Significance of Laziness

Laziness is depicted across various philosophical perspectives as a state of inaction that obstructs progress and engagement in beneficial actions. Vyakarana associates it with the root mad, while Mahayana describes it as a lack of energy that hampers the bodhisattva's journey, likening it to a black cloud that blocks wisdom. Theravada views laziness as an inactivity that prevents pursuing good deeds, and historical narratives highlight it as reluctance to participate in valuable endeavors, such as social gatherings. Kavyashastra identifies laziness as alasya, marking the absence of desire to act.

Synonyms: Indolence, Sloth, Lethargy, Idleness, Procrastination, Inactivity, Apathy, Sluggishness

In Dutch: Luiheid; In Finnish: Laiskuus; In Spanish: Pereza; In German: Faulheit; In Malay: Kemalasan; In Swedish: Lättja

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

Buddhist concept of 'Laziness'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, laziness signifies a lack of energy and motivation that impairs practice, hinders beneficial actions, and obstructs the bodhisattva's progress, similar to a black cloud blocking wisdom.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) The young monk was lazy, which the deva addressed, emphasizing the need for diligence.[1] (2) A state of lack of energy or motivation (kausidya) that challenges the practice.[2] (3) A state that hinders the bodhisattva's progress and is compared to a black cloud obstructing wisdom.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) A state of inactivity or lack of effort that prevents one from pursuing beneficial actions.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Laziness'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, laziness, or Alasya, denotes a lack of motivation to act. It is linked to the root mad, reflecting a philosophical view on inactivity and the consequences of neglecting one's duties.

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):
Kavyashastra Books

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

(1) This refers to a lack of motivation or willingness to work or be active, and is a behavioral trait that is observed in the text.[5]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

The concept of Laziness in local and regional sources

History Books

Laziness is characterized as a state of inaction that obstructs meaningful pursuits, exemplified by the pedlars' reluctance to join Bhanudas at the kirtan, attributed to their fatigue and lack of motivation.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The unwillingness of the pedlars to accompany Bhanudas to the kirtan due to their fatigue.[6] (2) A state of inaction that hinders individuals from engaging with spiritual or valuable endeavors.[7]

The concept of Laziness in scientific sources

Science Books

Laziness is identified as a significant barrier to physical activity, reflecting a lack of motivation among study participants to engage in exercise, thereby impacting their overall fitness and health.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

From: South African Journal of Physiotherapy

(1) This is one of the barriers to physical activity, representing a lack of motivation to engage in exercise, as reported by the study participants.[8]

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