Significance of Mercy
Synonyms: Compassion, Clemency, Forgiveness, Benevolence, Kindness, Leniency, Grace, Charity, Pity, Humanity
In Dutch: Genade; In Finnish: Armo; In Spanish: Merced; In German: Barmherzigkeit; In Italian: Misericordia; In Malay: Belas kasihan; In Swedish: Barmhärtighet; In French: Miséricorde; In Portugese: Misericórdia; In Polish: Miłosierdzie
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mercy'
In Buddhism, mercy embodies compassion for others' suffering, fostering forgiveness and understanding. It's selfless, detached from personal gain, arising from recognizing and responding to others' pain. This perspective emphasizes empathy and the alleviation of suffering.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) Mercy is a quality that, like grains subjected to superior treatment, can evolve to higher stages when endowed with the said character.[1] (2) It is a guiding principle that leads certain teachers who possess a clear perception of truth to impart their teachings without fear of contradiction.[2] (3) A form of compassion that is free from self-interest or attachment, found in the recognition and response to pain and suffering in others.[3]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) A compassionate disposition towards the suffering or missteps of others, promoting forgiveness and understanding.[4]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Mercy is one of the virtues planted in the soul, leading to love and perfect inward weal.[5]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) This is a quality attributed to the Blessed One in considering Devadatta's life history.[6]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Indulging in loving kindness, equanimity, mercy, emancipation, and joy involves cultivating positive emotions and extending compassion without animosity towards the world.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Mercy'
In Hinduism, Mercy embodies kindness, compassion, and divine favor. It's a quality of Krishna, the Devi, and other deities, shown through blessings, grace, and forgiveness. Mercy is seen as a path to spiritual growth, liberation, and a deeper connection with the divine, often sought through devotion and worship.
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The mercy is embodied by Lord Gaurasundara, who is referred to as an ocean of it, and this characteristic is demonstrated by His interaction with the brahmana.[8] (2) Mercy represents the compassion and kindness that Bholanatha Shankara bestows, though the specifics of this grace and its recipients are beyond comprehension.[9] (3) Receiving the mercy of Shriman Mahaprabhu is possible by engaging in the service of Shri Nityananda Prabhu without any form of criticism.[10] (4) Mercy is bestowed by the Lord through punishment, showing consideration for someone as a servant, according to the information in the text.[11] (5) It is compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is in power to punish or harm, demonstrating a willingness to relieve suffering and offer kindness.[12]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Based on the provided text, the Lord would shower mercy on His beloved servitors, engaging in jovial activities with them, while Gopa-kumara sought Shri Jagannatha-deva’s special mercy.[13] (2) The text indicates that through His mercy, the Supreme Lord gives the capacity by which He can be perceived, making Him visible to some.[14] (3) This is shown by Yamaraja upon the present folks if You do not show it to them; only through it will their distress and lamentation be alleviated, which has arisen from separation from friends and relatives.[15] (4) The speaker laments not receiving mercy in the form of embraces and kisses in Ayodhya, a contrast to the experiences with Shri Madana-gopala.[16] (5) A characteristic consistently displayed, prompting the divine figure to speak with a choked voice and shed tears, illustrating profound compassion and care for devotees.[17]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Mercy is a key attribute of Krsna, serving as the foundation for Bhava and manifesting through various channels, including words, presence, and inner experiences.[18] (2) It is a rare method by which sthayi-bhava appears, offering an alternative path for its emergence.[19] (3) It is something received in Vrindavan, and the speaker no longer desires the mercy of another being.[20] (4) It is also described as compassion, which is bestowed upon an individual by Krishna.[21] (5) A divine favor or grace that leads to the attainment of a desired state.[22]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone, which is emphasized as a vital aspect in the context of Lord Nara-Narayana.[23] (2) Refers to 'daya', a quality of kindness and compassion towards others.[24] (3) A plea for compassion or kindness, often in a spiritual or divine context.[25] (4) Divine compassion and kindness shown by Lord Vishnu towards his devotees.[26] (5) Refers to the concept of compassion that the gopis question regarding their beloved.[27]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The text mentions the need for mercy, stating that without it, there is no need for Krishna’s mercy, Radha-kunda’s mercy, or any other mercy.[28] (2) The benevolent grace bestowed by spiritual teachers, enabling devotees to grow in their practice and understanding.[29] (3) The spiritual grace expected from deities that Shrila Swami Maharaja sought for his disciples.[30] (4) The quality that Narottama dasa seeks from Shrinivasa Acarya and Ramacandra Kaviraja in his prayers.[31]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The compassionate treatment extended by a higher power towards an individual, essential for overcoming spiritual and existential struggles.[32] (2) The compassionate disposition of Shri Bhagavan towards devotees, which is apparent in how they accept life's challenges as His grace.[33] (3) The compassion shown by Krishna, which can bring joy to His devotees.[34] (4) Compassion or forgiveness shown towards the speaker, which the speaker seeks from Nityananda.[35]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) Destiny anointed Lord Gaura’s form with mercy, endowing him with many treasures and playful pastimes.[36] (2) This is what He gives.[37] (3) A plea for compassion and grace from the divine, indicating a humble and devoted approach to God.[38] (4) The benevolent compassion and kindness requested from the Lord and devotees, seen as essential for spiritual progress.[39]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Mercy is an auspicious quality of the Lord that dispels fears, showcasing the compassionate nature of the divine being and its role in easing concerns.[40] (2) Compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.[41]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A virtue associated with the Sattva quality, contributing to a sense of well-being and righteousness.[42] (2) An attribute of the Devi, highlighting her compassionate nature and willingness to help her devotees.[43] (3) The unbounded compassion shown by the Devi towards her devotees, resulting in their purification and acceptance.[44]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Bhishma shows this towards the Pandavas, and Duryodhana asks him to show it to him and to slay the brave sons of Pandu, seeking compassion and decisive action.[45] (2) Compassion and kindness that Kunti hopes for from higher powers towards her sons.[46]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A quality demonstrated by Siva when he is pacified by Daksha's wife, grants Daksha's life back, and forgives Daksha's past hatred, showcasing divine compassion.[47] (2) The offenders cried aloud for this, promising to obey the king in every way after being apprehended.[48]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) It refers to what Gadadhara is the ocean of, being well aware of the misery and ensuring that pains of worldly existence are never observed again.[49]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) It is a trait that Satyavrata possessed, influencing his decision to care for Vishvamitra’s offspring, indicating compassion and kindness in his actions.[50]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Compassionate behavior towards others, demonstrating kindness and understanding.[51] (2) The disposition to care for and protect living beings, particularly in times of trouble, reflecting kindness and compassion.[52]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) It is one of the qualities, along with friendliness, complaisance, and indifference, that when cultivated through Samyama, leads to the acquisition of superhuman powers.[53] (2) This is a compassionate attribute that drives an entity to rescue creation from pain. This rescue happens during periodical minor and great pralayas, showcasing compassion.[54]
The concept of Mercy in local and regional sources
Mercy is defined as expressing compassion and kindness, crucial for interactions and actions. It is a path to realizing God, contrasting with renunciation. Jnanis and Bhaktas may view mercy differently, emphasizing its unique spiritual perspective.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Compassionate or forgiving treatment of someone when it is in power to punish them, showing kindness.[55] (2) Mercy is the plea of the beggar, who repeatedly cries for it, seeking compassion and assistance from those who pass by in the city.[56] (3) The author expresses admiration for the divine attribute, acknowledging its presence in both the symbols of royal authority and the context of death.[57] (4) The speaker describes these emotions as objects of ridicule, demonstrating a rejection of typical human connections.[58] (5) The act of compassion, emphasizing the importance of kindness and empathy in one's interactions and actions.[59]
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The word mercy is part of the title ‘O Ocean of mercy,’ used to describe the boundless compassion and kindness of the being.[60] (2) "Mercy" is a quality attributed to the king, as Surdas notes its arising in the king's mind, leading him to ponder the doings of God and Shri Krishna and it is through "mercy" that the king is pleased.[61] (3) This refers to the act of expressing compassion, and it is an act of kindness.[62]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) Mercy alone can help one realize God, but few indeed are there who do so, and it can be seen as a different standpoint by the Jnanis and Bhaktas, where the ideal of renunciation is the keynote of both.[63]
The concept of Mercy in scientific sources
Mercy, in this context, signifies God's initiative to establish a relationship with the ungodly. This relationship is founded on divine mercy, highlighting grace extended to those undeserving.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Mercy is a key attribute of God, understood in the context of human sinfulness and the sending of prophets as an act of divine compassion.[64] (2) It is what God's is above all his works. The Samaritan’s merciful reply is carefully marked with warnings about the dangers of such delayed repentance despite his a ffi rmation that it is above all his works.[65] (3) References to the Virgin, the Father (God), Yahweh, the Child, the light, the dawn, the candle, the mercy, the heart, the forgiveness, the offense or the illness—unmistakably Christian religious terms—are used explicitly.[66] (4) The merciful glance from Nityananda towards Jagai indicated that pardon was already in effect for Jagai and Madhai's offensive behavior.[67] (5) God brings into existence a relationship with those who are ungodly based on his mercy.[68]
Classical concept of 'Mercy'
From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)
(1) A plea made by a small creature to avoid being killed, arguing that it cannot cause significant harm to another being.[69] (2) Mercy is compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm; the Partridge requests mercy from the Fowler to spare its life.[70]
From: The Iliad of Homer (English translation)
(1) Mercy is absent in the impending confrontation between Hector and Achilles, as Hector realizes that Achilles will show no mercy and will kill him without hesitation.[71]