Significance of Great wealth
Great wealth in various spiritual traditions encompasses both material abundance and ethical considerations surrounding its acquisition and use. In Buddhism and Jainism, it is often viewed as a means to support others and achieve spiritual growth. Jainism emphasizes ethical accumulation through blameless means, while Vaishnavism depicts wealth as a symbol of prosperity and emotional fulfillment through connections with divine figures. Across different contexts, Great wealth reflects not just possession but also the importance of generosity, responsible stewardship, and the spiritual implications associated with material resources.
Synonyms: Affluence, Fortune, Riches, Opulence, Prosperity, Assets, Abundance, Luxury, Plenty
In Dutch: Grote rijkdom; In Finnish: Suuri rikkaus; In Spanish: Gran riqueza
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great wealth'
In Buddhism, Great wealth encompasses both material and spiritual abundance, emphasizing morality, altruism, and wise resource management. It illustrates the interplay between wealth and spiritual growth, highlighting generosity, transformative wisdom, and the significance of self-realization.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The prosperity gained by the young man after initially successfully using the charm.[1] (2) The abundance of resources and treasures owned by Sutasoma, which he chooses to leave behind for a spiritual life.[2] (3) A significant amount of financial resources or valuable possessions that one possesses.[3] (4) Signifies abundant material resources, indicative of the social status of the Bodhisatta's family prior to his ascetic life.[4]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) the treasurer’s son, representing material abundance[5] (2) The character Mahadhana, symbolizing excess material wealth that is ultimately squandered.[6] (3) A significant amount of material resources or possessions, often associated with prosperity and abundance.[7] (4) An extreme level of affluence that denotes substantial material resources, which, in the context of the merchant Mahadhana, underscores the importance of prudently managing one's assets.[8]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The significant fortune accumulated by the talented pupil, illustrating the transformative effect of wisdom, effort, and opportunity.[9] (2) Material or spiritual abundance that can result from living a life of morality.[10] (3) The significant material resources and riches that the Bodhisatta inherited from his parents.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Generosity (dana) results in the attainment of great wealth (mahadhanya).[12] (2) The substantial riches obtained through the practice of material gifts (amishadana).[13]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) An abundance of material resources that results from generous practices in previous lifetimes.[14]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) True riches that come from understanding and realizing one's self-nature.[15]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) Refers to the significant resources possessed by the rich man and symbolizes spiritual treasures.[16]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) An abundance of material possessions and resources, contrasted with the spiritual quests of the characters.[17]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Abundance used as a means to support and uplift sentient beings, reflecting the interdependence of wealth and altruism.[18]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The numerous gifts given to g. Yung ston pa by the Emperor in gratitude for his help.[19]
Hindu concept of 'Great wealth'
Great wealth in Hinduism encompasses emotional and material abundance, symbolizing virtues, social status, spiritual knowledge, and resources attributed to divine favor, illustrating the complexities of prosperity and fulfillment through various narratives and characters.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Significant material riches, often highlighting disparities in social status and worth.[20] (2) Material riches that, according to Yayati, should not lead to vanity or self-exaltation.[21] (3) Indicates that Yayati possesses substantial riches, making him a desirable ally.[22] (4) The substantial resources and riches that Ilvala had and was willing to give away after Agastya's request.[23] (5) Refers to the accumulation of substantial resources and material possessions.[24]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Desirable material abundance that may be attained by pleasing Vishnu.[25] (2) The treasure taken by the gods, including wealth like Lakshmi, the Moon, and other valuable things.[26] (3) A substantial amount of riches or resources accumulated.[27] (4) The accumulation of resources and treasures owned by king Dilipa, signifying prosperity.[28]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Significant amounts of valuable resources or assets that please the Gods when offered.[29] (2) The substantial riches possessed by King Citrasena, indicative of his success and status.[30] (3) Assets accumulated by legitimate means, which Brahmana seeks to use for a sacrifice.[31]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The significant riches that Narishyanta distributed generously among the brahmans at his sacrifice.[32]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Material abundance that can be obtained through adherence to prescribed rituals and practices.[33]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The description of the riches that Yashoda offered to the brahmanas.[34] (2) Great wealth indicates the substantial resources and riches that King Nanda possessed and distributed.[35] (3) refers to an abundance of significant spiritual knowledge and riches, enabling enlightenment.[36] (4) Significant financial resources or material possessions that symbolize prosperity.[37] (5) significant material resources or possessions.[38]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A significant amount of riches or financial resources that can be obtained through dancing.[39] (2) A significant amount of riches that the Lord indicates is being secretly enjoyed by the individual.[40] (3) Having substantial financial resources, acknowledged as not contributing to the true spiritual development needed to please God.[41] (4) Possessing significant financial resources or assets.[42]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) A significant amount of valuable resources or riches that one aspires to attain.[43] (2) The material riches and opulence that the brahmana desired through his worship.[44]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A reference to the emotional fulfillment and satisfaction that Shri Radha seeks from her connection with Shri Krishna.[45]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The abundant resources possessed by the inhabitants of Vraja, leading to their pride and disobedience towards Indra.[46]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Material richness gained through virtuous acts and divine favor experienced by characters such as the king and Sattvashila.[47] (2) Abundant financial resources or possessions, often sought after by individuals.[48] (3) An abundance of riches that Kalanemi was promised by the Goddess of Fortune.[49] (4) A desired outcome that drove individuals to pursue alchemical practices and the quest for gold, indicative of the materialistic aspirations throughout history.[50]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Substantial financial resources attributed to the giving of water.[51]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Prosperity and abundance that the Vaishya boy is entrusted to Indra and Brahman for safeguarding.[52]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A significant amount of material riches that one aims to achieve through rituals.[53]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) A desired outcome represented by tempering the weapon in water.[54]
Jain concept of 'Great wealth'
In Jainism, Great wealth encompasses ethically acquired riches, excessive material possessions, and the merits leading to societal contribution, highlighting both the responsibility of wealth and its deeper spiritual implications through exemplary figures like Krishna.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The considerable amount of money acquired by Bhavana during his twelve years of trading.[55] (2) The significant fortune that came to the Brahman after the Lord entered Devananda's womb.[56] (3) The riches given to Rukmini by Krishna, symbolizing his affection and generosity.[57] (4) A significant amount of resources and assets that Krishna provided to Susima after marrying her.[58] (5) Refers to the accumulated merit that leads to significant achievements and abilities in the narrative.[59]
From: Naladiyar
(1) Significant amounts of money or resources that are often retained by individuals who do not know how to give or utilize them properly.[60] (2) Great wealth consists in the possession of accurate learning that has been accumulated through acquisition.[61] (3) Abundance of material possessions that can be misleading, suggesting not all wealth contributes positively to society.[62] (4) Wealth that has been acquired through blameless means, highlighting that substantial riches can be attained ethically.[63]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The substantial material possessions of the saint's father, indicating a background of abundance.[64]
The concept of Great wealth in local and regional sources
Great wealth encompasses material riches purposely withheld by Krishna for spiritual focus, the rewards from appeasing Karam Gosain, the concept of life as inherent wealth, and the depiction of abundance through a skin bag.
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) The idea that life itself is wealth; emphasized by the Raja during discussions about poverty and survival.[65] (2) The outcome of Dharmu and his wife's successful appeasement of Karam Gosain, allowing them to gain riches on their return trip.[66]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Material riches that Krishna deliberately refrains from giving to His servants to maintain their focus on spiritual matters.[67]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An impression of a large amount of money or valuables, which the mother was asked to portray using the skin bag.[68]