History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v5.c71.s1.2

v5.c71.s1.2

Sın (*pātaka*) is a word that belongs to the terminology of religion rather than to that of Ethics¹ It is very difficult to define sin. In a general way it may be said that it is an act which is regarded as a wilful rebellion against or disobedience of some law supposed to be laid down by God or Revelation; it is opposition to the will of God manifested in an authoritative work or at least failure to abide by the regulations contained therein.