Significance of Corruption
Corruption has various interpretations across different contexts. In Mahayana Buddhism, it signifies the impurities that hinder enlightenment, while in Theravada, it refers to defilements that an Arahat has eliminated, alongside traits leading to attachment. In Indian society, corruption encapsulates the abuse of power by officials for personal gain, marked by moral decay and unethical behavior. It poses significant concerns for governance and public trust, highlighting integrity issues and the erosion of democratic institutions in India.
Synonyms: Dishonesty, Deceit, Malpractice, Misconduct, Immorality
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Corruption'
In Buddhism, Corruption signifies negative traits and actions fostering attachment, impurities hindering enlightenment, and the complete eradication of these by an Arahat, distinguishing them from worldly beings pursuing spiritual growth.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Negative traits or actions that lead to attachment and unwholesomeness, which the wise seek to eliminate.[1]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) Defilements and impurities that an Arahat has completely eradicated, distinguishing them from still worldly beings.[2]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The defilements or impurities that obstruct sentient beings from their path to enlightenment.[3]
The concept of Corruption in local and regional sources
Corruption encompasses the abuse of power for personal gain, undermining legal trust, facilitating dishonesty, and challenging democratic integrity, particularly highlighted in Professor Venkatarangaiya's concerns about India's political and governance landscape.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The unethical practice prevalent in the human judicial and governmental systems, pointed out by the animal discussions.[4] (2) The misuse of power by officials, which hampers the implementation of land reform legislation and the equitable distribution of surplus land.[5] (3) The abuse of power by a public official for private gain, characterized by moral perversion, lack of integrity, or susceptibility to bribery.[6] (4) The abuse of power for personal gain that undermines the enforcement of laws and the trust in the legal system.[7] (5) The moral decay in society that challenges characters like Obi, leading to personal crises and ethical dilemmas.[8]