Significance of Cardinal virtue
Cardinal virtue in Hinduism encompasses fundamental moral principles essential for ethical living. This concept includes ten core virtues such as truthfulness, charity, and compassion, which are central to practices like Vrata. The virtues also emphasize qualities vital to different communities, especially the Kshatriya, where traits like prowess are highly valued. Through historical perspectives, cardinal virtues demonstrate their significance in guiding ethical behavior, shaping moral integrity, and influencing the character exemplified by figures in Hindu texts and broader Indian culture.
Synonyms: Moral excellence, Principal virtue, Chief virtue
In Dutch: Kardinaal deugd; In Finnish: Kardinaali hyve
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Cardinal virtue'
In Hinduism, Cardinal virtue encompasses essential qualities for ethical behavior, highlighted through characters like Bharata and Rama, emphasizing principles such as compassion, truthfulness, and moral integrity, particularly valorized within the Kshatriya community.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A fundamental principle of morality, such as abstention from injury to others.[1] (2) A fundamental moral quality that is considered essential for ethical living.[2] (3) The four essential moral principles—ascetic penances, truth, compassion, and liberality—that define the character of a righteous king.[3] (4) A fundamental principle or quality regarded as essential for ethical behavior, especially in the Kshatriya community.[4] (5) The fundamental moral characteristics that distinguish Gaya and contribute to his higher status and merit above others.[5]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The four principal virtues that are foundational for moral behavior: justice, temperance, prudence, and frugality.[6] (2) Fundamental qualities or principles, such as reasoning, contentment, and quietism, crucial for spiritual growth.[7]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The ten fundamental moral principles including forbearance, truthfulness, and charity, which must be practiced alongside Vrata performances.[8]
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Self-restraint, charity, and compassion, identified in the Brihadaranyakopanishad as essential virtues for a virtuous life.[9]
From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha
(1) A fundamental quality deemed essential in a philosophy or practice, which in this case, is viewed critically in the context of yoga.[10]
The concept of Cardinal virtue in local and regional sources
Cardinal virtue encompasses essential ethical principles across various cultural and philosophical frameworks, including Stoicism's four virtues, Indian cultural qualities, Hindu teachings, and the moral lives of figures like St. Francis and Gandhi, guiding ethical behavior and character development.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Essential virtues in Hinduism identified as purity, self-control, detachment, truth, and non-violence.[11] (2) The four essential virtues in Stoicism: wisdom, justice, fortitude, and temperance, that guide ethical behavior.[12] (3) The fundamental ethical virtues proclaimed by Hinduism, which include purity, self-control, detachment, truth, and non-violence.[13] (4) Essential moral principles represented in the lives of St. Francis and Gandhiji, such as love and service.[14] (5) Fundamental ethical teachings in Hinduism embodied by the imperatives 'Damyata', 'Datta', and 'Dayadhvam,' encouraging self-restraint, generosity, and mercy.[15]