Significance of Kindness
Kindness is a multifaceted concept in various philosophical and religious traditions, including Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Vaishnavism, among others. In Buddhism, Kindness serves as the initial focus of meditation and acts as an antidote to indifference, promoting peace and connection. Similarly, traditions like Mahayana and Theravada emphasize Kindness as vital for fostering compassion and better relationships among beings. Historical perspectives in Indian culture highlight Kindness as a counter to violence and a means to address conflict, reinforcing its importance as a virtue for harmonious living.
Synonyms: Compassion, Benevolence, Generosity, Goodwill, Warmth, Sympathy, Tenderness, Thoughtfulness, Friendliness, Consideration, Empathy, Charity
In Dutch: Vriendelijkheid; In Finnish: Ystävällisyys; In Spanish: Amabilidad; In German: Freundlichkeit; In Malay: Kebaikan; In Swedish: Vänlighet; In French: Gentillesse; In Italian: Gentilezza; In Polish: Życzliwość; In Portugese: Gentileza
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Kindness'
In Buddhism, kindness embodies compassion and goodwill, fostering respectful relationships and promoting peace. It is central to meditation practices and is expressed through metta, nurturing harmony with all beings, even adversaries.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) It is one of four elements that, when not producing genuine mind, is accompanied by cyclic existence's karmic formations, according to the Supreme Essence.[1] (2) "Kindness" is one of the virtues that will be cultivated, indicating a state of being disposed to act with goodwill and care.[2] (3) On the rich, green earth of this, in a joyful place of refreshment for people, various kinds of flowers of compassion open and blossom.[3] (4) This is an example of one of the four immeasurables that practitioners can train in.[4] (5) The initial focus of meditation, followed by compassion, joy, and equanimity, and it serves as an antidote to indifference, fostering a sense of connection and promoting immeasurable peace and stability within oneself.[5]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A fundamental quality of compassion that can lead to better relationships and mutual respect among all beings.[6]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) This is the virtue that can bestow happiness, and the great Arhats were extremely kind and compassionate.[7]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) This is a virtue that pervades all Dharma realms, suggesting its widespread and fundamental importance within the spiritual context.[8]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others.[9]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Kindness is experienced through metta and gentleness, indicating a close and harmonious intimacy with all beings, including those who would be enemies and all others.[10]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An excellence representing compassion and goodwill towards others.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Kindness'
Kindness in Hinduism embodies friendliness, generosity, and compassion. It is exemplified by Gautama's nature, the virtue of Yogins, and the actions of deities like Goddess Sarasvati, emphasizing positive relationships and the alleviation of suffering.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The emotional state of Nanda, Yashoda, Rohini, and the gopa elders as they blessed Krishna, indicating their deep affection and compassion.[12] (2) The speaker mentions that what they have is also due to another's kindness.[13] (3) The quality of being kind, which is highlighted in the actions of Kamsa upon seeing Vasudeva's true nature.[14] (4) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, which is notably absent according to the speaker.[15]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A quality of being caring and benevolent toward others.[16]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) This is an attribute that is one of the anubhavas described in the text, alongside steadiness and patience.[17]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) It is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, displaying a helpful and sympathetic nature towards others and creating positive interactions.[18]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Kindness is enumerated among the constitutional features pertaining to sattvika persons, signifying positive attributes found in those living entities fit for liberation.[19]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A positive trait that one should not forsake in their actions and interactions.[20]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The core message found throughout the narrative, emphasizing that good deeds lead to friendships and positive outcomes.[21]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An emotional disposition marked by a longing to alleviate the suffering of others, forming an important aspect of meditation practice.[22]
Jain concept of 'Kindness'
In Jainism, Kindness is viewed as a fundamental source of compassion and positivity in the world, emphasizing its importance in fostering harmony and moral conduct among individuals and communities.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Kindness is the source to the world.[23]
The concept of Kindness in local and regional sources
Kindness serves as a central theme in the text, highlighting its role in addressing betrayal, fostering gratitude, promoting peace in Buddhism, and embodying friendly, generous behavior, as discussed by Rama with humble individuals.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Acts of generosity and compassion done by individuals, even those with unpleasant appearances, demonstrating the inherent goodness in people.[24] (2) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, which the narrator pondered as a motivation for Jaya's actions.[25] (3) Kindness is a concept that Rama talked about, and it is what he talked about at the parnasala with the simple and lowly folk.[26] (4) A central motif in the play where characters consider strategies of kindness as a method of addressing betrayal, rather than traditional notions of punishment or revenge.[27] (5) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others.[28]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Kindness is a quality frequently mentioned, especially in relation to the Hale Sisters, Mrs. Pratt, Miss Howe, and Mrs. Potter Palmer, underscoring the importance of kindness.[29] (2) This is a quality attributed to the recipient's brothers, which the author insists could never be forgotten, even in the worst circumstances.[30] (3) An act of generosity shown by the recipient, for which the sender expresses gratitude, appreciating the help provided.[31]
The concept of Kindness in scientific sources
Kindness, in this context, involves acts of compassion and benevolence towards others. The text explores how practicing kindness may affect well-being and materialism.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) "Kindness" is the expression of pediatric nurses and their kind and warm manner with interest in children and their families, so the quality of pediatric nursing care refers to the respect, "kindness", explanation, and skillfulness of the nurse, which requires the sensitive responses to the physical and emotional needs of hospitalized children and their families.[32] (2) It is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others, often manifested through acts of help, support, or empathy.[33] (3) Kindness, in this context, refers to performing acts of benevolence and compassion towards others, and its practice is explored for potential effects on well-being and materialism.[34]
Classical concept of 'Kindness'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) An unexpected gesture from a thief that makes the housedog more watchful, suspecting hidden motives that could harm the master.[35] (2) An act displayed by the peasant when freeing the trapped eagle, which in turn inspired a similar act from the eagle, saving the peasant's life.[36] (3) An act of generosity and compassion shown by the farmer towards the snake, which ultimately led to the farmer's demise due to the snake's inherent nature.[37] (4) Kindness is demonstrated by the Lion when he spares the Mouse's life, and later reciprocated by the Mouse when he frees the Lion, illustrating its reciprocal nature.[38]
From: The Argonautica (English translation)
(1) Medea asks Chalciope to bury her kindness in silence, indicating the need for secrecy in her actions.[39]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) Kindness is the virtue that Crsus showed to Adrastos by cleansing him and taking him into his home, and it is also what Crsus expected in return when asking Adrastos to protect his son.[40]