Significance of Ill-luck
Ill-luck, as referenced in Tibetan Buddhism, Purana, Kavya, Mahayana, and Theravada, encompasses a range of misfortunes and unfortunate circumstances faced by various characters and individuals. This includes Nala's emotional turmoil from losing Damayanti, the ongoing suffering of Karkati, and Sita's peril from Ravana. In broader contexts, Ill-luck reflects the negative impacts of past actions or karma, as well as cultural beliefs regarding misfortune, such as superstitions surrounding Ranjini's presence. These narratives illustrate the pervasive nature of bad fortune across various texts and traditions.
Synonyms: Bad luck, Misfortune, Adversity, Ill fortune
In Dutch: Ongeluk; In Finnish: Epäonnea; In Spanish: Mala suerte
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ill-luck'
Ill-luck in Buddhism symbolizes various misfortunes, often linked to karma or wrongful actions. It encompasses narratives of characters experiencing bad fortune due to ignorance, jealousy, and misdeeds, reflecting a deeper understanding of suffering in life.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The misfortune attributed to the father-in-law by the wife, indicating her desire to rid herself of him.[1] (2) A negative force that follows those who engage in wrongful actions or possess jealous hearts.[2] (3) The young man's dismissal of his mother's warnings, mistaking her for a hindrance.[3] (4) A phrase used by the brahmin to represent bad fortune brought about by the gnawed suit of clothes. It symbolizes the superstitious beliefs regarding misfortune in one's life.[4]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The unfortunate circumstances faced by the poor man, culminating in his death and descent into hell.[5]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Referring to the misfortunes that befall characters in the narratives, particularly concerning King Kusha's karma.[6]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The misfortune that caused Nala's separation from Damayanti, leading to his emotional turmoil.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Ill-luck'
In Hinduism, Ill-luck interprets unfortunate circumstances affecting individuals, often linked to karma and actions. It encompasses tragic events in myths, leading to significant consequences for characters like Abhimanyu, Sita, and Dhritarashtra.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The unfortunate circumstance leading Sita to hear Ravana's advances.[8] (2) The misfortune that Dhritarashtra feels has befallen him due to the death of his sons.[9] (3) A notion suggesting that misfortune accompanies individuals due to past karma or actions.[10] (4) The unfortunate fate that Damayanti attributes to her and her companions' calamities.[11] (5) The unfortunate circumstances leading to Abhimanyu's fate despite his numerous victories in battle.[12]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Bad fortune resulting from actions like Tirtha-pratigraha that lead to undesirable spiritual conditions.[13] (2) Unfortunate circumstances or events that negatively affect individuals, particularly referenced in relation to widowhood.[14] (3) A condition of misfortune or bad fortune, which is associated with Madanamanjari's feelings of being unloved and abandoned by her husband.[15]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A term used by Parvati to describe the unfortunate events that have hindered her union with Shiva.[16] (2) A common expression among the gods and sages regarding their misfortune and obstacles they faced.[17]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Unfortunate circumstances or bad fortune that one avoids by adhering to the prescribed actions and paths.[18] (2) The unfortunate fate that caused Madhava to miss Sulocana's marriage while he was asleep.[19]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Karkati perceives her misfortunes as unrelenting and persisting throughout her plight.[20]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The unfortunate results believed to occur when a gem is burnt for purification or beauty enhancement.[21]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The unfortunate circumstances that follow Mrigankadatta due to the actions of the minister and the king's subsequent fear.[22]
The concept of Ill-luck in local and regional sources
Ill-luck encompasses the theme of misfortune affecting individuals and their circumstances, as illustrated by various experiences including personal frustrations, superstitions, and the tragic events surrounding relationships and societal norms.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Unfortunate circumstances or events that lead to negative outcomes.[23] (2) The superstition surrounding the belief that Ranjini's presence in the home has caused misfortune.[24] (3) Parvati's reflection on her misfortunes and the circumstances surrounding her day, revealing her feelings of frustration.[25] (4) Unfortunate circumstances or events affecting an individual or nation.[26] (5) The experience of bad fortune or misfortune that affects one’s efforts.[27]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The unfortunate circumstances that the lady attributes to preventing her from fulfilling Gorakshanath's request.[28] (2) Unfortunate events or misfortunes that befall individuals, which in this context, relate to the deity Shiva's sad experiences.[29]