Significance of Carelessness
Carelessness is interpreted across various spiritual and philosophical traditions. In Jainism, it signifies a lack of attention resulting in harm. Vaishnavism views it as equating mundane actions with deeper meanings, while Yoga associates it with distraction in meditation and resulting negligence. Dharmashastra highlights its potential to weaken leadership and result in recklessness, neglect of responsibilities, and spiritual duties. Theravada presents carelessness as the lack of caution leading to misfortunes. Overall, it represents negligence impacting actions and relationships.
Synonyms: Negligence, Disregard, Recklessness, Thoughtlessness, Unmindfulness, Indifference., Heedlessness, Inattention, Indifference, Laxity
In Dutch: Onzorgvuldigheid; In Finnish: Huolimattomuus; In Spanish: Descuido; In German: Nachlässigkeit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Carelessness'
In Buddhism, Carelessness signifies a lack of awareness or attention, suggesting that one's misfortunes stem from personal negligence rather than external forces, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and caution in daily life.
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A lack of caution or attention, described as the reason a man might stumble and fall rather than the anger of the earth.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Carelessness'
In Hinduism, Carelessness encompasses various forms of negligence, from neglecting animal welfare and spiritual duties to inattentiveness in meditation and responsibilities, leading to harmful actions, weakened positions, and potential sin accumulation.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to a form of negligence that can lead to a king's weakened position, associated with either choice of actions or failures.[2] (2) The lack of attention or precaution taken by a cowherd, leading to the loss of cattle.[3] (3) A circumstance under which a debtor might deny a debt not due to willful deceit, but simply forgetting or neglecting the obligation.[4] (4) Lack of attention or concern regarding one's responsibilities, which may influence the imposition of lower penalties.[5] (5) The lack of attention or diligence in observing spiritual duties and rituals, which may lead to sin.[6]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A lack of attention to detail or responsibility, resulting in reckless actions that may cause one to incur sin.[7]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A lack of exertion or indifference in performing meditation, leading to distraction.[8]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The want of resort to the means of trance.[9]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The attitude of equating ordinary pious activities with the transcendental name, showing inattentiveness to its significance.[10]
Jain concept of 'Carelessness'
In Jainism, Carelessness signifies a lack of attention that can result in negative consequences, highlighting the importance of carefulness and its role in preventing harm to others.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The opposite of carefulness, characterized by a lack of attention leading to potential harm to others.[11]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) Lack of concern or attention, which leads to negative outcomes.[12]