Significance of Transgression
The concept of Transgression is explored across various Indian traditions. In Buddhism, it signifies moral violations with future consequences, while in Jainism, it refers to actions that violate vows and ethical practices, impacting spiritual progress. Vaishnavism views transgression as violations of moral and divine laws. Purana considers it as acts of wrongdoing leading to negative consequences, and Ayurveda links it to actions that may cause deteriorating health. Dharmashastra sees it as violations of societal laws, rituals, and dietary rules, while Theravada uses it to describe any wrongdoing or misconduct within the monastic community. Finally, in Indian history, it is seen as violations of social norms or laws, and a path to redemption.
Synonyms: Violation, Infringement, Breach, Sin, Offense, Wrongdoing, Misdeed, Deviation, Misconduct, Trespass, Crime, Fault, Lapse
In French: Transgression; In Dutch: Overtreding; In Finnish: Rikkomus; In Spanish: Transgresión; In German: Überschreitung; In Malay: Pelanggaran; In Swedish: Överträdelse; In Portugese: Transgressão; In Italian: Trasgressione; In Polish: Przestępstwo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Transgression'
In Buddhism, transgression encompasses various wrongdoings, including improper actions, lies, and moral violations. These actions, whether intentional or unintentional, can lead to consequences in future lives and necessitate confession, purification, and disciplinary actions within the monastic community.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) Any action or conduct that violates the established moral or ethical codes.[1] (2) The term used by the woman to describe her improper actions and request for acknowledgment of her mistake.[2] (3) A broader term for any wrongdoing or misconduct that may result in penalties or disciplinary actions within the monastic community.[3] (4) An act that goes against established rules, particularly in the context of monk conduct.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) An act of wrongdoing; in the context, shown by a character who recognized his intention of violence as a serious moral failure.[5] (2) The wrongdoing identified by the incoming monks regarding their suspension of Kassapagotta, which they later confessed.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The act of violating a moral principle or ethical rule.[7]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Transgression refers to the young man's act of uttering a lie and denying his teacher, for which he recited his fault to his teacher.[8]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) It is what the Bhikkhus admitted to having been overcome by, leading them to expel Kassapa-gotta.[9]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Moral violations or wrongdoings that individuals will ultimately acknowledge and that bring about consequences in future existences.[10] (2) Transgressions are violations of the established samayas, which can carry severe spiritual consequences and necessitate confession and purification.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Transgression'
In Hinduism, Transgression is a violation of laws, principles, or moral codes, often requiring atonement. It encompasses actions against Dharma, wrongdoings violating ethical standards, and failures in spiritual duties, leading to sin and potential negative consequences. These acts can disrupt order and necessitate expiation.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Transgression refers to an act that violates moral or religious principles, and Sulabha's entrance into Janaka's body was considered a transgression by the king.[12] (2) Surya told Pritha that if she summoned him for nothing, it would be considered a transgression, indicating the seriousness of the situation.[13] (3) An act of wrongdoing, particularly the harmful action taken by the fowler against the rishi, which evokes themes of forgiveness.[14] (4) An act of violating the established moral or divine laws, which disrupts order and righteousness.[15] (5) The wrongdoing that Vipula reflects upon, specifically relating to his actions concerning his preceptor's wife.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Sins or wrongdoings that individuals were purified from by bathing in the holy Ganga.[17] (2) An act of violating a law, command, or moral rule.[18]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) An act of violating a law, principle, or moral code, which often requires atonement or redress.[19]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) It signifies violations of rules or moral principles, which are common during boyhood and often stem from ignorance or lack of self-control.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) 'Transgression' refers to acts of infidelity by the wife, and the text specifies that a single act may lead to confinement, while repeated acts may result in divorce, depending on the husband's willingness to support her.[21] (2) A fault on the part of the farmer in connection with his farm, like untimely sowing or crop damage.[22] (3) A violation of law or command, which results in suffering and necessitates expiation.[23] (4) Acts considered violations of societal laws or customs, notably regarding improper marriages or relationships.[24] (5) The act of violating prohibitions specific to dietary or behavior rules relevant to spiritual study.[25]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) An act that violates a command or rule within the context of the rituals being performed.[26]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Mistakes or offenses committed, particularly in the context of failing to meet spiritual duties or expectations.[27]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) acts that violate moral or divine laws, often in a religious context.[28]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The Lord would not tolerate any violation of religious principles, maintaining the integrity of dharma for all people.[29]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Actions violating moral or legal codes which Atreya suggests can lead to deteriorating health conditions and widespread calamities.[30]
Jain concept of 'Transgression'
In Jainism, Transgression encompasses various violations of vows, from directional vows to spiritual practices. It involves deviations, mistakes, and acts that pollute or disregard established ethical principles, impacting spiritual understanding and practice. These actions are often influenced by karmic forces.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) These are violations of vows, specifically referring to the supplementary vows related to direction.[31] (2) The text focuses on these, indicating that both the main vows and the supplementary vows have them, and they represent potential violations or deviations from the intended practices.[32] (3) The act of violating or disregarding established vows or precepts, seen among some types of saints under specific conditions.[33]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Actions of the twins that violate established laws over time.[34] (2) Actions or behaviors that violate the established vows and ethical practices.[35]
The concept of Transgression in local and regional sources
Transgression in this text encompasses violations of social norms, especially in love, and wrongdoings by supplicants. It highlights acts against caste boundaries and the grocer's regretful actions. The divine offers protection and redemption for these transgressions.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) These are the wrongdoings committed by the supplicants, from which the divine, in their mercy, has become their protector, offering a path towards redemption.[36] (2) The wrongful acts committed by the grocer against Kabir and his wife, which he later regrets and seeks forgiveness for.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Transgressions are described as something that Saint Sundaramurti prevents, implying a role in moral guidance and protection from wrongdoing.[38] (2) Acts that violate social norms or laws, particularly in the context of love relationships across caste boundaries in the narrative.[39]
The concept of Transgression in scientific sources
Transgression, in this context, violates moral standards and is subject to judicial rulings, reason alone cannot judge it. It affects trust and is viewed differently by those impacted.
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) It is an act that violates a moral standard and can be viewed differently by those affected, impacting their ability to trust the wrongdoer.[40] (2) According to the text, reason cannot judge disbelief and transgression on their own, because they are subject to judicial rulings.[41]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The text mentions a "transgression" in the context of remembering a woman’s slip, referencing an article in The Crescent from January 6, 1897, without elaborating on the nature of the infraction itself.[42]