Significance of Merit and wisdom
Merit and wisdom are essential concepts in both Purana and Mahayana traditions, emphasizing qualities related to moral integrity, intelligence, and virtuous actions. In Mahayana, these qualities consist of accumulated positive traits and deep understanding developed through good deeds and meditation, crucial for spiritual awakening. They highlight the importance of virtuous actions in generating merit and gaining wisdom, both vital for a practitioner's journey towards enlightenment and achieving Buddhahood, as outlined in teachings like Vimalakirti's.
Synonyms: Quality, Excellence, Intelligence, Knowledge, Insight, Judgement, Understanding, Sagacity, Virtue, Judgment
In Dutch: Verdienste en wijsheid; In Finnish: Ansioita ja viisautta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Merit and wisdom'
In Buddhism, merit and wisdom are essential qualities nurtured by bodhisattvas for achieving enlightenment. Merit arises from virtuous actions, while wisdom encompasses deep understanding of reality, both crucial for liberation from suffering and spiritual awakening.
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The qualities generated through virtuous actions and deep understanding that contribute to the attainment of spiritual awakening and realization as described by Vimalakirti.[1] (2) The accumulated positive qualities and deep understanding that bodhisattvas cultivate to create beneficial impacts.[2]
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) Qualities developed through virtuous actions and meditation that lead to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.[3] (2) The positive qualities and knowledge accumulated by individuals through virtuous actions, which aid in seeking enlightenment.[4]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) Merit is generated through virtuous actions, while wisdom refers to the understanding of ultimate reality; both are necessary for achieving enlightenment.[5] (2) The accumulations that support a practitioner's spiritual journey toward attaining enlightenment.[6]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The valuable qualities that a bodhisattva must amass and nurture to achieve Buddhahood, central to the process of becoming enlightened.[7]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The positive qualities developed through practicing Dharma, which contribute to a person's spiritual advancement and ability to achieve buddhahood.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Merit and wisdom'
In Hinduism, merit and wisdom symbolize moral integrity and intelligence, representing valuable qualities that enhance social standing and contribute to a person's overall evaluation in society.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Qualities associated with moral integrity, intelligence, and valuable knowledge that are often esteemed in social evaluations.[9]