Significance of Clinging to rules and rituals
Clinging to rules and ritual, according to Theravada, is viewed as a defilement that hinders authentic spiritual growth by promoting strict adherence to practices without comprehension. This attachment misleads individuals into thinking that specific rituals are essential for achieving enlightenment. Additionally, it fosters wrong views and obstructs the proper understanding necessary for spiritual progress. Ultimately, such clinging can derail practitioners from the true essence of their path.
Synonyms: Observance of norms
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Buddhist concept of 'Clinging to rules and rituals'
Clinging to rules and ritual in Buddhism signifies an attachment to practices that lacks understanding, hindering spiritual growth, fostering wrong views, and misleading individuals into believing rituals are essential for enlightenment.
From: Cetasikas
(1) A form of wrong practice and a tie that misleads individuals into believing certain rituals are necessary for enlightenment.[1] (2) An attachment that can lead to wrong practice and prevent the eradication of wrong views and other akusala dhammas.[2]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A type of defilement that involves adhering strictly to practices without understanding their significance, which impedes genuine spiritual progress.[3]