Significance of False doctrine
False doctrine in various spiritual traditions signifies incorrect or misleading beliefs that diverge from true understanding and can lead individuals away from their spiritual paths. In Buddhism, it includes beliefs like eternalism and nihilism. Jainism identifies false doctrine as teachings that mislead individuals, causing spiritual harm and confusion. Similarly, across other faiths such as Vaishnavism and Mahayana, it points to misguided teachings that obscure true understanding and hinder enlightenment. Ultimately, false doctrine represents a significant barrier to spiritual growth and moral integrity.
Synonyms: Heresy, Fallacy, False teaching, Delusion, Misconception, Blasphemy, Erroneous belief
In Dutch: Valse leer; In Finnish: Väärä oppi; In Spanish: Falsa doctrina
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 doctrine'
False doctrine in Buddhism encompasses misleading beliefs that deviate from established teachings, hinder understanding, and lead individuals astray from the path of enlightenment. It includes teachings that obscure truth and promote ignorance about reality and self.
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) Teachings or beliefs that are counter to the established Buddhist philosophy.[1] (2) A misleading or incorrect belief that a Bhikkhu might pursue, which necessitates reaffirmation of correct teachings.[2] (3) A belief or teaching that is considered incorrect within the context of monastic teachings.[3] (4) A belief or teaching that diverges from the established principles of the monastic community, leading to potential expulsion for monks who refuse to renounce it.[4] (5) A belief or teaching that is contrary to the established doctrines of the monastic community, which Bhikkhus are encouraged to renounce.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Misguided beliefs that lead individuals away from the path of righteousness, as held by characters like Angati and Guna.[6] (2) Misguided teachings that the king and others initially embraced, which were eventually countered by Ruja and Narada.[7] (3) The belief held by Baka that this world is perpetual and that no other salvation exists apart from it.[8]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Misguided beliefs that lead individuals down an incorrect moral path.[9] (2) A misleading or incorrect set of beliefs that one should avoid adhering to.[10] (3) A belief system or teaching that is misleading or incorrect, leading individuals astray from the path of virtue.[11]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Misguided teachings that hinder understanding and lead to ignorance rather than enlightenment.[12]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) False doctrines are incorrect beliefs or teachings that individuals may accept due to misleading sanna, resulting in a distorted understanding of reality.[13]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The accusation that Prince Abhaya is instructed to make against the Buddha, representing an attempt to undermine his teachings.[14]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Misleading beliefs that deviate from the true teachings, particularly the belief in a permanent self.[15] (2) The incorrect teachings presented by other teachers that are not supported by valid means of cognition.[16] (3) Beliefs or teachings that are considered to be incorrect or misleading according to certain philosophical standards.[17] (4) The erroneous teachings that lead figures like Vardhamana to mistakenly assert false claims about the nature of reality.[18] (5) Misleading philosophical concepts that have been proven incorrect, often relating to the perception of self and reality.[19]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Any teaching or belief that, while not reflecting absolute truth, can still be utilized for beneficial purposes, such as guiding beings toward enlightenment.[20] (2) Misleading beliefs that obscure true understanding and keep beings trapped in suffering.[21]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Erroneous beliefs that lead individuals astray from the righteous path, as critiqued by the Buddha.[22]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Beliefs or teachings that the king perceived to be incorrect, including views such as eternalism and nihilism.[23]
Hindu concept of 'False doctrine'
False doctrine in Hinduism encompasses incorrect beliefs and teachings that distort reality and contradict sacred texts. Such misleading doctrines, often challenged by sound knowledge, can lead individuals away from the true tenets of faith expressed in teachings like the Tiruvaymoli.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Misguided beliefs concerning the personality and corporeality that lead to a misunderstanding of reality.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The misleading teachings embraced by the Daityas, promoting harmful beliefs contrary to their original faith in the Vedas.[25]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Beliefs or teachings that are incorrect or misleading, particularly in a religious or philosophical context.[26]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Incorrect or misleading beliefs that can be challenged with sound knowledge and proper argumentation.[27]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Misguided beliefs and teachings that go against the tenets of faith as presented in the sacred texts, which are challenged by the truth expressed in Tiruvaymoli.[28]
Jain concept of 'False doctrine'
False doctrine in Jainism represents misleading teachings that confuse individuals and promote moral decay, harm spiritual paths, contradict Jain principles, lead to isolation from true teachings, and encourage immoral behavior under false pretenses of righteousness.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The teachings promulgated by Parvata that led Sagara and others to commit immoral acts under the guise of righteousness.[29] (2) Erroneous beliefs and teachings advocated by Jamali, which resulted in his eventual isolation from the other disciples.[30] (3) Misleading teachings that cause confusion and moral decay among the people over time.[31] (4) Beliefs or teachings that contradict the principles of Jainism and lead individuals away from the spiritual path.[32]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Misguided beliefs and teachings that contradict true spiritual understanding and promote indulgence in temporary pleasures.[33]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Misleading beliefs that Jamali propagated during his time as a monk, harming himself and others' spiritual paths.[34]
The concept of False doctrine in local and regional sources
False doctrine encompasses misleading belief systems sought for immediate happiness, teachings deemed incorrect alongside true doctrines, and erroneous teachings that divert the faithful from orthodox views, impacting spiritual integrity.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Refers to teachings or beliefs that are considered incorrect or misleading, existing alongside true doctrines in the region.[35] (2) Incorrect teachings that the faithful were led to follow, resulting in a departure from orthodox views.[36] (3) A belief system that is misleading, followed by many individuals in search of immediate happiness.[37]