Significance of Meritorious act
Synonyms: Praiseworthy act, Virtuous act, Laudable act, Exemplary act, Laudable effort, Exemplary behavior, Noble act
In Dutch: Verdienstelijke daad; In Finnish: Ansiokas teko; In Spanish: Acto meritorio; In German: Verdienstvolle Tat; In Swedish: Förtjänstfull handling; In Malay: Perbuatan berjasa; In French: Acte méritoire; In Italian: Atto meritorio; In Portugese: Ato meritório; In Polish: Zasłużony czyn
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Meritorious act'
Meritorious acts in Buddhism encompass good deeds that generate positive karma, contribute to spiritual development, and enhance the well-being of oneself and others, ultimately influencing rebirth and moral growth within the spiritual journey.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Actions that are morally good and beneficial, requiring the presence of 'sila' for their proper execution.[1] (2) Benevolent deeds performed by Mahapajapati Gotami and her companions that accumulated blessings leading to favorable rebirths.[2] (3) Actions performed with good intention and awareness that contribute positively to one's spiritual progress and the well-being of others.[3] (4) Collective efforts of the community led by Yasorata to contribute towards constructing the cetiya, seen as virtuous and beneficial.[4] (5) Good deeds performed by the lion, establishing his virtues and contributing to his spiritual growth and future rebirths.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Meritorious acts are also known as Kusala, which denotes such acts, are considered important because they lead to positive outcomes and contribute to overall well-being and spiritual growth.[6] (2) Good deeds performed by individuals aiming for spiritual advancement, sometimes recognized by earlier Buddhas.[7] (3) Good deeds performed by individuals, such as offerings and acts of service, believed to yield positive results in future rebirths.[8]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) It is the false perception that people had about the honey left in the forest, mistaking it for a selfless offering, highlighting the danger of appearances.[9] (2) A deed that brings spiritual merit, contributing to the moral and ethical development of an individual.[10] (3) A deed performed by the Bodhisatta with the intention of achieving a higher spiritual state.[11]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) A virtuous or beneficial action that offers positive outcomes for the doer and others.[12] (2) The human world offers plenty of opportunities for performing meritorious acts that lead to favorable outcomes.[13]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Actions performed with the intention of earning merit, which may lead one to a higher plane of existence.[14]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The good karma or merit accrued from giving gifts, which is seen as directed primarily toward the Order.[15]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) These are actions performed to accumulate good karma, which are believed to lead to favorable rebirths and spiritual progress, as demonstrated by the actions.[16] (2) This is a term that is used to describe the act of offering the flowers to the Buddha, which resulted in the individual being reborn among divine and human beings.[17] (3) An action performed with good intentions that results in spiritually beneficial outcomes, which for the ascetic led to divine rewards.[18] (4) An action performed with the intent of generating good karma and spiritual benefit, such as offering honey to the Master.[19] (5) Actions performed with the intention of accruing good karma and benefits for oneself and others, generating a cyclic bond of rebirth.[20]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) This refers to actions that are considered virtuous and that are believed to bring positive karma or spiritual benefit in Buddhism.[21]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) Positive deeds or actions that accumulate good karma, leading to better outcomes in rebirth.[22]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Through this of his, Dharmaruci won his present human state, indicating the positive impact of past actions.[23]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Good deeds performed for the benefit of the Buddhist community and the Doctrine, contributing to one's spiritual merit.[24]
Hindu concept of 'Meritorious act'
In Hinduism, a Meritorious act encompasses virtuous actions yielding spiritual benefits, promoting good karma, aiding individuals like devotees, and enhancing one’s spiritual journey and future rebirths through righteousness and ethical conduct.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Actions performed that are deemed virtuous, often tied to religious or ethical obligations in the Vedic context, particularly regarding progeny and lineage.[25] (2) The positive deeds diminished by answering falsely or not answering at all in an assembly.[26] (3) A good deed or positive action from a previous life that influences one's current circumstances, as experienced by the Candala.[27] (4) Actions performed collectively with the right motivation that bring happiness and spiritual benefits.[28] (5) Good deeds or actions performed with a sense of duty that lead to spiritual merit.[29]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The virtuous deeds of great men lauded across the three worlds.[30] (2) Good deeds or actions that generate positive karma and spiritual merit, relevant to the duties of the enlightened.[31] (3) Good deeds and actions that yield positive spiritual outcomes or rewards.[32] (4) Good deeds and pious actions that Sikhidvaja believed attracted the divine presence of Kumbha.[33] (5) Deeds performed with virtue that yield positive consequences across various lifetimes.[34]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Holding Rudraksham is considered a highly commendable and virtuous spiritual practice.[35] (2) The belief held by the Candala that killing the Rakshasi, believed to eat children, would earn him great religious merit.[36] (3) Good deeds performed to earn spiritual merit, especially during auspicious times in sacred places.[37] (4) Actions that are virtuous and good, contributing to the accumulation of positive Karma.[38] (5) An action that is considered virtuous and beneficial for spiritual progress.[39]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Deeds or rituals that result in spiritual merit, impacting one's spiritual journey and leading towards liberation.[40] (2) The good deeds and devotion of Marisha which are highlighted as essential to her character development and blessings.[41]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Actions that are commendable and contribute positively to one's legacy and the community.[42]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Acts that contribute positively to one's spiritual journey and are recognized as virtuous.[43]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Good deeds performed by individuals that accumulate positive karma and can lead to favorable outcomes in the afterlife.[44]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) Deeds that are virtuous and contribute to one's spiritual advancement, highlighted in the narrative.[45]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Good deeds performed by individuals which contribute towards their righteousness and virtue.[46] (2) An action carried out with spiritual intent or goodwill, which can influence the degree of impurity experienced after carrying a dead body.[47] (3) An action performed with the intent of achieving virtue or spiritual benefit, leading to positive outcomes.[48] (4) Religious duties and sacrifices whose completion is thought to increase one's spiritual merit, such as the Jyotishtoma and Agnihotra.[49] (5) An acknowledgment that becoming endowed with the merits from sacrificial performances is a resultant benefit for one killed in battle.[50]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An action that is deemed virtuous and worthy of earning spiritual merit.[51]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) An action deemed virtuous or worthy, specifically referring to the act of worshipping Krishna.[52]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) An action that generates spiritual merit, particularly in relation to imparting sacred knowledge.[53]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) Positive deeds which reward jiva with favorable rebirth or ascendance to higher spiritual realms.[54]
Jain concept of 'Meritorious act'
In Jainism, a Meritorious act encompasses good deeds from past lives enhancing understanding of omniscient teachings, while also representing transient virtuous actions recognized by Padmottara, highlighting the impermanent nature of such merits.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Actions that are deemed virtuous, which Padmottara recognizes as fleeting and temporary.[55]
The concept of Meritorious act in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Meritorious act" encompasses virtuous behaviors advocated by King Priyadarsi, including obedience, generosity, and charitable donations, as well as good deeds by individuals like adopted children and widows, emphasizing the moral value of these actions.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Good deeds performed by the adopted child, in contrast to those who did not act virtuous.[56] (2) Good deeds performed by the widow woman, such as making flower offerings to a statue of Buddha.[57]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Behaviors such as obedience to parents, generosity towards friends, and abstaining from violence that King Priyadarsi promotes as virtuous.[58]
The concept of Meritorious act in scientific sources
Meritorious acts, according to regional sources, guarantee the fulfillment of desires in every future birth, regardless of location, be it ocean or mountains.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) The more people share in a, the more merit is created.[59] (2) These acts have this result: that in every birth whatever he desires, in the ocean or on mountains, will come to be.[60]