Significance of Generosity
Synonyms: Charity, Benevolence, Kindness, Altruism, Magnanimity, Selflessness, Giving, Philanthropy, Liberality, Unselfishness
In Dutch: Vrijgevigheid; In German: Großzügigkeit; In Finnish: Anteliaisuus; In Spanish: Generosidad
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Generosity'
In Buddhism, Generosity encompasses selfless giving to counter selfishness, essential for bodhisattva qualities and spiritual growth. It emphasizes sharing without attachment or expectation, fostering compassion, creating positive conditions, and ultimately guiding toward enlightenment.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Generosity (dana) is an example of a good action in conventional terms, but is also seen as empty in the context of true wisdom.[1] (2) The quality that Sumedha was noted for, resulting in her rebirth among the gods.[2] (3) Acts of giving that can create positive conditions for oneself, contrasting with adhering strictly to precepts.[3] (4) The act of giving gifts, viewed as a means to attain Buddhahood, which is practiced by the bodhisattva.[4] (5) The practice of giving without attachment or expectation, a key aspect of the bodhisattva's path.[5]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The quality of having a generous mind aimed at liberating sentient beings by giving and support.[6] (2) The practice of selflessly giving to others, considered a vital element for attaining favorable conditions in life.[7]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The virtue of willingness to give, which is seen as essential for spiritual development and achieving merit.[8]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The selfless quality of giving and sharing, central to the practice of Bodhisattvas in cultivating compassion.[9]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The quality that judges the willingness of the village people to give and a virtue that is questioned in the story.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An act of giving that can generate new life and pleasures but is considered unnecessary for someone aiming to achieve arahatship.[11] (2) A fundamental quality that includes the willingness to give and forms a condition for achieving enlightenment.[12] (3) One of the themes of the Buddha's teachings to Pokkharasati, emphasizing the importance of altruism.[13]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The quality of being willing to give to others, which is highlighted as an important aspect of Citta's character.[14] (2) The act of giving without expectation of return; in the context of the verses, it is viewed as a practice that leads to blessings and the alleviation of suffering.[15]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The quality of being willing to give away resources or help others.[16]
From: Cetasikas
(1) The act of giving useful items or things that provide pleasure in order to counteract selfish tendencies.[17]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A central theme of the narrative exemplified by Vessantara through his extreme acts of giving.[18]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The quality of being willing to give and share without expecting anything in return.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Generosity'
In Hinduism, Generosity embodies selflessness and kindness, reflecting a willingness to give extensively, from personal possessions to oneself, aligned with the infinite qualities of Brahman and charitable acts for the greater good.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The quality of being kind and giving, often linked to charitable acts.[20] (2) The quality of being willing to give and share freely, especially in terms of gifts or support.[21]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A virtue representing the quality of being kind, giving, and unselfish.[22] (2) The willingness to offer to another person even one’s soul.[23]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The quality of being kind and giving, particularly in the utilization of one’s wealth for worthy causes.[24]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) An infinite quality of Brahman characterized by giving and selflessness.[25]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The defining virtue of Taravaloka, evident in his willingness to give away his possessions and even family members to those in need.[26]