Significance of Moral Dread

Moral Dread, according to Theravada, involves a fear of the negative consequences associated with unethical behavior, which encourages individuals to lead virtuous lives. This apprehension supports moral standards by creating a fear of committing immoral actions. Ultimately, Moral Dread influences individuals to maintain their moral integrity by fostering a sense of fear regarding wrongdoing, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in one's actions.

Synonyms: Moral concern, Existential fear, Moral panic

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

Buddhist concept of 'Moral Dread'

Buddhism Books

Moral Dread in Buddhism encompasses a fear of wrongdoing that safeguards moral integrity, promotes virtuous living, and upholds ethical standards by discouraging unwholesome actions and their negative consequences.

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

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) It is a proximate cause of the Perfection of Morality, to do evil.[1] (2) A fear or apprehension associated with the thought of doing something immoral, which serves to uphold moral standards.[2] (3) A sense of fear regarding wrongdoing that helps maintain moral integrity.[3] (4) An apprehension regarding the negative consequences of unethical behavior, promoting virtuous living.[4]

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) A fear of doing evil or immoral acts; a sense of anxiety that prevents one from committing wrongful deeds.[5] (2) Moral dread is a wholesome mental factor that instills fear of doing evil, prompting individuals to refrain from immoral actions.[6]

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) Moral dread is fear to do evil, i.e., fear of the Consequences. Anottappa is its opposite.[7] (2) Fear associated with the consequences of unethical behavior that deters immoral actions.[8]

From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)

(1) The fear of committing unwholesome actions, which influences moral behavior.[9]

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) A strong apprehension about engaging in evil actions, characterized by shame for wrong conduct.[10]

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).