Significance of Meritorious person
The concept of a Meritorious person encompasses individuals recognized for their virtuous actions and adherence to Dharma across various cultural contexts. In South Asia, it includes those performing good deeds leading to positive karma and spiritual rewards, such as charity and worship of deities. Purana highlights individuals whose virtuous actions elevate them spiritually, while Mahayana emphasizes those whose merit attracts blessings from buddhas and bodhisattvas. Ultimately, a Meritorious person embodies compassion, righteousness, and a commitment to spiritual development.
Synonyms: Virtuous person, Honorable individual
In Dutch: Verdienstelijk persoon; In Finnish: Ansiokas henkilö; In Spanish: Persona meritoria
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 person'
In Buddhism, a Meritorious person is one who has amassed good deeds, reaping rewards for vast eons, and has cultivated merit that invites the blessings of buddhas and bodhisattvas into their consciousness.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) An individual who has accrued good deeds, enjoying rewards for 80,000 great kalpas.[1]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) An individual who has generated merit that allows the blessings of the buddhas and bodhisattvas to enter their mind-stream.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Meritorious person'
In Hinduism, a Meritorious person embodies good character, spiritual knowledge, and righteous actions, earning virtue through devotion and selfless deeds, ultimately attaining higher spiritual statuses and rewards in both this life and the afterlife.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Individuals characterized by their virtuous actions and willingness to help those in need without expecting anything in return.[3] (2) A person of great virtue whose actions resonate positively with the principles of Dharma.[4] (3) An individual who gains spiritual merit through good deeds and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of continuous virtuous action.[5] (4) Individuals who attain spiritual rewards and realms through their virtuous deeds.[6] (5) Individuals who achieve high spiritual status, particularly those who see the peak of Meru.[7]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Describes an individual who is protected by their good deeds and virtuous actions, such as Nahusha.[8] (2) Individuals who have performed commendable actions, earning them a place in heaven.[9] (3) An individual who has accumulated good deeds and virtuous qualities, enabling them to attain higher spiritual realms.[10] (4) Describes noble individuals who generously give wealth to brahmanas, promoting a culture of charity.[11]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) An individual possessing good qualities and virtues, who understands and effectively conveys spiritual knowledge.[12] (2) An individual who performs actions with good intentions, enabling them to reap benefits from holy centres.[13] (3) Meritorious persons are those who are free from servility and miseries, and are considered blessed in this world.[14]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A person who practices virtuous deeds and holds a significant role in governing the Tripuras.[15] (2) Individuals who engage in worship of Lord Shiva, categorized into four kinds: the distressed, the inquisitive, the fortune-seeker, and the wise.[16]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Individuals who perform good deeds and acts of charity, leading to their ascension to higher realms after death.[17] (2) Individuals who perform good deeds, leading to positive karmic outcomes and favorable rebirths.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals who have performed good deeds and are thus deserving of rewards or higher spiritual destiny.[19]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Describes Arjuna's noble character as he enters the battlefield, showing his valor and righteousness.[20]
From: Linga Purana
(1) An individual deserving of charitable gifts, recognized for their virtues and righteousness.[21]
The concept of Meritorious person in local and regional sources
The term "Meritorious person" signifies both a royal accolade for cleverness in avoiding punishment and a representation of virtue, as sought by the jackal in the story of the ascetic.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A person of virtue or merit, which the jackal claims to seek in the ascetic.[22] (2) The title given by the King to the Prince for his clever escape from the tusk elephant's punishment.[23]