Significance of Courage
Synonyms: Bravery, Valor, Fortitude, Determination, Fearlessness, Boldness, Intrepidity, Spirit, Daring, Heroism, Gallantry
In German: Mut; In Swedish: Mod; In French: Courage; In Dutch: Moed; In Finnish: Rohkeutta; In Spanish: Coraje; In Malay: Keberanian; In Italian: Coraggio; In Portugese: Coragem; In Polish: Odwaga
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Courage'
In Buddhism, courage stems from renunciation, fostering strength, and enabling spiritual progress, which is vital for achieving desired outcomes. It also requires determination, gumption, and fortitude to accumulate fortune.
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Facing "life or death" situations without fear, stemming from understanding the deceptive nature of feeling, is identified as courage, enabling one to examine even intense emotions with wisdom.[1] (2) This is what comes from renunciation, and is the reason why many Dhutanga Kammatthana Bhikkhus have gained results, and is a source of strength.[2]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Courage is essential for those who wish to accumulate a fortune, as it involves gumption, determination, and fortitude, or something that combines them all to achieve the desired outcome.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Courage'
In Hinduism, courage is a vital virtue, embodying the bravery to uphold truth and righteousness. It's seen as a quality, exemplified by the Pandavas, crucial for ethical conduct, facing challenges, and renouncing worldly ties. It's a mental and moral strength against fear.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Possessing "courage" and casting away all fear of death to engage in battle, with a desire for victory by fair means, is essential for overcoming difficulties.[4] (2) The quality demonstrated by the Pandavas, particularly during their trials and their resolve in their decision to renounce worldly ties.[5] (3) The mental or moral strength to confront fear, danger, or adversity during battle.[6]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The quality of bravery that the ministers demonstrated in their governance and public service.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulties and fear.[8]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Courage is presented as one of the prominent virtues of the Pandavas, illuminated by their challenging circumstances.[9]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The courage of Sattvashila and King Candasimha is compared when they both plunge into the water, with Sattvashila deemed braver.[10] (2) The text showcases multiple acts of courage, highlighting the bravery and selflessness of various characters in the face of adversity.[11]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) This is a trait that has been consumed, suggesting it was a characteristic or attribute that has been lost or weakened.[12]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Courage, a key aspect of Charitrika Sadvritta, involves demonstrating the bravery to defend truth and righteousness, even in challenging circumstances, promoting ethical conduct.[13]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) This is associated with hairs of tiger and the sway of wild beasts. This is secured through two feathers of a talon-slaying bird.[14]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) Courage is the attribute that links "vyaghra" and "purusha", enabling the formation of a compound, given that the two constituents do not point to different objects but share this quality.[15]
Jain concept of 'Courage'
In Jainism, courage is the inner fortitude to confront fear and hardship. It's about mental strength, not seeking personal glory for brave actions. This involves facing challenges without needing external validation.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The mental strength to face fear or adversity without seeking personal praise for bravery.[16]
The concept of Courage in local and regional sources
Courage, as defined by the text, encompasses bravery, resilience, and boldness. It is exemplified by individuals like Ila, C. Rajagopalachari, Jasmine, and others, who confront adversity, fulfill duties, and tackle complex challenges. It's a key characteristic for navigating difficulties and achieving success.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The quality of being brave and willing to face danger or adversity, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of challenges, highlighting the ability to overcome fear.[17] (2) It is described as the weapon of victory, something to be taken by the youth to give up contemptible cowardice and recall their immutable resolve.[18] (3) It is a quality that, along with perseverance, helps individuals to overcome challenges and win over adversity.[19] (4) This highlights a characteristic of Dr. C. P. RAMASWAMI AIYER, suggesting his bravery and resilience in the face of challenges.[20] (5) A trait attributed to Ila that impresses Murtaza, underlining the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.[21]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This represents the unwavering bravery and boldness necessary to confront obstacles, suggesting the capacity to persevere and overcome challenges in the pursuit of success.[22] (2) The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery, a characteristic that should be maintained while working.[23]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The character of the people is one of firmness and this characteristic, suggesting a resilient and brave population.[24]
The concept of Courage in scientific sources
Courage, as defined in the text, embodies standing up for values, decisive action, and challenging existing structures. It's about disrupting norms and making difficult choices.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Two types of courage are described, one to endure violence versus the other to inflict it.[25] (2) The ability to face grief in stories related to a dying world.[26] (3) This depends on the stability granted by having a clear sense of personal identity and vocation, which can be reinforced by memory and historical perspective.[27] (4) The text refers to the ability to stand up for values, make decisions, take decisive action, and challenge and disrupt existing structures and views.[28]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) Courage is a crucial factor in coping with situations that limit the demonstration of existing potentials, such as performance and success, and is relevant in the context of positive psychology.[29] (2) Having the courage to go against current board members is a valuable trait for NC members, promoting independent decision-making.[30]
Classical concept of 'Courage'
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) This is presented as a virtue, followed by a discussion of temperance, and both are related to the irrational aspects of human nature.[31] (2) Facing what is painful is a key aspect of courage, and it is more concerned with things that inspire fear rather than confidence, and the end goal is seen as pleasant.[32] (3) It is a quality with different kinds, including that of the citizen-soldier, experience, passion, sanguinity, and ignorance of danger. It is associated with facing dangers due to laws, honor, and avoiding disgrace.[33] (4) It is a quality that lies in the middle ground when facing situations that evoke either assurance or apprehension, within the specific circumstances. It involves choosing to confront or withstand challenges because there is nobility in such action, or because failing to do so would be ignoble.[34] (5) The chapter discusses "courage" as it relates to feelings of fear and confidence, particularly concerning the fear of death in battle, and how it is considered a mean with regard to these feelings.[35]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) The She-Goats are not the He-Goats' equals in courage, according to Jupiter, highlighting a fundamental difference despite their shared physical characteristics.[36] (2) Humans summon courage to approach the camel after realizing its gentle nature, overcoming their initial fear of the camel's vast size.[37] (3) The passage suggests that individuals sometimes exhibit less courage when facing minor grievances compared to how they handle significant misfortunes.[38] (4) A quality that is absent in a coward, which cannot be instilled through reasoning or persuasion, as exemplified by the maternal figure.[39]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) "Courage" is something the chieftains have seemingly forgotten, as they would have met all the Colchians face to face when they longed to seize the fleece, but now they are cut off.[40]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) A desirable trait in the face of potential adversity, deemed better to possess in order to endure half the evils, rather than fearing everything and avoiding evil altogether.[41]