the Lord, can lead to perilous consequences, reflecting a misunderstanding of accountability and morality.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Laying the blame for this on the Lord is a most dangerous idea.[24]