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Significance of Harmfulness

Harmfulness, as defined in Dharmashastra, emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions that cause pain or injury to others, aligning with the principle of non-violence. This concept extends to avoiding harm even to those who may deserve punishment. In Mahayana philosophy, Harmfulness refers to the danger of becoming addicted to negative actions, which can divert Bodhisattvas from their compassionate and nurturing paths. Both perspectives stress the significance of non-harm as a virtue in ethical conduct.

Synonyms: Injury, Danger, Adverse effect, Toxicity, Peril, Malignancy

In Finnish: Haitallisuus; In Spanish: Nocividad

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

Buddhist concept of 'Harmfulness'

Buddhism Books

Harmfulness in Buddhism denotes the dangers of addiction to negative actions, which can divert Bodhisattvas from their essential nurturing and compassionate journeys, undermining their spiritual goals and growth.

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

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The addiction to negative actions that can lead Bodhisattvas astray from their nurturing and compassionate paths.[1]

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 'Harmfulness'

Hinduism Books

Harmfulness in Hinduism encompasses causing pain to others, emphasizing the principle of non-violence. It advocates avoiding harm even towards those who may deserve punishment, promoting compassion and restraint in interactions.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The attribute of causing pain or injury to others, which should be avoided.[2] (2) The principle of non-violence, indicating that one should not harm others, including those deserving of chastisement.[3]

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 Vaisheshika (school of philosophy):
Vaisheshika Books

From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali

(1) One of the prohibited actions in the scriptures which contributes to Adharma by negatively affecting others.[4]

Vaisheshika refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. Vaisheshika deals with subjects such as logic, epistemology, philosophy and expounds concepts similar to Buddhism in nature