Significance of Grace
Synonyms: Elegance, Poise, Charm, Beauty, Mercy, Refinement, Goodwill, Dignity, Subtlety
In Malay: Rahmat; In Dutch: Elegantie; In Finnish: Armo; In Spanish: Gracia; In German: Anmut; In Swedish: Nåd; In French: Grâce; In Polish: Łaska; In Italian: Adornare; In Portugese: Graça
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Grace'
In Buddhism, "Grace" signifies maintaining an unwavering attitude amidst life's fluctuations, encompassing both prosperity and hardship. It also embodies desperation and a plea for compassion, mirroring the she-goat's desperate plea for mercy.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A plea made by the she-goat for mercy from the panther, illustrating themes of desperation and the desire for compassion.[1]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The treatise aims to assist individuals in living in this state, whether they are wealthy or poor, happy or facing calamity, with an unwavering attitude.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) One of the qualities attributed to the Buddha, along with beauty and perfection, making him stand out.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Grace'
In Hinduism, Grace is multifaceted. It embodies divine favor, blessings, and assistance from various deities like Krishna and Bhagavati, enabling spiritual fulfillment, righteous actions, and connection. It can be a spontaneous act of love, a quality, or the source of gratitude, facilitating meditation, healing, and devotion.
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) It is duly regulated by the Lord, as mentioned in the provided content.[4] (2) The Lord's lotus-eyes are said to shed grace, marking the beginning of attraction and connection with the divine, underscoring the benevolent nature.[5] (3) Grace is what the Alvar is solely dependent on, as the Alvar is a recipient of His grace, highlighting a reliance on divine favor.[6] (4) A spontaneous act of the Lord that the Alvar recognized and rejoiced in, understanding it as unrelated to any merit within himself, marking a shift from past indifference.[7] (5) It should be shed on the Alvar by illustrious preceptors. This is done by placing their legs on their head. It is not meant to be taken literally.[8]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Grace is the divine influence through which devotees were delivered upon hearing the Lord's sound.[9]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Something that Shri Uddhava is the topmost recipient of from Yadavendra Shri Krishna, endowing with all opulence.[10]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) It is the mercy of a divine being or a follower, that allows certain individuals to become qualified for pure devotion.[11]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) It is a favor that can be won, leading to the granting of requests and the fulfillment of desires through divine intervention.[12] (2) Grace is something that Sita is told to learn and earn from Bharat and the king.[13] (3) Grace is a quality associated with a woman, indicating her kindness and elegance, and it reflects the value of these traits.[14] (4) Grace is what the king says he owes everything to, according to the provided text.[15] (5) Graces refer to the pleasing qualities of Rama, highlighting his excellence.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Grace of the dust of the Devi's Feet is the only means of security for the Devas; they prayed to the Devi, and She vanished then and there.[17] (2) The grace is the grace of Bhagavati, by which Sudarshana obtained the kingdom without any enemies, and which is mentioned in the text.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A factor through which a vow that even the gods could with difficulty accomplish, has been accomplished.[19] (2) The maiden said unto the god that she desired to have only one husband through this, showing her intent and desire for a partner.[20]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The divine assistance or favor that facilitates meditation and spiritual connection.[21]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) Grace, in the context of healing, relates to a state of ease and flow, which Ayurveda helps individuals cultivate for internal healing processes.[22]
The concept of Grace in local and regional sources
Grace, as described, encompasses divine favor, support, and blessings. It's sought by those seeking spiritual awakening, aiding self-discovery and offering hope. Receiving grace requires purity, unattachment, and effort, potentially representing a divine presence or benevolent force in various faiths and philosophies.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Grace is mentioned as part of a trinity of qualities possessed by saviors, along with wisdom and compassion, reflecting the tender nature of the Mother and the unmerited but wonderful reception received through the causeless grace of the Master.[23] (2) Grace is a divine favor that can elevate individuals, even those in dungeons, to a state of Heaven, while its absence leaves others in a metaphorical prison.[24] (3) The grace stemming from Valmiki's Ramayana is used as an analogy, suggesting that the excellence of the Pancha Ratnams is abundant and need not be specifically searched for.[25] (4) Grace is depicted as a benevolent and transformative force, suggesting divine favor or a kind intervention that can inspire positive change and alleviate suffering, indicating a hope for redemption.[26] (5) A quality possessed by the Sister Muse of Poetry, making her beauty rare and difficult to find, associated with her walk and overall demeanor.[27]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Grace is presented as a mysterious force, beyond natural laws, that can lead to Illumination, and is received by those who are pure, devoted, and persevere in meditation, although its bestowal can be unpredictable.[28] (2) The test of this is unattachment to lust or wealth, and if that has not come in anyone's life, they have not truly received it.[29] (3) One needs to be pure in thought, word, and deed to receive the grace of God, as the Lord is merciful to those who struggle for realization, but His grace will not come without effort.[30]
The concept of Grace in scientific sources
Grace, in regional theological contexts, is linked to charisma. Scholastic theologians connect these concepts, suggesting a relationship between divine favor and exceptional personal qualities.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) It is understood as an external good and favor, as opposed to wrath. God grants believers a gift, which is faith and a new righteousness by faith, whereby they are purged from sin.[31] (2) According to the text, there is no expectation of the bestowal of grace with no personal preparation, emphasizing that man, through sacrifice and work, becomes worthy of meeting God.[32] (3) "Grace" is a lure of desire that is envisaged by Ravaisson. The text suggests that for Bergson there is less basis for a construal of the lure of desire by grace.[33] (4) Grace is a gift of God that is bestowed freely and without regard to merit, manifesting in the giving of blessings and granting of salvation.[34] (5) It can be understood as stirs of new energy, hope, and possibility, an undeserved gift, and the power of a transformative encounter and relationship that enables acting against one's usual judgment.[35]
From: Sustainability Journal (MDPI)
(1) GRACE, or Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, provides monthly observations of changes in the earth’s gravity field and can be used to estimate monthly variations in groundwater storage.[36] (2) GRACE, or Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, provides data used to estimate groundwater storage changes in Horqin Sandy Land, aiding in the analysis of water resources from 2003 to 2010.[37]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) The models achieved significant improvements in comparison with both the GRACE and TIMI risk score models, showcasing their superior performance.[38]
Classical concept of 'Grace'
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) Entities, one of whom, Pasithea, was offered by Juno to Sleep in exchange for lulling Jove to sleep, suggesting beauty and reward.[39]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) The text mentions "grace" as a characteristic of the son of Aeson, highlighting his elegant and refined manner, enhancing his appeal and presence.[40]
From: The Authoress of the Odyssey
(1) The Graces are characters that consoled Venus with a lovely new dress when she had been liberated from the toils of Vulcan, which is a detail that is noted in the analysis.[41]