Significance of Virtue and vice
Virtue and vice are central concepts in various philosophical and religious traditions, representing the dual aspects of morality. Virtue denotes good actions and traits, while vice signifies wrongdoing and immoral behaviors. In Buddhism, Jainism, and other traditions such as Vaishnavism and the Arthashastra, virtue and vice are depicted as moral categories that influence karma and ethical behavior. This dichotomy plays a critical role in shaping experiences, moral judgments, and the overall understanding of good versus evil across different narratives and teachings.
Synonyms: Goodness, Morality, Righteousness, Integrity, Excellence, Sin, Wickedness, Immorality, Depravity, Wrongdoing, Ethics
In Dutch: Deugd en ondeugd; In Finnish: Hyve ja pahe; In Spanish: Virtud y vicio
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Virtue and vice'
In Buddhism, virtue and vice embody the duality of morality, with virtue symbolizing positive actions and vice denoting immoral behaviors. These concepts reflect moral qualities linked to individuals and their alignment with Buddhist teachings, impacting karma.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Moral qualities attributed to the kings, where the text highlights the contrast between good traits and potential wrongdoings.[1]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The dual aspects of human morality where virtue represents good deeds and behaviors, while vice signifies wrongdoing or immoral actions.[2]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) The moral qualities and actions that either align with or go against Buddhist teachings, influencing the karma of individuals.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Virtue and vice'
In Hinduism, virtue and vice represent the duality of moral actions, where virtue leads to positive outcomes and happiness, while vice results in negative consequences. Their understanding is essential for ethical behavior and influences karma and the soul's liberation.
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The moral qualities accumulated through actions motivated by attachment and aversion.[4] (2) Concepts representing moral qualities that contribute to the nature of impurities and the state of one's knowledge, with virtue associated with positive outcomes and vice with negative consequences.[5] (3) The moral qualities of actions that determine their positive (virtue) or negative (vice) effects.[6] (4) Moral quality or character that influences how one perceives an external object, eliciting feelings of pleasure or pain.[7] (5) Moral concepts where virtue refers to positive qualities and behaviors, while vice refers to negative or immoral traits.[8]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) These are moral qualities that can evoke different responses or feelings in individuals depending on their inner moral state, influencing how they perceive objects.[9] (2) Virtue leads to happy outcomes, while vice results in unhappy consequences, influencing experiences in present or future lives.[10]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The two-fold nature of human actions that dictate the state of bondage or liberation of the soul.[11]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) Moral qualities that are considered good or bad, respectively, which arise from the Conjunction of the Self with the Mind.[12] (2) Concepts that characterize moral qualities or traits, likely assessed in terms of their role as efficient causes.[13] (3) Virtue and Vice are discussed as examples that do not qualify as Immaterial causes due to lacking recognized causal efficiency towards producing the specific qualities of the Self.[14] (4) The moral qualities that influence the nature and outcomes of the actions of living beings.[15] (5) The qualities associated with Dharma and Adharma, respectively, that determine the nature of the soul's contact with the mind, thus affecting effort.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The moral concepts that differentiate good from bad actions, crucial for understanding the cycle of life and salvation.[17] (2) Concepts related to moral behavior, with indications that these may be produced by actions rather than existing inherently.[18] (3) The moral qualities or behaviors that dictate a person's ethical standing; Virtue represents goodness while Vice signifies moral corruption.[19] (4) The two opposing moral qualities, where virtue represents moral good and vice represents moral bad.[20] (5) Concepts of moral correctness versus wrongdoing, central to ethical discussions in Vedic and other religious texts.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The dual concepts of moral righteousness (virtue) and immoral behavior (vice) discussed throughout the text.[22] (2) Concepts that Yudhishthira discusses in relation to moral goodness and wrongdoing, stating neither can be devoid of consequences.[23] (3) Moral qualities that define the good and bad actions of individuals, heavily influencing their karma.[24] (4) Opposing moral principles that are eternal and absolute, capable of exchanging aspects, particularly in seasons of distress.[25] (5) The contrast between moral uprightness and Kicaka’s immoral actions, reinforcing the central theme of dharma in the narrative.[26]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Moral excellence versus immoral behavior, where happiness is associated with virtue and misery with vice.[27]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Moral concepts learned through scriptures, symbolizing the ethical dimensions acquired through education.[28] (2) These opposing concepts represent moral qualities considered as good (virtue) and bad (vice), and their understanding relies significantly on the presence of Speech.[29]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Moral qualities that dictate what is good (virtue) and what is bad (vice), contrasting actions that adhere to or deviate from ethical principles.[30]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) Moral concepts that are merged into the understanding of Cinmatra, indicating that all qualities exist within it.[31]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The dual concepts of moral righteousness and wrongdoing that are overcome through knowledge.[32]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) the eternal conflict represented by the gods (virtue) and demons (vice), depicting the moral struggle inherent in existence.[33]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The duality of good and bad actions, where virtue is not inherently good until recognized as part of Divine Grace, possibly keeping the self in bondage.[34]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Moral qualities that signify good (virtue) and bad (vice) behavior.[35]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) The dichotomy of moral behaviors, where 'virtue' encompasses actions that should be done, and 'vice' consists of actions to be avoided.[36]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Moral concepts that are explored throughout the narrative, influencing the destinies of various characters.[37]
Jain concept of 'Virtue and vice'
In Jainism, virtue and vice signify contrasting moral states, highlighting the distinction between good and bad behaviors, and represent expressions of morality that reflect a shifting ethical landscape rather than tangible concepts.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The contrasting states of moral goodness and wickedness that shift as the moral landscape declines.[38] (2) Moral concepts that represent good and bad behavior, which are categorized as forms of expression without true substance.[39]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The moral categories distinguishing good behaviors from bad behaviors.[40]
The concept of Virtue and vice in local and regional sources
Virtue and vice in Bhasa’s portrayal of Duryodhana illuminates the intricate moral landscape, suggesting that characters embody a blend of qualities rather than fitting into simplistic moral categories, revealing deeper complexities in ethical judgments.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ethical principles representing moral goodness and wickedness respectively in human behavior.[41] (2) Themes explored in Bhasa’s characterization of Duryodhana, showing complex moral dimensions rather than black-and-white judgments.[42]