Significance of Pious act
Synonyms: Religious act, Virtuous action, Holy deed, Sacred act, Righteous behavior, Holy act, Righteous act, Virtuous act
In Dutch: Vrome daad; In Finnish: Harras teko; In Spanish: Acto piadoso
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Pious act'
In Buddhism, a Pious act is characterized by sincere actions aligned with Buddhist principles, exemplified by the king’s spiritual pursuits and the Bodhisatta’s compassion in saving a dying robber, showcasing selflessness and empathy.
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Actions performed with a sincere heart in accordance with Buddhist principles, which the king engaged in for the sake of spiritual rewards.[1]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The Bodhisatta’s decision to save the dying robber, demonstrating his compassion.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Pious act'
Pious acts in Hinduism are religiously commendable deeds performed with devotion and reverence, contributing to spiritual merit, moral integrity, and societal balance, ultimately aimed at achieving spiritual progress and favorable outcomes.
From: Padma Purana
(1) Religious or virtuous actions performed with the intent of achieving spiritual merit.[3] (2) Rituals and behaviors that reflect religious devotion, which are expected of a king to maintain divine favor.[4] (3) Actions motivated by virtue and adherence to Dharma, which Prithu embodies as a king.[5] (4) Deeds performed with the intention of accumulating spiritual merit.[6] (5) Actions that are deemed virtuous and aligned with dharma, contributing to a person's moral fabric and societal standing.[7]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Actions undertaken in reverence or religious devotion, which are associated with positive morning dreams.[8] (2) He is famed for his pious acts, being tolerant and magnanimous, bounteous and charitable.[9] (3) Religious or moral deeds performed by individuals that are considered virtuous but are not sufficient for salvation on their own.[10] (4) Virtuous deeds performed by living beings that can benefit departed souls and foster their desirable transformation.[11] (5) Actions undertaken with virtue that are believed to purify the mind and body, aiding in health.[12]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Good deeds or actions performed in accordance with religious obligations and moral duties.[13] (2) Good deeds performed for spiritual benefit and to please deities.[14] (3) Actions done with devout intentions leading to spiritual merit.[15] (4) Actions carried out with sincerity and devotion, aimed at fulfilling religious and moral obligations.[16] (5) Acts performed with reverence and dedication, practiced by wise individuals, contributing to prosperity and advancement.[17]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Actions that are performed with righteousness and moral integrity, usually connected to religious observance.[18] (2) Dutiful actions performed in reverence and devotion that yield spiritual merit and rewards.[19] (3) Describes actions taken with good intentions that result in merit and contribute positively to one's karmic balance.[20] (4) Actions performed with devotion and moral righteousness, which are believed to yield positive spiritual outcomes.[21] (5) Ritualistic actions undertaken by individuals seeking divine blessings, often involving worship and sacrifice.[22]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) A religiously motivated action, such as casting bones into the Ganga, intended to bring blessings.[23] (2) Pious acts relate to the specific deeds, like illuminating temples and providing offerings, that contribute to spiritual merit and favor from deities.[24]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) Actions performed with a sense of reverence and devotion, often for spiritual merit.[25] (2) Religious or virtuous actions performed by the ascetic in the forest.[26]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The virtuous deeds that contribute to a king's moral standing, integral to maintaining order among the castes.[27] (2) Righteous deeds performed by individuals to sustain spiritual and social balance, as well as providing for those in need.[28]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Virtuous deeds that flourished during the time when the Daityas were in power and the worlds were under their control.[29] (2) Actions performed with devotion and moral purpose, often involving worship, charity, or community service.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Good deeds that lead to merit, emphasized through the concept of making gifts at the right time and place.[31] (2) A good deed that can dispel iniquity, reinforcing the benefits of performing the Ekadashi Vrata.[32]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Righteous deeds that are believed to contribute to one's spiritual progress and sanctity in the afterlife.[33] (2) The virtuous deeds one performs; ineffective without previous meritorious deeds.[34]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) Actions associated with righteousness and merit accumulation in the context of Hindu teachings and narratives.[35]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) Religious and ethical deeds that become rare and less impactful during the deteriorating Yugas.[36]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Actions prescribed in Vedic texts, such as sacrifice and renunciation, through which devotees worship Lord Vishnu.[37]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The good deeds performed by individuals, such as Brahmanas, that serve as their contribution instead of monetary taxes.[38] (2) A deed performed for religious or virtuous reasons, often involving rituals or sacrifices.[39] (3) Religious or righteous actions performed by the subjects that contribute to societal harmony and accrue benefits for the king.[40] (4) Actions that are performed with devotion and are aligned with religious or moral standards, often tied to vows.[41]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Actions performed with spiritual intent, which may lead to favorable conditions for engaging in devotional service.[42] (2) A pious act refers to a good deed or religious practice performed by residents, which is characterized by the custom of sending offerings to the Lord.[43]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Acts carried out by Shri Krishna deemed virtuous or morally good, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of his actions.[44]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) Spiritual or ethical actions performed with devotion and good intentions aimed at gaining merit.[45]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) Actions prompted by dohada that are directed towards spirituality, moral conduct, or charitable endeavors.[46]
From: Prashna Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Deeds performed with reverence, often linked to religious or spiritual practice that contribute to one's karma.[47]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) An act of religious devotion or duty, equated with foundational acts like the dedication of temples within Purta-dharma.[48]
Jain concept of 'Pious act'
In Jainism, a pious act is an ethical action that aligns with moral standards, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey towards Moksha, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Actions performed in accordance with moral or ethical standards which direct individuals toward Moksha.[49]
The concept of Pious act in scientific sources
Pious acts are integral to Ayurveda as they embody the good deeds needed to achieve its four primary goals: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Refers to the good deeds necessary for attaining the main aims of Ayurveda, which include Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.[50]