Significance of False knowledge
False knowledge, according to various philosophical traditions such as Vaishnavism, Purana, Yoga, Vedanta, Nyaya, and Mahayana, refers to incorrect or misguided understandings of spiritual truths and reality. It encompasses a range of misconceptions, such as identifying the self with material entities, believing in the permanence of the physical world, and forming erroneous relationships between the Atman and its attributes. This form of knowledge obstructs true understanding and leads to suffering and confusion, illustrating the importance of distinguishing true knowledge from falsehood for spiritual enlightenment.
Synonyms: Misconception, Fallacy, Misinformation, Delusion, Erroneous belief, False information, Misunderstanding
In Dutch: Valse kennis; In Finnish: Väärää tietoa; In Spanish: Conocimiento falso
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 knowledge'
False knowledge in Buddhism signifies an illusory understanding rooted in ignorance, resulting in misconceptions about reality. It highlights the importance of clarity and true perception to escape suffering and attain enlightenment.
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Illusory understanding that arises from ignorance, leading to misconceptions about reality.[1]
Hindu concept of 'False knowledge'
In Hinduism, False knowledge encompasses misconceptions that obscure true existence and desires, leading to ignorance, suffering, and confusion. It fosters erroneous beliefs about reality, hindering enlightenment and understanding of the self and ultimate truth.
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Misunderstandings or misconceptions about reality, particularly those that arise from dualistic thinking.[2] (2) False knowledge refers to misconceptions about the self, such as identifying it with the body and other incorrect notions.[3] (3) Misunderstanding or incorrect perception that is destroyed by the Om-kara.[4] (4) Illusions or misconceptions that are destroyed through the realization of the true nature of Turiya.[5] (5) An understanding based on incorrect beliefs or perceptions, which can be overcome when Brahman is rightly known.[6]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A misconception or ignorance that leads individuals away from the truth, contrasting with the knowledge that comes from realizing the essence of the Self.[7] (2) A misunderstanding or incorrect perception that leads to the belief in the reality of objects that are not truly real, applicable both in waking and dream states.[8] (3) An incorrect understanding or belief about the existence of objects, resulting from the mind's interaction with non-existent entities.[9]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The mistaken understanding that leads individuals to overlook their True Desires and actions rooted in superficial or material pursuits.[10] (2) A misconception or ignorance that obscures the understanding of one’s true desires and leads to the pursuit of untrue objects.[11]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A mistaken understanding that arises from erroneous relationships between the Atman and attributes like Buddhi, leading to misperceptions of reality.[12]
From: Bhagavatpadabhyudaya by Lakshmana Suri (study)
(1) A term describing the deceptive nature of maya, equating it with ignorance (avidya).[13]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The misconceptions and illusions that create identity and action, which must be overcome to understand the true nature of the atman.[14]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Knowledge arising from ignorance that leads to a dualistic understanding of reality, which is to be removed for the attainment of bliss.[15]
From: Kena Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Knowledge that is incorrect or misinterpreted, which can lead to significant negative consequences.[16]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) An incorrect understanding or belief that distorts true knowledge.[17] (2) The mistaken perception of reality that leads to a misunderstanding of the world as substantial or meaningful.[18] (3) Misunderstanding or ignorance about the true nature of existence, leading to misconceptions.[19] (4) Misunderstandings or incorrect assertions regarding the nature of existence and the essence of Brahma.[20] (5) Misunderstanding or incorrect beliefs, specifically regarding the self and its differentiation from the non-self, leading to bondage.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Misunderstanding or misrepresentation of knowledge that leads to error.[22]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Knowledge derived from intellectual discussions that lacks substance and can lead to error and confusion in understanding spiritual truths.[23]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The acquisition or spread of untruths or misleading information purporting to be true understanding.[24]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Misguided understanding that lacks true enlightenment, which Prahlada argues is detrimental in the pursuit of wisdom.[25]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The mistaken identification of the self with mental modifications, leading to an erroneous sense of knowledge.[26] (2) Knowledge deemed untruthful or not reflective of reality, characterized as lacking the essence of real objects.[27] (3) Misconceptions or incorrect understanding that obstructs true discriminative knowledge and leads to disturbance in the mind.[28] (4) Any misconstruction or erroneous understanding that is absent in the process of essential cognition.[29]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) The incorrect understanding that considers the human body or external objects as clean and desirable.[30] (2) Also known as viparyaya, this refers to incorrect perceptions or misunderstandings that distort reality.[31] (3) False knowledge is knowledge formed of a thing as other than what it is, referred to as viparyaya or illusion.[32] (4) A misunderstanding or distorted perception resulting from an influence of tamas on the mind.[33]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) A misunderstanding that perpetuates the cycle of suffering, leading individuals to engage in ignorance.[34] (2) Error or false beliefs that arise from misconceptions or unclear understanding.[35] (3) A form of Ignorance that contributes to the production of pain and suffering, which should be overcome by attaining perfect knowledge.[36]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A reference to misconceptions or misunderstandings that obscure the real nature of existence.[37]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The mistaken or incorrect understanding of spiritual truths that may arise if Vedic teachings and deliverance are not established.[38]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The type of ignorance (avidya) that leads to the misunderstanding of the self and the perceived multiplicity of experiences.[39]
From: Nyayakusumanjali of Udayana (study)
(1) Knowledge that is incorrect or based on erroneous cognition; it is suggested that the cause of false knowledge is rooted in the means of knowledge.[40]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Misconceptions or erroneous beliefs that lead a person away from truth and spiritual understanding.[41]
Jain concept of 'False knowledge'
In Jainism, False knowledge is the misleading understanding rooted in pride, which obstructs the pursuit of true virtues. It highlights how ego can distort perception, hindering spiritual growth and genuine understanding.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The misleading understanding gained from pride which prevents the acquisition of true virtues.[42]