Significance of Inactivity

Inactivity is interpreted differently across various philosophical and religious traditions. In Jainism, it refers to a state achieved by renouncing activity to prevent new karmic accumulation, leading to freedom from suffering. Vaishnavism sees inactivity as a state devoid of action, influenced by moha. The Purana contrasts inactivity with the imperative for action and creativity. In Jyotisha, inactivity is linked to astrological conditions, specifically when the moon is in the seventh house. Each perspective underscores the significance of inactivity within its context.

Synonyms: Apathy, Passivity, Idleness, Lethargy, Inaction, Sluggishness, Immobility, Rest, Stagnation

In Dutch: Inactiviteit; In Finnish: Epäaktiivisuus; In Spanish: Inactividad

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Inactivity'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Inactivity signifies a state of doing nothing, contrasting with the need for action. It can occur when the moon is in the seventh house and is viewed as a consequence of moha, or delusion.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) A state of doing nothing, contrasted with the necessity of action and creativity.[1]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

(1) A state of being where there is no action or movement, seen as an effect of moha.[2]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

(1) Inactivity is a result when the moon is in the seventh house, as mentioned in the provided text that is being examined.[3]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Jain concept of 'Inactivity'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Inactivity signifies the cessation of actions to halt karmic accumulation, ultimately freeing the soul from suffering. It is achieved through renouncing activities, preventing new karmas from arising.

Significance in Jainism (general):

(1) The Jaina concept suggesting that cessation of action can lead to the cessation of karmic accrual, thus freeing the soul from suffering.[4]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.