Significance of Contention

Contention, as understood in various spiritual contexts, has distinct meanings across different teachings. In Jainism, it involves debates on the classifications of householder (agari) and homeless ascetic (anagari) lifestyles. In Vedanta, contention pertains to arguments about the relationship between jiva and Brahman, focusing on their states of bondage. Meanwhile, in Theravada, contention highlights disagreements among monks, playing a crucial role in the narratives of the texts. Each perspective underscores the importance of debate and disagreement in spiritual growth and understanding.

Synonyms: Dispute, Argument, Disagreement, Conflict, Controversy, Struggle, Debate, Discord, Strife, Altercation

In Dutch: Conflict; In Finnish: Kiista; In Spanish: Contención; In German: Streit

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

Buddhist concept of 'Contention'

Buddhism Books

Contention in Buddhism indicates a state of disagreement or argument among monks, emphasizing its significance in the narrative. It reflects the challenges within the monastic community and underscores the importance of harmony in Buddhist practice.

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

From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)

(1) A term used to describe the state of disagreement or argument among the monks, which is central to the events narrated in the text.[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 'Contention'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Contention pertains to the debates surrounding the bond between jiva (individual soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality), focusing on their entanglements in bondage and the nature of their relationship.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika

(1) The argument or claim made regarding the relationship between jiva and Brahman and their states of bondage.[2]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Jain concept of 'Contention'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Contention signifies debates or disagreements about the classifications of householders (agari) and homeless ascetics (anagari), highlighting the complexities in understanding their spiritual roles and practices within the faith.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Contention refers to the debate or disagreement regarding the classification and understanding of householder–agari and homeless ascetic–anagari in spiritual context.[3]

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.