Significance of Wrong view
Wrong view, or mithyadrishti, in Buddhism refers to misunderstandings or misconceptions that distort reality, leading to negative outcomes and suffering. It is identified as a major cause of spiritual detriment across various Buddhist traditions, highlighting erroneous beliefs about existence, karma, and the nature of self. This misguided perspective obstructs spiritual progress, misguides practitioners, and perpetuates the cycle of rebirth. Various teachings emphasize overcoming wrong views to achieve a clearer understanding of reality and progress toward enlightenment.
Synonyms: Erroneous belief, False notion, Misconception, Misunderstanding, Mistaken belief
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wrong view'
Wrong view in Buddhism encompasses misconceptions about reality, including misunderstandings of impermanence, suffering, and self. It leads to negative actions, obstructs spiritual progress, and distorts understanding of ethical teachings, contributing to prolonged samsara.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Beliefs or perceptions that contradict the ethical and spiritual teachings of the Dhamma.[1] (2) A misconception where sensitive matters are wrongly taken as 'mine', 'I', or 'my self'.[2] (3) Misconceptions and erroneous beliefs that obstruct one from understanding the Dhamma and achieving enlightenment.[3] (4) Beliefs held by the brahmin that were not in accordance with correct understanding or wisdom.[4] (5) An incorrect understanding of the nature of self and existence, which can be rectified through the understanding of anatta.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) An incorrect perception or understanding of moral and ethical guidelines within the monastic context.[6] (2) A misconception or incorrect understanding that goes against the established teachings, leading to potential suspension.[7] (3) An incorrect perception about the relationship or belongingness of monks to a particular communion.[8] (4) A misunderstanding or incorrect belief that can result in a monk's suspension from the Order.[9] (5) A misconception or incorrect perspective arising within a monk that may be addressed by the presence of other monks.[10]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A central issue in the Alagaddupama Sutta, referring to Bhikkhu Arittha's mistaken interpretations of the Buddha's teachings.[11] (2) Beliefs propagated by sectarians in Apaimaka Sutta that lead individuals astray, contrasted with the right views taught by the Buddha.[12] (3) Misunderstandings regarding actions and their ethical consequences that lead to suffering, as discussed in the teachings.[13] (4) Misconceptions about existence that were addressed by the Buddha through teachings emphasizing the Four Methods of Steadfast Mindfulness.[14] (5) Misconceptions or erroneous beliefs about concepts such as existence and causation, addressed in the Sandaka Sutta.[15]
From: Cetasikas
(1) A misunderstanding that prevents seeing things as they truly are.[16] (2) Misunderstandings or misconceptions about reality, particularly regarding the phenomena of existence and the concept of self.[17] (3) A distorted view of realities, misinterpreting the nature of experiences. It is characterized by unwise conviction and leads individuals astray from the right path.[18] (4) A fundamental misunderstanding of reality that contributes to the ongoing cycle of suffering and rebirth by fostering attachment and negative states.[19] (5) A misunderstanding or incorrect perception that arises in connection with certain types of citta.[20]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Misinterpretations or beliefs regarding death and rebirth, specifically the beliefs known as sassata ditthi and uccheda ditthi.[21] (2) Misconceptions about Nibbána, including the belief that it is an eternal essence or devoid of bliss.[22] (3) Wrong view or wrong understanding, referred to as ditthi, is a belief or understanding that misinterprets reality, perceiving what is absent as present and vice versa.[23] (4) Wrong view (ditthi) refers to beliefs that misinterpret reality, causing individuals to make mistakes in recognition.[24] (5) Wrong views are misconceptions that lead people to believe false doctrines or moralities, often influenced by strong sanna and ditthi cetasika, causing prolonged suffering.[25]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) Misunderstandings about reality that prevent individuals from progressing on the path to enlightenment.[26] (2) A misunderstanding or incorrect belief regarding the nature of self and phenomena, which can result in akusala cittas.[27] (3) The distorted perception that results from clinging to self, preventing the eradication of defilements.[28] (4) A misconception that leads to ignorance about the nature of reality; its eradication is one of the primary goals of the Buddha's teachings.[29] (5) A type of misunderstanding that can lead to the development of unwholesome thoughts and actions.[30]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Misconceptions or beliefs that inhibit an individual's spiritual progress and understanding.[31] (2) A misguided belief or opinion that detracts from understanding the truth, often equated with evil views and capable of causing immense suffering.[32] (3) Beliefs that lead to evil aspirations and conduct, identified as a major hindrance to spiritual progress.[33] (4) A misunderstanding or misperception about what should evoke fear or shame, leading individuals to engage in harmful beliefs and actions.[34]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A perspective linked to misbelief, which affects mental states.[35] (2) The type of perception or understanding that is incorrect, leading to misbelief in specific consciousness.[36] (3) Ditthi, beliefs or perceptions that deviate from the truth, leading to distorted understanding of reality.[37]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A misinterpretation of reality, leading to erroneous conclusions or beliefs.[38] (2) A distorted understanding of reality that leads to negative actions and suffering.[39]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A belief or perception that deviates from established understanding or truth.[40] (2) A misconception or incorrect understanding of the Buddhist teachings that influences a monk's behavior negatively.[41]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Beliefs or perspectives that lead individuals to negative consequences, particularly concerning social identity and moral practices.[42] (2) Misconceptions or incorrect understandings that many beings hold, often leading to further suffering in future existences.[43]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Wrong view, or Ditthi, is the perception that leads to the misunderstanding of reality, particularly concerning the nature of self and existence, considered the most harmful offense in various planes of existence.[44] (2) A harmful perception that arises when the aggregates are mistaken for a self or personality, considered the most deleterious offense in existence.[45]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) Beliefs such as denying the kammic results of actions, leading to negative moral choices and suffering in subsequent lives.[46] (2) Misguided beliefs that deny the law of kamma, affecting one's understanding of moral retribution and the consequences of actions.[47]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A misunderstanding or incorrect interpretation of the nature of offences within the monastic community.[48]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Misconceptions and misunderstandings that detract from the path to enlightenment.[49]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Wrong view (micca-ditthi) is a misconception regarding the nature of self and existence, leading to attachment and suffering.[50]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Beliefs or perspectives that deviate from ethical and compassionate living, contributing to one's status as an outcast.[51]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Misconceptions or misguided beliefs that need to be corrected and subdued.[52]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Misinterpretations or misconceptions that lead to attachment and suffering, especially in a spiritual context.[53] (2) mithyadrishtika; misconceptions or incorrect perspectives that lead individuals astray in their spiritual journey.[54] (3) Erroneous beliefs and perspectives that can mislead practitioners and prevent them from seeing the true nature of dharmas.[55] (4) Misconceptions that adversely affect an individual's actions and moral conduct, leading to negative consequences.[56] (5) Misguided beliefs that prevent clear understanding and insight into the nature of reality (drishti).[57]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Faulty perceptions that can arise from misunderstanding the spiritual path, leading to misguided actions.[58] (2) Misconceptions or misunderstandings that arise due to unrecognized greed and other impurities in the mind.[59] (3) Misunderstandings or incorrect perceptions that can lead living beings astray from spiritual truths.[60] (4) Misconceptions or erroneous beliefs that distort one's perception of reality, particularly regarding spiritual concepts.[61]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Misunderstandings or erroneous beliefs that lead to suffering and impede spiritual progress.[62] (2) A misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the teachings that leads one away from the path of Dharma.[63] (3) A misunderstanding or misperception that leads an individual away from the truth of Dharma and proper ethical conduct.[64]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) Misguided beliefs that Subhadra held in his youth, leading him to follow a heretical path.[65] (2) Misconceptions or erroneous beliefs that lead beings away from the right understanding of reality.[66] (3) The misconception related to parental ties and obligations that may lead to selfishness.[67]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Misunderstandings or misconceptions about the dharma that can lead to negative outcomes.[68] (2) Mistaken beliefs that prevent beings from engaging with genuine dharma.[69] (3) Misunderstandings or incorrect perceptions that contribute to negative karma and actions.[70]
From: Mulamadhyamaka-karika (English)
(1) Misconceptions about existence that contradict the nature of reality as described in the text.[71]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The mistaken belief held by King Sucandrima regarding the merits of the animal sacrifice.[72]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Misunderstandings or misconceptions that lead to negative outcomes.[73] (2) Misconceptions or incorrect understandings that obstruct an individual's spiritual progress and awareness of the Dharma.[74] (3) A misunderstanding or false perspective that leads to erroneous beliefs about karma and existence.[75] (4) Misconceptions that arise, leading individuals to abandon the three jewels and impede their spiritual practice.[76] (5) Erroneous beliefs that lead to deception and misperception of reality.[77]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Misconceptions or false beliefs that can create obstacles on the path to spiritual awakening.[78]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Misconceptions or misunderstandings about reality that lead beings to make choices that perpetuate suffering.[79] (2) A misunderstanding or misperception that can lead to adverse actions and suffering as the consequence of non-virtuous behavior.[80]