Significance of Good thing
The concept of "Good thing" varies across different philosophies and texts. In Jainism, it encompasses emotions like joy and sorrow, positive actions, and benefits from virtuous behavior. Arthashastra views it as favorable ideas and circumstances influenced by fate. Vaishnavism associates it with desirable attributes and beneficial consequences. Purana defines it as virtues pursued in life. Vedanta highlights the positive outcomes leading to heaven, while Dharmashastra emphasizes positive qualities emerging from negative contexts. Mahayana and Theravada also stress beneficial actions and values in life. Indian history reflects on the significance of acknowledging positive aspects and experiences.
Synonyms: Benefit, Advantage, Asset, Positive aspect, Blessing, Merit, Boon, Virtue, Gain, Perk, Pro.
In Swedish: Bra; In Dutch: Goed ding; In Finnish: Hyvä asia; In Spanish: Qué bueno; In German: Gute Sache; In Malay: Perkara yang baik; In French: Bonne chose; In Polish: Dobra rzecz; In Portugese: Coisa boa; In Italian: Buona cosa; In Portugese: Que bom!; In German: Gut so; In Dutch: Gelukkig maar
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Good thing'
In Buddhism, "Good thing" encompasses positive actions, opportunities, and virtues, such as Dhamma teachings, the aspirations of a bodhisattva, and valuable possessions, emphasizing the pursuit of beneficial qualities over personal biases and faults.
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Refers to the positive actions or virtues that are encouraged to be embraced rather than the faults in others.[1]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Refers to something that is beneficial or positive; in the context, it relates to the nature of ordination.[2]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) An item or being that is generally recognized as valuable or positive, yet can still be regarded with dislike due to personal biases.[3]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Good things are portrayed in Dhamma, and the text says that doing things in the way that the world likes means there is no hope of acquiring and firmly establishing these things, because the kilesas don’t care for Dhamma.[4]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) These are things that may be achieved by a mortal once he is born, which is similar to how wreaths can be made from flowers.[5]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Beneficial opportunities or possessions that a drunkard fails to acquire or loses.[6] (2) Positive actions and merits accumulated by the bodhisattva as a result of their deep aspiration.[7]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) These are the ten good actions, which definitely gain one the world of humans and gods, and are graded into top, middle, and low.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Good thing'
In Hinduism, "Good thing" encompasses positive actions, beneficial circumstances, spiritual wealth, and auspicious outcomes. It emphasizes the importance of both material and spiritual gains while recognizing the influence of fate on these experiences.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The text asks why the king would abandon all the good things of the earth and live a life of mendicancy.[9] (2) Duryodhana invites Karna to enjoy the 'good things' of life, which suggests a life of luxury and pleasure, highlighting the material aspects of their relationship.[10] (3) Refers to the virtue or knowledge that should be pursued in life according to wise teachings.[11]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Blessings and benefits received in this life by those who listen to the sanctity of Gaya, according to Brahma's discourse.[12] (2) Good things in life are attained by the performer of Phala-Saptami, as described in the provided text.[13]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Good things are the benefits derived from water, which is identified as Rayi, explaining why Budila is rich and has a healthy body due to his worship.[14] (2) Positive outcomes and possessions that are believed to manifest for the devotee of the sun's divine nature.[15] (3) All good things become concentrated in the Self (Samyadvama).[16] (4) A beneficial or positive object that one wishes to have.[17] (5) The benefits that come from speech when one performs the Sama worship correctly.[18]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Signs of prosperity that one experiences, including riches and the presence of many servants, indicating a successful but temporary state.[19] (2) An evaluation of Vedic study that highlights its positive effects on one's spiritual journey.[20] (3) Positive attributes or qualities that can be extracted from negative contexts.[21]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A judgment made by the Hotri regarding the actions of others in relation to the consumption of Soma.[22] (2) Refers to the auspicious outcome hoped for in the sacrifice, including the winning of a male child and prosperity for the household.[23]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Refers to beneficial outcomes or consequences that may result from pleasing the king.[24]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Positive attributes or possessions that individuals desire, often associated with material and spiritual wealth.[25]
From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)
(1) Positive and constructive ideas or actions that are encouraged in discourse and counsel.[26] (2) Favorable circumstances that are perceived as gains but are equally subject to fate's will.[27]
Jain concept of 'Good thing'
In Jainism, the keyphrase "Good thing" encapsulates positive emotions like joy, favorable actions, and community happiness, while also emphasizing moral integrity and the distinction between virtuous deeds and societal disapproval of bad actions.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Ashanighosha said in a voice terrible as thunder: “Oh! it is a good thing I have seen you, messenger. I have nowhere seen such a person.[28] (2) Jivayashas expresses happiness about Atimukta's arrival on festival day.[29] (3) Devaki’s sentiment upon seeing her sons, reflecting a mixture of joy and sorrow.[30]
From: Naladiyar
(1) A favorable or positive action or situation that has been accomplished.[31] (2) Actions that align with the nature of individuals born into respectable families, contrasting with bad deeds that are viewed negatively by society.[32]
The concept of Good thing in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Good thing" encapsulates concepts of historical value, personal achievements, positive experiences, spiritual benefits, and a nurturing perspective on life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and sharing uplifting moments amidst life's fragility.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) It indicates approval of someone's eagerness for travel, while also acknowledging the high costs involved, particularly for preachers requiring substantial funds.[33] (2) The people who have many of the good things in life, and who often do not agree with the pessimistic view of Maya.[34] (3) The Santals had never enjoyed this in life, as Swamiji observed, which fueled his desire to help them and alleviate their suffering.[35] (4) The author acknowledges that any positive experiences or achievements he encounters will be shared with the recipient, recognizing their importance in his life.[36] (5) The sender views the impending conclusion of the work in November favorably.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Things for which people should have zeal, constantly reminding them of the necessity of zeal for achieving these.[38] (2) Positive outcomes or beneficial aspects of life that can be fragile and vulnerable.[39] (3) Concepts recognized by Ananda K. Coomaraswamy to have deep historical roots and value beyond mere novelty.[40] (4) Positive memories or experiences that contribute to an uplifting and nourishing perspective on life.[41] (5) A moment of realization for Sreenivasan about the value of life while enjoying time with his wife.[42]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The food and supplies left behind in the houses by the fleeing villagers.[43]
The concept of Good thing in scientific sources
"Good thing" in this context references divine provision and protection. It reminds people to be thankful for past deliverance from oppression, where they were sheltered, strengthened, and provided for.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The "good things" are only made available through the high priestly ministry of Jesus, which cleanses the consciousness from dead works to serve a living God.[44] (2) It is something to stay fixated on, along with the work of the Spirit, avoiding dwelling upon the inward or outward fruits of salvation that remain tainted.[45] (3) Good things are related to remember when you were vastly outnumbered and oppressed in the land, constantly in fear of attacks by your enemy, then He sheltered you, strengthened you with His help, and provided you with good things so perhaps you would be thankful.[46]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) The text presents the idea that something evoked a thought in people that it is a really "good thing", suggesting a positive evaluation.[47]
Classical concept of 'Good thing'
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Benefits that Hermotimos recounted to Panionios, reminding him of what he had gained through him; Hermotimos also promised to do many of these for Panionios if he would bring his household to dwell in that land.[48] (2) Elements contained in waiting, which may not appear good at first but will be found to be so in course of time.[49] (3) Advantages that Xerxes found in making an expedition. These included glory, land, and vengeance.[50] (4) What they who occupy that continent have in such quantity.[51] (5) Good things are what Aristagoras makes himself a reporter of to the house of the king, according to Artaphrenes.[52]
From: The Odyssey of Homer (English translation)
(1) An enjoyable experience, like hearing a bard, that is better or more delightful than when a whole people make merry together.[53] (2) Items that were before the people, upon which they laid their hands.[54] (3) Good things are what the upper servant offers Telemachus and Theoclymenus, indicating the abundance of food and resources in Ulysses' household, despite the recklessness of the suitors.[55] (4) "Good things" refers to the food and drink that are laid before Telemachus, Ulysses, and Eumaeus, emphasizing the provision of nourishment and hospitality.[56] (5) The good things refer to food that was brought to Telemachus and Pisistratus, who were at the table, including bread and other provisions available in the house, according to the text.[57]
From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle
(1) The text mentions that those who are supremely happy and self-sufficient have no need of friends; for they have the "good things", and therefore being self-sufficient they need nothing further.[58] (2) Good things are what rulers in an aristocracy distribute contrary to equity, indicating resources or advantages that are unfairly allocated in the deviation-form of oligarchy.[59] (3) They surpass us most decisively in all of them. It is in fact the origin of the question whether friends really wish for their friends the greatest of these.[60] (4) Refers to things that are considered desirable or beneficial, such as honor, wealth, and pleasant experiences, which contribute to well-being and fulfillment.[61] (5) Good thing is the intended outcome of deliberating well, emphasizing that excellence in deliberation should aim to achieve positive and beneficial results, guiding actions towards what is virtuous.[62]
From: The Liturgy of Funerary Offerings
(1) The text references a prayer that Seb will give pert kheru to all the gods, provided that they give to the king all good things, and make "this pyramid, this work," endure for ever.[63]
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) "Good things" are the wealth and riches that the seller claims the statue of Mercury can provide, but he is selling it because the statue is slow to give these gifts.[64]
From: Legends Of The Gods
(1) Attributes assigned to the Olympian Gods by Plato, contrasting them with opposite attributes assigned to the Daemons.[65] (2) The intent of showing a skeleton is to encourage people to enjoy the blessings they have since life is fleeting and death is inevitable.[66] (3) A good thing is something a wise man hopes to enjoy and should apply to the gods for, according to the provided context.[67]
From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians
(1) The value of listening to others' experiences and wisdom, as emphasized by the protagonist to the Prince.[68] (2) These are the offerings brought to the Majesty of his Lord that Thetha selected, demonstrating his attention to detail.[69]
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) These are dispatched with the king's messenger and the army from the court of Egypt to the chiefs of Punt.[70]
From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt
(1) Be not of many words, for in silence shalt thou gain good. . . . As for the precinct of God, his abomination is crying out; pray thou with a desiring heart whose every word is hidden, and he will supply thy need, and hear thy speech and receive thy offering.[71]