Significance of False accusation
False accusation is a prevalent theme in various religious and cultural contexts, illustrating how harmful untruths can lead to suffering and conflict. In Jainism, it refers to acts with significant repercussions, while in South Asian narratives, it highlights claims made by a stepmother against princes. Tibetan Buddhism and Vaishnavism discuss untrue claims suggesting wrongdoing, often misrepresenting individuals' intentions. In Puranic stories, accusations against figures like Krishna demonstrate the tensions created by unfounded allegations. Overall, false accusations often invoke severe consequences and reflect themes of betrayal, deceit, and misunderstanding across traditions.
Synonyms: False claim, Slander, Calumny, Defamation
In Dutch: Valse beschuldiging
In Finnish: Väärä syytös
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'False accusation'
In Buddhism, false accusation encompasses misleading claims against disciples, unfounded assertions of wrongdoing, and slanderous allegations that tarnish reputations, reflecting serious consequences and themes of jealousy and wrongful speech.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An incorrect assertion of wrongdoing against someone, as seen with the rebirth of the Bodhisatta's pupils leading to their own accusations.[1] (2) The act of slandering or falsely accusing someone, particularly serious when directed at a noble person.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The misleading claims made by the heretics against the Buddha's disciples, portraying them as guilty of a crime they did not commit.[3] (2) Allegations made by the ascetics against the disciples of Gotama to tarnish his reputation.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The act of wrongfully blaming someone for a crime or misdeed, exemplified by Cincamanavika's claims against Gotama.[5]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A misrepresentation of the Blessed Buddha's teachings, which Arittha was cautioned against.[6]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The young chief queen falsely accused Prince Paduma of molestation as revenge for his refusal to succumb to her seduction attempts.[7]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The untrue claims made by heretics against the Buddha, including the slander regarding his actions.[8]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) An unfounded claim made by the monk Abhiya against monk Nanda, illustrating themes of jealousy and the consequences of wrongful speech.[9]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Erroneous claims made against the Shurangama Sutra, often by those with limited understanding or malicious intent.[10]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) An untrue claim made against someone, suggesting wrongdoing or sin they did not commit.[11]
Hindu concept of 'False accusation'
In Hinduism, false accusations manifest through wrongful claims against figures like Krishna and Thakur Haridas, misunderstandings like Satrajit's theft claim, and slandered devotees, highlighting themes of betrayal, deceit, and the quest for truth.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Unfounded allegations made against an individual, particularly used in the context of the jackal being accused of theft.[12] (2) Unfounded claims made by malevolent persons against others, often to elevate their own status or distract from their faults.[13]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The misconception regarding Krishna’s alleged involvement in Prasena’s death that created tension among the Yadavas.[14]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Refers to the wrongful blame placed upon Krishna regarding the death of Satrajit.[15]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) A baseless claim against Krishna, suspected of being involved in the death of Prasena and the disappearance of the Syamantaka jewel.[16]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The wrongful claim against Krishna that he was involved in wrongdoing, which is explicitly stated to be unfounded.[17]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The rumors suggesting that Krishna had murdered Prasena, which led to significant tension and the Lord's efforts to clear his name.[18]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) False accusations never befall those who understand the false accusation of Krishna that has been cited in the text.[19]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) False accusations are incorrect claims against someone, where the truth is obscured, often requiring ordeals to determine honesty.[20]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Incorrect claims made against the devotees that they are atheists lacking in scriptural knowledge.[21] (2) Misrepresentations or incorrect claims made against the devotees, suggesting harmful motivations for their actions.[22]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The misleading representations made against Thakur Haridas due to his devotion and worship style.[23]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Satrajit's initial claim of theft turned out to be incorrect, reflecting the theme of misunderstanding and false judgment.[24]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The wrongful blame placed on Gunavara and Surakshita by the jealous queens, highlighting themes of betrayal and truth.[25] (2) An unjust claim against a character, often leading to a dramatic invoking of the Act of Truth for resolution.[26] (3) Claims made by Tishyarakshita against Kunala that led to severe consequences, showcasing the theme of deceit motivated by unrequited love.[27]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Referring to the act of wrongly accusing a Guru, which invokes a specific cleansing ritual for the wrongdoer.[28]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) Mithya-apavada, the ethical guideline against slandering or misrepresenting others.[29]
Jain concept of 'False accusation'
In Jainism, false accusation is viewed as a detrimental act that causes profound suffering and conflict, highlighting the moral imperative to uphold truth and the severe consequences of spreading untruths.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An act that leads to significant repercussions in the lives of characters, demonstrating how untruths can bring about suffering and conflict.[30]
The concept of False accusation in local and regional sources
False accusation involves claims made by the step-mother against the Princes, highlighting its role as a central theme in the ongoing conflict, affecting reputations and relationships within the narrative.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The claims made by the step-mother against the Princes, which are a central theme in the conflict.[31]