Significance of False belief
False belief, or mithyadrishti, is a key concept in various philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Purana, Vedanta, Mahayana, Theravada, and Indian history. It encompasses misconceptions and erroneous understandings that hinder spiritual progress and lead to suffering. These false beliefs can manifest as misguided perceptions about the self, reality, and morality, often resulting in negative emotional states and conflicts. They obstruct true understanding and enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of aligning beliefs with authentic teachings for liberation.
Synonyms: Misconception, Delusion, Fallacy, Mistaken belief, Erroneous belief, False impression, Misunderstanding, Illusion, Mistaken idea
In Dutch: Vals geloof; In Finnish: Väärä usko; In Spanish: Falsa creencia; In German: Falscher Glaube; In Spanish: Creencia falsa; In Malay: Kepercayaan palsu; In Swedish: Falsk tro; In French: Fausse croyance
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'False belief'
False belief in Buddhism encompasses misconceptions about self and reality, which hinder spiritual progress and lead to suffering. It includes misguided ideas, incorrect practices, and delusions preventing true understanding, ultimately contributing to ignorance and detrimental consequences.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Misconceptions that arise in connection to craving, including the belief in ego and the efficacy of practices other than those of the Eightfold Path.[1] (2) An erroneous conviction that opposes established truths about moral actions and their consequences.[2] (3) Misguided ideas and practices that deviate from true teachings and can lead followers further into ignorance and suffering.[3] (4) False beliefs are misconceptions about the nature of self and reality, which can hinder spiritual progress and lead to suffering.[4] (5) A misguided understanding or acceptance of practices that do not lead to genuine salvation or liberation.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Misconceptions that can hinder one's spiritual journey and understanding.[6] (2) Misconceptions or incorrect understandings that can negatively influence a person’s choices and detrimental consequences.[7] (3) Beliefs that embrace what is incorrect or see faults where there are none, leading beings to duggati (woeful states).[8]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Beliefs that are not based on true faith or understanding of Dhamma, often resulting from ignorance or delusion.[9]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Misguided views about morality and actions, as exemplified by characters like King Abhaya and merchant Dhruva.[10]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The misconception associated with the belief in an unchanging self (atman), which is deemed erroneous in higher understanding.[11]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Misconceptions regarding the reality of objects or identities that contribute to suffering and delusion.[12]
Hindu concept of 'False belief'
False belief in Hinduism encompasses misconceptions that distort reality, create an illusion of separation from the divine, perpetuate misunderstandings about identity and material existence, and obstruct true spiritual understanding and liberation.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Misconceptions or false understandings that are held as truth.[13] (2) The mistaken perception that one is separate from or distinct from the divine nature.[14] (3) Illusions or misconceptions about reality that hinder true understanding and liberation.[15] (4) The mistaken understanding of the body as a permanent reality, which is dissolved upon realizing desires are simply illusions.[16] (5) The mistaken notion of corporeality and material ownership that hinders spiritual enlightenment.[17]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) A misconception or misjudgment about someone, leading to disappointment.[18]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A misunderstanding or incorrect perception that arises from neglecting one's real nature.[19]
Jain concept of 'False belief'
False belief in Jainism signifies misguided faith in incorrect teachings that obstruct spiritual progress, leading to negative emotions and multiple rebirths. It represents a misinterpretation of truth, preventing individuals from realizing higher spiritual understanding.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An incorrect perception or understanding that contributes to negative emotions and discord.[20] (2) Misguided or incorrect faith in entities or practices that deviate from true spiritual teachings.[21] (3) Misconceptions or erroneous understanding that can lead one astray in their spiritual path.[22] (4) A misguided perception that led Dhumaketu to suffer through multiple rebirths and failures to understand the truth.[23] (5) An erroneous understanding that Jamali expressed concerning the nature of action and being.[24]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) False belief (mithyadrishti) refers to the misperception bound by karma that prevents individuals from attaining higher spiritual truths.[25]
The concept of False belief in local and regional sources
False belief encompasses misleading doctrines that undermine society, as critiqued by Jayadev, and the mistaken idea that equates scientific progress exclusively with national power, highlighting its potential to distort understanding and priorities.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Incorrect or misleading doctrines that lead to societal disintegration, targeted by Jayadev in his critique.[26] (2) A mistaken notion that equates scientific advancement solely with national strength and security.[27]