Significance of Discrimination
Discrimination, as explored across various philosophical and religious traditions, encompasses numerous interpretations and implications. In Jainism, it relates to judgment and decision-making, while in Tibetan Buddhism, it involves assessing potential partners' qualities. Vaishnavism emphasizes biaslessness in social movements and spiritual discernment. Purana focuses on distinguishing reality from illusion, a theme echoed in Yoga and Vedanta, where it is crucial for spiritual understanding and growth. In Mahayana Buddhism, discrimination addresses the distinctions that can lead to confusion, while historical contexts highlight social injustices the Bhakti movement sought to combat.
Synonyms: Prejudice, Intolerance, Exclusion, Unfairness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Discrimination'
In Buddhism, discrimination encompasses a mental process of categorizing experiences and making distinctions that can foster attachment and confusion, ultimately obstructing enlightenment. It contradicts the principle of Metta, promoting unfair distinctions and suffering.
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) The act of making distinctions based on perception, often seen as a source of suffering in Buddhist teachings.[1] (2) The cognitive process of distinguishing between concepts, often associated with ignorance or attachment to dualistic views.[2] (3) The mental process of categorizing and labeling experiences, often leading to attachment and misunderstanding in the context of Buddhist thought.[3] (4) The mental act of categorizing and distinguishing between perceived phenomena, which leads to misconceptions about reality.[4]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Cognitive distinctions or judgments made by the mind.[5] (2) Judgments or classifications made by the mind that can give rise to attachments and confusion.[6] (3) The distinctions made by consciousness between different sensory experiences, categorized as attractive or unattractive, pleasing or displeasing.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ability to perceive differences, which is acknowledged even in various subtle forms.[8]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ability to differentiate between true and false views, particularly in understanding self and non-self.[9]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The act of making distinctions that can lead to confusion and suffering; considered an obstacle on the path to enlightenment.[10]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The ability to differentiate between various qualities of potential partners in the context of sexual union.[11]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The practice of making unfair distinctions, which is counter to the principle of Metta that embraces all equally.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Discrimination'
Discrimination in Hinduism encompasses the ability to discern reality from illusion, the true self from false identities, and essential spiritual truths from misconceptions, fostering critical thinking crucial for personal and spiritual growth.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ability to discern truth in the Vedantic method, which facilitates the realization of Brahman as the ultimate reality.[13] (2) The ability to differentiate between knowledge and ignorance that leads to the realization of the self's identity with the Supreme Reality.[14] (3) The ability to discern truth from falsehood, allowing a person to see beyond superficial appearances, akin to a man not seeing dirt in the sky.[15] (4) The capacity for critical thinking and understanding necessary for is reaching profound insights into spiritual truths.[16] (5) The ability to discern between reality and illusion, enabling wise individuals to understand the true nature of existence beyond perceived dualities.[17]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The ability to distinguish between separate identities or origins, which is absent when beings attain unity.[18] (2) The ability to discern and critically evaluate the nature of experiences, as exhibited by Indra's contemplation of Prajapati's teachings.[19] (3) The ability to separate the real from the unreal, permanent from impermanent.[20]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The process through which the aspirant distinguishes between the true self (Brahman) and the false layers of existence (sheaths).[21] (2) The ability to discern and make judgements, a quality more developed in humans than in animals.[22]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ability to distinguish between different identities or characteristics, which is not present in honey.[23] (2) The ability to differentiate between the true nature of the Self and the incorrect notions associated with the physical body and senses.[24]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The mental process of discerning the real from the unreal, which is the primary duty of a Sannyasin in their pursuit of knowledge.[25]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The ability to discern the real nature of existence as opposed to its illusory aspects.[26]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) The capacity to make discerning judgments, which is crucial in overcoming the tendency to repeat undesirable deeds.[27]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The ability to discern the true nature of the self and the distinction between the temporary and the eternal.[28]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The mental process of distinguishing and discerning during meditation, which can be disrupted by external thoughts.[29] (2) The process of distinguishing differences among entities, typically based on kind, character, and habitat.[30]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The process of distinguishing the objective essence from the Purusha, facilitating the non-painful modifications.[31]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The ability to discern and differentiate among thoughts and qualities, considered crucial for spiritual growth and understanding.[32]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The absence of bias as both men and women participated equally in the sankirtana movement.[33] (2) The social division and judgment among the residents of Navadvipa based on cultural differences.[34]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The act of distinguishing or differentiating between the real and unreal, often associated with spiritual understanding.[35] (2) The ability to recognize and differentiate between various qualities, in this context referring to spiritual discernment.[36]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ability to distinguish between the real (ultimate reality) and the unreal (impermanent world).[37]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The ability to discern truth from illusion and liberate the mind from suffering; it is depicted as the force that checks the uncontrolled mind.[38]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) The ability to distinguish or judge between different qualities or merits, which is absent in characters described as thoughtless or struck by fate.[39]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The ability to differentiate and ascertain true knowledge, particularly by refuting doubtful or opposing views.[40]
Jain concept of 'Discrimination'
In Jainism, Discrimination is seen as the quality of judgment and decision-making, highlighting the importance of clarity and discernment in choices, particularly when influenced by emotions like love. This underlines the balance between rational thought and emotional factors.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The quality of judgment and decision-making, which the astrologer questioned in light of love's influence.[41]
The concept of Discrimination in local and regional sources
Discrimination involves prejudice against Bon religion adherents due to perceived cultural superiority in Tibetan society and addresses social injustices that the Bhakti movement fought against, promoting equality beyond caste distinctions.
From: Tibet (Myth, Religion and History)
(1) Prejudice faced by adherents of the Bon religion in the context of Tibetan society's perception of superiority linked to Indian culture.[42]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The social injustices that the Bhakti movement opposed, advocating equality among individuals regardless of caste.[43]