Significance of Calumny

Calumny is defined across various texts as the act of making false and malicious statements intended to damage someone's reputation. In Jainism and Arthashastra, it refers to false accusations aimed at harming individuals. The Purana elaborates on calumny, detailing its potential consequences, including the fear of negative repercussions in life and afterlife. Dharmashastra condemns the act of spreading defamatory statements, while Theravada illustrates calumny with an example involving accusations against the Bodhisatta. Overall, calumny poses significant ethical and moral concerns.

Synonyms: Slander, Defamation, False accusation, Vilification, Character assassination

In Dutch: Laster; In Finnish: Röyhkeä; In Spanish: Calumnia; In German: Verleumdung

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

Buddhist concept of 'Calumny'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, calumny involves false and harmful accusations, exemplified by Kaliaka’s allegations against the Bodhisatta, emphasizing the significance of truth and moral integrity within Buddhist teachings.

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

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

(1) False and malicious accusations made by Kaliaka against the Bodhisatta.[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 'Calumny'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Calumny represents the act of spreading false statements that harm others' reputations, leading to severe repercussions, both socially and in the afterlife, emphasizing the significance of truthfulness and integrity in personal conduct.

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

From: Markandeya Purana

(1) The act of making false and defamatory statements, associated with certain children of Duhsaha.[2] (2) The false statements Dama fears people will spread about him condoning his father's death due to impotence.[3]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The act of making false and defamatory statements about others, which could have negative consequences.[4]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The false statements that may lead to Rama’s further distress, emphasizing the themes of reputation and public perception.[5]

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.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The act of spreading false and defamatory statements about someone, which is condemned in speech.[6]

From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra

(1) A fault that tends to destroy creatures.[7]

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 Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Kautilya Arthashastra

(1) A false accusation or misrepresentation intended to harm someone's reputation.[8]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Calumny'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, calumny is understood as the act of making false and harmful statements aimed at tarnishing an individual's reputation, highlighting the moral and ethical implications of such behavior within the faith's teachings.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Naladiyar

(1) False and malicious statements intended to damage someone's reputation.[9]

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.