Significance of Slander
Slander, across various interpretations in Buddhism, refers to the act of making false spoken statements that harm an individual's reputation. In Tibetan Buddhism, it involves damaging claims about Dharmasvamin, affecting the monastic community. Vaishnavism views it as a rebuke through falsehoods, while Mahayana links it to false accusations against the Buddha and his teachings, resulting in suffering for others. Theravada highlights slander through specific examples of false accusations impairing reputations and ethical conduct, illustrating the serious repercussions of such harmful speech.
Synonyms: Defamation, Calumny, Disparagement, Harmful gossip, False accusation, Maligning
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Buddhist concept of 'Slander'
In Buddhism, slander entails making false statements that harm others' reputations and contribute to their suffering. It is viewed as unethical behavior that can lead to severe consequences, both socially and spiritually.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The act of making false statements about others, damaging their reputation.[1] (2) The act of making false accusations against someone, as done by the village chief against Magha and his friends.[2] (3) The false accusations the Venerable Dabba faced from a group of bhikkhus, leading to challenges in his virtuous life.[3]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The act of making false spoken statements damaging to a person's reputation, which the councillors attempted to use against the Great Being.[4] (2) False accusations made by slaves against Prince Peerless, misleading his brother into believing he sought the throne.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) False statements made with the intention to harm someone's reputation, categorized into different forms.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The act of making false statements about someone to harm their reputation, regarded as a harmful type of speech.[7] (2) Making false and damaging statements about others, which is discouraged in ethical practice.[8] (3) The act of Kokalika proclaiming accusations against the two disciples in various locations.[9] (4) Harmful speech that causes suffering to others, contributing to the wrongdoings of individuals punished in hell.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The act of making false statements against the Buddha or his teachings, which is associated with Mara.[11]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The act of making false spoken statements that damage someone's reputation.[12]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) False statements made about the Dharmasvamin that led to serious repercussions within the monastic community.[13]
Hindu concept of 'Slander'
In Hinduism, slander is interpreted as making false or harmful remarks about another person, serving as a serious form of rebuke that impacts both the individual targeted and the social harmony within the community.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A form of rebuking that involves making false or damaging statements about someone.[14]
The concept of Slander in local and regional sources
Slander pertains to false accusations that harm an individual's reputation, as exemplified by Chu Yuan, whose integrity and loyalty to the king were unjustly questioned, negatively impacting his image.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) False accusations that affected Chu Yuan negatively, particularly regarding his integrity and loyalty to the king.[15]