Significance of Wrong view
In Buddhism, Wrong view refers to various misconceptions and misunderstandings that hinder spiritual progress and lead to negative outcomes. It encompasses erroneous beliefs about karma, existence, and the teachings of the Dharma, such as eternalism and nihilism. These distorted perceptions obstruct an individual's path to enlightenment and perpetuate suffering through incorrect actions and moral choices. Addressing Wrong view is crucial for achieving clarity in spiritual practice, and it is recognized across different Buddhist traditions, including Theravada and Mahayana.
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 nirvana, existence, and causation, leading to delusion and suffering. It distorts reality, hinders spiritual growth, and fosters erroneous beliefs that stray from the path of Dharma and Right View.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Also known as ditthi, it is one of the four asavas that are completely eradicated in an arahat, leading to a state of non-attachment.[1] (2) A defilement concerning this body of five aggregates, which arises in twenty ways and is discarded at the instant of Stream-Entry Knowledge.[2] (3) It is the idea of considering dukkha as 'this dukkha is my atta (self).'[3] (4) Holding the belief that there is no generosity and no beneficial results accruing from it.[4] (5) Also known as ditthi, the mind is void of craving and this, but still not free from the grip of the asavas.[5]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Having wrong views is identified as a source of dispute, leading to disrespect towards the Teacher, dhamma, and the Order, ultimately causing harm and dissatisfaction.[6] (2) The phrase 'wrong view' is mentioned in the context of teachings, indicating a negative concept related to understanding.[7] (3) An incorrect perception or understanding of moral and ethical guidelines within the monastic context.[8] (4) A misconception or incorrect understanding that goes against the established teachings, leading to potential suspension.[9] (5) An incorrect perception about the relationship or belongingness of monks to a particular communion.[10]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Wrong views are incorrect or misguided beliefs, such as Sangarava's pride in his learning and views of his birth, which the Buddha challenged and corrected.[11] (2) The discourse was given to refute the wrong views of the Niganthas, who believed life's experiences were caused by former action.[12] (3) These, along with envy, jealousy, miserliness and greed, are shown as causes for appearance in the unhappy state of petas.[13] (4) A central issue in the Alagaddupama Sutta, referring to Bhikkhu Arittha's mistaken interpretations of the Buddha's teachings.[14] (5) Beliefs propagated by sectarians in Apaimaka Sutta that lead individuals astray, contrasted with the right views taught by the Buddha.[15]
From: Cetasikas
(1) This is a state that sloth and torpor can arise with, and in this case, they accompany lobha-mula-citta which is associated with wrong view and prompted, as stated in the text.[16] (2) A misunderstanding that prevents seeing things as they truly are.[17] (3) Misunderstandings or misconceptions about reality, particularly regarding the phenomena of existence and the concept of self.[18] (4) A distorted view of realities, misinterpreting the nature of experiences. It is characterized by unwise conviction and leads individuals astray from the right path.[19] (5) A fundamental misunderstanding of reality that contributes to the ongoing cycle of suffering and rebirth by fostering attachment and negative states.[20]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) These are beliefs held by individuals who, unlike others, may not reach Brahma Loka, potentially facing continued suffering, as outlined in the provided information.[21] (2) Misinterpretations or beliefs regarding death and rebirth, specifically the beliefs known as sassata ditthi and uccheda ditthi.[22] (3) Misconceptions about Nibbána, including the belief that it is an eternal essence or devoid of bliss.[23] (4) 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.[24] (5) Wrong view (ditthi) refers to beliefs that misinterpret reality, causing individuals to make mistakes in recognition.[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: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) This is a term for adherence, because it occurs in the aspect of missing the individual essence of a given state and apprehending elsewhere an unactual individual essence.[35] (2) A misinterpretation of reality, leading to erroneous conclusions or beliefs.[36] (3) A distorted understanding of reality that leads to negative actions and suffering.[37]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) A perspective linked to misbelief, which affects mental states.[38] (2) The type of perception or understanding that is incorrect, leading to misbelief in specific consciousness.[39] (3) Ditthi, beliefs or perceptions that deviate from the truth, leading to distorted understanding of reality.[40]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Wrong views, such as those held by Sati, are seen as obstructions that prevent the attainment of Magga Phala, even with strenuous Vipassana Contemplation.[41] (2) 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.[42] (3) A harmful perception that arises when the aggregates are mistaken for a self or personality, considered the most deleterious offense in existence.[43]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) A belief or perception that deviates from established understanding or truth.[44] (2) A misconception or incorrect understanding of the Buddhist teachings that influences a monk's behavior negatively.[45]
From: Catusacca Dipani
(1) Beliefs or perspectives that lead individuals to negative consequences, particularly concerning social identity and moral practices.[46] (2) Misconceptions or incorrect understandings that many beings hold, often leading to further suffering in future existences.[47]
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.[48] (2) Misguided beliefs that deny the law of kamma, affecting one's understanding of moral retribution and the consequences of actions.[49]
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.[50]
From: Patthanuddesa Dipani
(1) Misconceptions and misunderstandings that detract from the path to enlightenment.[51]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) Wrong view (micca-ditthi) is a misconception regarding the nature of self and existence, leading to attachment and suffering.[52]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Misconceptions or misguided beliefs that need to be corrected and subdued.[53]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) It is an unwholesome mental factor present in unwholesome actions, characterized by incorrect or distorted perceptions of reality.[54]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Wrong view, or mithyadrishti, is a fault in the tirthika dhyana, as well as attachment to enjoyment and pride, while shravaka dhyana lacks loving-kindness and compassion.[55] (2) The text indicates that those who deny the existence of beings are taught the renewing of the five skandhas serially so that they do not fall into the 'wrong view' of nihilism.[56] (3) These are in darkness, and the Bodhisattva has destroyed the darkness of these with the brilliance of his wisdom.[57] (4) Dharmas arise only from the complex of causes and conditions and these views.[58] (5) Also known as nanamithyadrishtijala, some inhabitants of Shravasti had entered into the stream of these.[59]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) Incorrect perspectives acquired by individuals due to improper teaching methods, leading to a misunderstanding of Dharma.[60] (2) Misunderstandings or erroneous beliefs that lead to suffering and impede spiritual progress.[61] (3) A misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the teachings that leads one away from the path of Dharma.[62] (4) A misunderstanding or misperception that leads an individual away from the truth of Dharma and proper ethical conduct.[63]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Incorrect perspectives or beliefs that one may have previously held regarding certain individuals, leading to negative actions.[64] (2) Misunderstandings or misconceptions about the dharma that can lead to negative outcomes.[65] (3) Mistaken beliefs that prevent beings from engaging with genuine dharma.[66] (4) Misunderstandings or incorrect perceptions that contribute to negative karma and actions.[67]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Faulty perceptions that can arise from misunderstanding the spiritual path, leading to misguided actions.[68] (2) Misconceptions or misunderstandings that arise due to unrecognized greed and other impurities in the mind.[69] (3) Misunderstandings or incorrect perceptions that can lead living beings astray from spiritual truths.[70] (4) Misconceptions or erroneous beliefs that distort one's perception of reality, particularly regarding spiritual concepts.[71]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The mistaken belief held by King Sucandrima regarding the merits of the animal sacrifice.[72]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) This term refers to incorrect understanding, highlighting the sutra's ability to correct false beliefs and its role in spiritual transformation, and presenting its purpose.[73]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) "Wrong views" are abandoned through the Seeing of Extinction and the Path, making six anushayas whose object is pure, and the ignorance which is bound to them is also abandoned.[74]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Philosophers and certain vehicles are dependent upon them, and are confused in regard to Mind-only.[75]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The intention concerning the mind is tied to the imperishability of practice, and it involves avoiding wrong views, aversion, and covetousness, according to the information.[76]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) This is one of the five kinds of defiling views.[77] (2) When they see kindness returned, the kindness of all the buddhas and bodhisattvas is returned, and when they see it is not acknowledged, wrong views are not acknowledged as kindness.[78] (3) Misunderstandings or misconceptions that lead to negative outcomes.[79] (4) Misconceptions or incorrect understandings that obstruct an individual's spiritual progress and awareness of the Dharma.[80] (5) A misunderstanding or false perspective that leads to erroneous beliefs about karma and existence.[81]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Misconceptions or false beliefs that can create obstacles on the path to spiritual awakening.[82]
Hindu concept of 'Wrong view'
Wrong view in Hinduism represents a perspective that is dismissed in discussions, as understanding is achieved by contrasting differing viewpoints, ultimately leading to the establishment of a correct understanding or belief.
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The wrong view is a perspective that is rejected during a discussion or debate, as the correct view is established through setting forth the two sides of the question.[83]
The concept of Wrong view in scientific sources
Wrong view, or ditthi, in early Pali Buddhism, isn't just an incorrect belief. As Paul Fuller explains, it embodies a form of craving, going beyond a simple wrong proposition.
From: Religious Inquiries (Journal)
(1) As Paul Fuller explained about the notion of ditthi (view) in early Pali Buddhism, what essentially constitute a it is not only a wrong proposition, but it is also a form of craving.[84]