Significance of Adversary

Adversary is a term with varied interpretations across different philosophical and literary contexts. In Jainism, it signifies an opponent filled with anger and passion. The Purana defines an adversary as a competitor in a conflict or battle. In Kavya literature, it describes an enemy in magical conflicts, presenting challenges for heroes. Meanwhile, in Theravada texts, an adversary is represented by the crane, contrasting it with the jackal, who serves as a true friend, highlighting the complexities of relationships.1
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Synonyms: Opponent, Antagonist, Foe, Competitor, Enemy, Challenger, Nemesis

In Dutch: Tegenstander; In Finnish: Vastustaja; In Spanish: Adversario; In German: Gegner

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

Buddhist concept of 'Adversary'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, the term "Adversary" symbolizes the crane, juxtaposed with the loyal jackal. This contrast highlights the nature of false friends versus true companionship, reflecting deeper themes of loyalty and deceit in relationships.

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

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A term used to describe the crane in the story, contrasting it with the jackal who was a true friend.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Adversary'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the term Adversary signifies an opponent or enemy, often embodying the challenges faced by the hero in magical conflicts and battles, serving as a vital element in the narrative of struggle and triumph.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) An opponent or enemy in the magical conflict, often representing a key source of challenge for the hero or the rescuer.[2]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or ‘epic poetry’ and natya, or ‘dramatic poetry’.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) An opponent or enemy in a conflict or battle.[3]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Jain concept of 'Adversary'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, the term "Adversary" denotes an opponent characterized by anger and passion, highlighting the internal struggles one faces, emphasizing the need for self-control and spiritual growth to overcome such negative influences.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A concept relating to one's opponent; the hymn suggests that a true adversary is one who is pervaded by anger and passion.[4]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.