Significance of Evil thought
Evil thought is a significant concept across various philosophical and religious frameworks, including Jainism, Purana, Dharmashastra, Mahayana, Theravada, and Indian history. It encompasses harmful intentions towards others, negative feelings, and destructive mental states that can lead to sin and suffering. Examples include Marici's recognition of his hostility towards sadhus, Indra's desire to seduce Ahalya, and the malicious plots of various figures against others. Ultimately, evil thoughts hinder spiritual growth and contribute to one's guilt, underscoring their impact on behavior and actions.
Synonyms: Malicious thought, Wicked thought, Nefarious scheme
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Evil thought'
Evil thought in Buddhism encompasses unwholesome mental states, negative intentions, and harmful feelings that disrupt spiritual growth and lead to suffering, emphasizing the detrimental link between thought and behavior while promoting avoidance of lust, hatred, and envy.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Negative or harmful thoughts that arise in one’s mind, which can be warded off through mindfulness.[1] (2) A negative mental inclination, often characterized by wishing for the misfortune of others regarding their desirable possessions.[2] (3) Negative feelings that occupy the mind of an envious person, wishing ill upon others or hoping for their downfall.[3] (4) Harmful or negative thoughts, particularly those involving desire or ill-will towards others.[4]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Evil thoughts represent harmful mental kamma, such as desires for ownership of others' property.[5] (2) Negative mental states that hinder spiritual progress and contribute to suffering.[6] (3) Negative or harmful thoughts that should be expelled through true dhammasavana.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Unwholesome mental states that can hinder spiritual growth and should be avoided by the monk.[8] (2) Negative or harmful thoughts that lead to negative actions and experiences, underscoring the link between thought and behavior.[9]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Thoughts of lust, hatred, and cruelty that should be avoided, as outlined by the Master in his guidance to the Brethren.[10]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) A harmful or negative intention that leads to suffering and pain, following the individual like a wheel follows an ox.[11]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) A negative idea that leads to suffering.[12]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Negative intentions or feelings which lead to suffering and detrimental consequences.[13]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Negative and destructive mental states that characterize the immoral man, compared to a dreadful demon.[14]
Hindu concept of 'Evil thought'
In Hinduism, "Evil thought" encompasses negative intentions, harmful contemplations, and destructive mindsets, influencing actions and leading to severe consequences, as seen in stories involving Indra, demons, and figures like Prahlada and Trita.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Sinful contemplations that Garuda feared might be the reason for his predicament.[15] (2) Negative or harmful thoughts that detract from spiritual purity, which the characters are advised to banish before their pilgrimage.[16] (3) Negative or harmful mental inclinations that need to be redirected towards more positive and good thoughts.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The malicious plan conceived by Trita's elder brothers to harm him out of jealousy.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The wicked notions that the demons allowed to control their actions, leading to severe consequences.[19]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to the destructive mindset associated with demons, which Prahlada will be free from in his next life.[20]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The negative intentions that Indra harbors, leading him to want to seduce Ahalya under false pretenses.[21]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Negative or harmful thoughts that contribute to one's guilt and need for purification.[22]
From: Bhishma Charitra
(1) The negative intentions and manipulations of Duryodhana, illustrating his refusal to heed the advice aimed at promoting peace and righteousness.[23]
Jain concept of 'Evil thought'
In Jainism, Evil thought embodies Marici's self-reflection on his negative emotions towards indifferent sadhus and represents a purposeless sin characterized by harmful intentions towards others.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The first kind of purposeless sin, involving harmful intentions towards others.[24] (2) This phrase describes the negative psychological states that asuras carry from previous lives, which contribute to their current malevolent behaviors and the resulting pain they inflict.[25]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A self-reflection by Marici acknowledging his negative feelings towards the sadhus despite their indifference.[26]
The concept of Evil thought in local and regional sources
Evil thought signifies harmful intentions, such as those from wicked sons affecting a king's decisions, malicious schemes targeting Kabir, and revilers aiming to tarnish Jagamitra’s reputation, illustrating its pervasive influence on actions and reputations.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Malicious intentions or schemes planned by the evil-minded persons to harm or discredit Kabir.[27] (2) Malicious intentions held by the revilers who sought to undermine Jagamitra's reputation and standing.[28] (3) The harmful intentions harbored by the wicked sons that influenced the king's actions.[29]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) A negative mental influence that the rituals involving the Gara-demons seek to eliminate.[30]