Restraint from fault-finding

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Apaiśunam

Original term: Apaiśunam

Transliteration: Apaiśunam

Literal meaning

Avoid malicious fault-finding, slander and delight in exposure.

Broader interpretation

Avoid malicious fault-finding, slander and delight in exposure.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Bhagavad Gita's Twenty-Six Divine Qualities and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Avoid malicious fault-finding, slander and delight in exposure.

Ethical purpose

Avoid malicious fault-finding, slander and delight in exposure.

Exceptions and disputes

Translation and application vary; each quality should be applied with evidence, proportionality and attention to competing duties.

Variations across schools or traditions

Translations divide and render several Sanskrit terms differently; this catalogue follows the standard twenty-six-term enumeration.

Modern application

Avoid malicious fault-finding, slander and delight in exposure. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

Translation and application vary; each quality should be applied with evidence, proportionality and attention to competing duties.

Truth By Reason analysis

Avoid malicious fault-finding, slander and delight in exposure. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

• Honesty
• Human dignity

Sources

• Bhagavad Gita 16:1–3 — Divine Qualities Primary source