Significance of Speaking ill
Speaking ill encompasses various forms of negative commentary about others, reflecting significant moral and spiritual violations across different philosophical traditions. In Purana, it includes derogatory remarks against figures like Siva, warning against such behavior. Vedanta describes it as slanderous comments made without firsthand knowledge. Dharmashastra emphasizes the intention to belittle, while Theravada discourages such behavior for fostering negativity. This conduct is characterized by the attribute of Rajas, highlighting its pervasive negative impact.
Synonyms: Slandering, Defaming, Maligning, Belittling, Insulting, Backbiting, Gossiping
In Dutch: Ziek spreken; In Finnish: Sairasta puhumista; In Spanish: Hablar mal
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Speaking ill'
In Buddhism, Speaking ill involves making derogatory remarks about others, which is discouraged as it promotes negativity and contributes to moral taints, emphasizing the importance of positive speech for personal and communal well-being.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The act of making derogatory or disparaging comments about others, which is discouraged as it fosters negativity and increases moral taints.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Speaking ill'
In Hinduism, speaking ill refers to negative remarks about others, characteristic of Rajas, often involving slander and intent to belittle, embodying a significant moral crime as highlighted in myths like Daksha's derogation of Siva.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) This describes the act of saying negative things about others, and is one of the four types of conduct mentioned in the provided text.[2] (2) Speaking ill of others is a characteristic of the attribute of Rajas, as the text describes in its presentation of qualities.[3] (3) To make negative remarks or criticisms about someone, especially when they are not present.[4]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) Daksha's act of derogating Siva, which Sati warns him against, portraying it as a significant moral and spiritual crime.[5]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The act of slandering, where one derogatorily comments about others as if they have witnessed the events they discuss.[6]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of expressing negative opinions or criticisms about someone, particularly with an intention to belittle.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Speaking ill is the act of talking negatively about someone, which can be a behavior associated with asuya.[8]