Significance of Untruth
Untruth is a multifaceted concept across various texts, including Purana and Dharmashastra. In Purana, it manifests through Nahusha's deception towards Agastya and Drona's comments regarding Karna's boastfulness and battle retreats. Additionally, Dharmashastra defines Untruth as any false statement made by a witness, attracting punishment from the king. In the context of Indian history, Untruth can also refer to the dishonesty the king associates with a Brahman, which also carries potential consequences if validated.
Synonyms: Falsehood, Lie, Deception, False statement, Untruthfulness, Misinformation, Fabrication, Misrepresentation., Deceit, Falsity
In Finnish: Valhe
In Dutch: Onwaarheid
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Untruth'
In Buddhism, Untruth signifies falsehoods or lies, which are linked to detrimental moral behavior, emphasizing the importance of truthfulness in ethical conduct and personal integrity for spiritual growth and harmony.
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Refers to falsehoods or lies, associated with negative moral conduct.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Untruth'
In Hinduism, Untruth encompasses a lie resulting in legal consequences, the deceptive actions against Agastya, and Drona's claim about Karna's bravado and retreat, highlighting its moral and societal implications.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The description of women aligning with deception, as suggested in the text's commentary that they are seen as addicted to lying.[2] (2) A statement that is not true; in this context, it specifically refers to the falsehoods given by witnesses.[3]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) A lie or false statement, which, if spoken by a witness, results in punishment from the king.[4]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A false statement or belief that a man speaks in this world.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A concept that represents falsehood or deceit, which is feared more than death by the speaker.[6] (2) The deception that incited Nahusha's actions against Agastya.[7] (3) Refers to Drona's assertion about Karna's boastfulness and his tendency to retreat from battles.[8]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Refers to the deceptive realities or misconceptions that arise due to ignorance and the failure to perceive true reality.[9]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Conceptualized as the middle syllable of Satya, indicating death or falsehood.[10]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A notion or statement that lacks truthfulness, often highlighted to emphasize sincerity in devotion.[11]
The concept of Untruth in local and regional sources
Untruth, in this context, signifies potential dishonesty attributed to the Brahman by the king, highlighting a significant risk of punishment if such dishonesty is substantiated. It underscores themes of integrity and accountability within the social hierarchy.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The potential dishonesty the king attributes to the Brahman, which may lead to punishment if proven.[12]