Significance of Vanity
Vanity is understood in various religious contexts, illustrating a theme of excessive pride and self-importance. In Tibetan Buddhism, it denotes a dismissive attitude toward contributions due to arrogance. In Vaishnavism, it manifests as celestial beings' self-importance, suggesting they possess power independently of the Supreme Lord. The Purana references Duryodhana's excessive pride, while Dharmashastra warns that vanity can diminish the effectiveness of austerity. Overall, the concept underscores the negative impact of pride across different teachings.
Synonyms: Pride, Conceit, Arrogance, Egotism, Self-importance, Narcissism, Hubris, Self-admiration, Self-absorption
In Dutch: Trots; In German: Eitelkeit; In Finnish: Turhamaisuus; In Spanish: Vanidad
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Vanity'
In Buddhism, vanity embodies excessive pride and self-importance, leading individuals to dismiss others' contributions. This perspective highlights how arrogance can hinder spiritual growth and foster disconnection from the collective human experience.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) A feeling of excessive pride or self-importance; referenced in the context of dismissing contributions made in arrogance.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Vanity'
In Hinduism, vanity signifies the self-importance of celestial beings apart from the Supreme Lord, excessive pride undermining austerity, and is exemplified by Duryodhana's character, illustrating detrimental effects on spiritual value.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) An excess pride in one's own achievements that can lead to spiritual degradation.[2] (2) Refers to Duryodhana's character trait of excessive pride and self-importance.[3]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) This term represents excessive pride or vanity that can undermine the value of austerity and lead to its ineffectiveness.[4]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The self-importance demonstrated by the celestial beings, making it seem as though they possess power independently of the Supreme Lord.[5]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A quality characterized by an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, included in the moral characteristics related to the twenty-four qualities.[6]
Jain concept of 'Vanity'
In Jainism, Vanity is interpreted as excessive pride stemming from misguided beliefs. It emphasizes the consequences of self-importance linked to faulty reasoning, highlighting the need for humility and self-awareness in one's spiritual journey.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Excessive pride or self-importance that can arise from reliance on fallacious arguments.[7]