Significance of Criticism

Criticism, as examined through various perspectives, reflects a complex interplay of negative assessments and nuanced interpretations across different philosophical and religious contexts. In Jainism, it signifies a negative evaluation, while in Vaishnavism, it is associated with social perceptions that influenced significant events like Rama's rejection of Sita. Dharmashastra identifies criticism with questioning authority, and Mahayana links it to reputational damage. Theravada addresses disapproval from monks regarding teachings, and historical perspectives emphasize constructive evaluation of literature and art.1
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Synonyms: Censure, Condemnation, Critique, Reproach, Judgment, Review, Assessment, Analysis, Faultfinding, Evaluation

In Dutch: Kritiek; In Finnish: Kritiikkiä; In Spanish: Criti; In German: Kritik

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

Buddhist concept of 'Criticism'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Criticism encompasses the negative judgment experienced by liars due to tarnished reputations and societal status, as well as the disapproval voiced by women and monks towards Udayin's teachings about women.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) This is a form of negative judgment that the Buddha undergoes without changing, similar to how gold is treated.[1] (2) Negative evaluation suffered by liars, reflecting a damaged reputation and social standing.[2]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

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

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

(1) The expression of disapproval expressed by the women and monks regarding Udayin's teachings to women.[3]

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 'Criticism'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, criticism can be seen as a misunderstood form of glorification, as illustrated by Nityananda. It also highlights societal influence on decisions, such as Lord Rama's rejection of Sita due to public scrutiny, and encompasses questioning scriptural authority.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The criticism, originating from many mouths of the people, was the reason Lord Rama rejected Sita, which ultimately resulted in her being sent away to a forest area.[4]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Criticism against Nityananda is mentioned, with the text clarifying that what seems like criticism is, in fact, glorification, indicating a different interpretation.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) The act of raising doubts or questioning assertions, particularly concerning the authority or interpretation of scriptural texts.[6]

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.

Jain concept of 'Criticism'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Criticism, as captured by the term 'uddaha', signifies a negative evaluation or assessment, reflecting a viewpoint that emphasizes caution and discernment in judgments, aligning with the philosophical tenets of restraint and non-attachment.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Captured by 'uddaha', indicating a negative evaluation or assessment.[7]

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.

The concept of Criticism in local and regional sources

History Books

Criticism encompasses evaluating aesthetic values in literature, engaging in constructive interpretation within a Soviet context, and reflects a growing concern about declining efforts and accountability among leaders in the critique practice.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) This has grown in recent months, and even leaders acknowledge a decline in effort and a reluctance to take responsibility.[8] (2) This is an attempt to define and enjoy the aesthetic or characteristic values of literature, and it means to judge, to try, to prove, to test, and discriminate.[9] (3) The practice of evaluating and interpreting art and literature, which is encouraged within the Soviet context but should remain constructive.[10]