Significance of Bad action
The concept of Bad action is prevalent across various philosophies, including Buddhism, Jainism, and others. It encompasses actions that lead to suffering, moral decline, and negative karmic outcomes. Such actions are characterized by harmful intent, immorality, and negative traits like greed and anger. They not only hinder spiritual progress but also result in unfavorable consequences for the individual. Across teachings, Bad action is often highlighted as a pivotal concern, urging individuals to refrain from these detrimental behaviors and pursue virtuous paths.
Synonyms: Misdeed, Wrongdoing, Offense, Transgression, Violation, Misbehavior, Misconduct, Malpractice, Fault
In Dutch: Slechte actie; In Finnish: Huono toiminta; In Spanish: Mala acción
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bad action'
In Buddhism, "Bad action" encompasses evil deeds stemming from negative intentions that lead to self-destruction, adverse karma, and suffering. Such actions hinder spiritual growth and result in lower realms of existence.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Negative deeds that one undertakes, which lead to specific consequences that affect only the individual who performed them.[1] (2) Refers to wrongful acts that lead to negative consequences or suffering, contrasting with good dharmas.[2] (3) Refers to negative deeds (dushkrita) that arise from greed, hatred, and ignorance, which lead beings to adverse karmic outcomes and rebirth in suffering realms.[3] (4) Actions seen as harmful (akushalakarman) which the bodhisattva understands to be empty and without inherent nature.[4] (5) Actions taken with negative intentions leading to adverse karmic consequences.[5]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) Actions that lead to negative consequences, which Bali acknowledges in his confession.[6]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Unvirtuous deeds that can lead to negative karma and suffering in future lives.[7]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) Bad action is pernicious and corresponds to demeritorious actions.[8]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Evil deeds that originate from an individual and ultimately lead to their self-destruction, akin to rust consuming iron.[9] (2) Negative deeds that are easily performed, as emphasized in the teachings of the Buddha.[10] (3) Refers to the moral transgressions committed by King Suppabuddha, demonstrating that one's deeds cannot be escaped regardless of attempts.[11]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Actions categorized as akusala which lead to negative outcomes within the framework of Buddhist teachings.[12]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Negative deeds that hinder holy Dharma and distract the mind from virtuous pursuits.[13] (2) Negative behaviors that result in suffering and contribute to lower realms of existence.[14] (3) Ten specific actions that result in falling from higher to lower realms and cause suffering.[15] (4) Actions that are detrimental and lead to negative consequences, including cutting off life, taking what is not given, wrongful sex, lies, slander, harsh or frivolous speech, covetous thoughts, malice, and wrong views.[16]
Hindu concept of 'Bad action'
In Hinduism, "Bad action" encompasses negative traits like lust and anger, leading to adverse outcomes, spiritual hindrance, and moral decline. Such actions, deemed sinful, affect one's lifespan and perception of divinity, yet do not taint the true Self.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Behaviors or decisions that go against moral or ethical standards, particularly expected of a devoted wife.[17]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Negatively oriented actions performed with a sinful mind that result in unfavorable consequences.[18]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Refers to the negative behavior exhibited by the brahmin Sanajjata, despite possessing a good mind inherited from his father.[19]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) Actions that hinder spiritual progress or cause harm to oneself or others.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A wrongful deed that leads to negative outcomes and can result in moral decline for an individual.[21]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Negative deeds that cannot taint or influence the Self, underscoring the Self's unaffected nature.[22]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Negative behaviors that individuals might associate with the true being of others, thereby influencing their perception of divinity.[23]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) Negative behaviors that can lead to a shortening of a human being's lifespan according to the provided text.[24]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Actions considered sinful (dushkarma) that result in suffering in this life and punishment after death.[25]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Actions that stem from negative traits such as lust, avarice, and anger, which can lead to adverse results.[26]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) Actions indicated by the Veda to be harmful and should therefore be avoided.[27]
Jain concept of 'Bad action'
In Jainism, Bad action signifies behaviors linked to negative influences, immoral acts leading to adverse karmic effects, and actions explicitly outlined as detrimental, emphasizing the importance of avoiding direct labeling of such misdeeds.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Descriptions of behaviors that lead to negative karmic outcomes and further suffering.[28] (2) A term for immoral behavior, which one should also refrain from labeling directly.[29]
From: Naladiyar
(1) Misdeeds that lead one to associate with negative influences.[30]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Actions identified in the text as negative, particularly those not involving bowing to the Teacher of the World.[31]
The concept of Bad action in local and regional sources
Bad action encompasses unwise behaviors that prudent individuals should steer clear of, including the folly of punishing the deceased and engaging in disputes abroad, reflecting poor judgment and the need for discernment in actions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Unwise behaviors that wise individuals should avoid, such as punishing a dead body or quarrels in foreign lands.[32]