Significance of Bad mind

In both Vaishnavism and Mahayana Buddhism, Bad mind is characterized by undesirable or harmful mental states. In Vaishnavism, it refers to a mind filled with negative thoughts or behaviors, while Mahayana describes it as a consciousness affected by negative emotions that hinder spiritual progress. Additionally, Mahayana observes that Bad mind can also indicate minds facing consequences for bad actions, highlighting the connection between negative intentions and obstructive thoughts in spiritual development.

Synonyms: Malicious intent, Ill will, Malevolence, Hostility, Wickedness, Malevolent, Ill-intentioned, Spiteful, Wicked, Evil-minded

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 mind'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Bad mind" signifies a consciousness hindered by negative emotions and thoughts, obstructing spiritual growth, and reflects the repercussions of harmful actions stemming from negative intentions.

Significance of Bad minds in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):

Mahayana Books

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) A state of consciousness influenced by negative emotions or thoughts that obstruct spiritual progress.^[1]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Minds that undergo the retribution of bad actions, indicative of negative intentions and harmful thoughts.^[2]

From: Abhidharmakośa

(1) Enumerates the attributes of a consciousness afflicted by negative traits like error and non-diligence.^[3]

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.

Significance of Bad minds in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) The state of mind characterized by unwholesomeness and ignorance that leads individuals to commit wrong actions due to rising delusion.^[4] (2) Bad minds refer to negative thoughts and tendencies that stem from accumulated bad traits from past lives, making it difficult to change one’s mental state.^[5] (3) A bad mind is linked to immoral thoughts and feelings, leading to negative mental reactions.^[6]

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 'Bad mind'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Bad mind" signifies an undesirable state of consciousness characterized by negative thoughts and harmful behaviors, which can impede spiritual growth and well-being.

Significance of Bad minds in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) A mind that is regarded as undesirable or harmful due to negative thoughts or behaviors.^[7]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Plural form: Bad minds.

Last Updated: 28 September, 2024