Significance of Righteousness
Synonyms: Virtue, Justice, Morality, Integrity, Rectitude, Uprightness, Honor, Nobility
In Dutch: Gerechtigheid; In Finnish: Oikeudenmukaisuus; In Spanish: Justicia
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Righteousness'
In Buddhism, Righteousness encompasses moral principles guiding rulers like King Brahmadatta and King Vessantara, emphasizing ethical governance, justice, and integrity. It highlights virtues such as compassion and kindness as essential for a good life.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A moral quality that the daughter-in-law adopted after being reconciled with her husband and father-in-law.[1] (2) A principle by which King Brahmadatta ruled, indicating justice, morality, and fairness in leadership.[2] (3) The moral quality that the king aims to uphold in his rule by promoting adherence to ethical principles and societal laws.[3] (4) The moral principle upon which King Samvara ruled, affecting his relationships with others.[4] (5) The moral integrity by which a king should rule, encompassing justice and virtue in leadership.[5]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Moral integrity and ethical governance, guiding principles that the Blessed One embodies.[6] (2) Moral purity and integrity, which King Vessantara exemplifies through his acts of giving and generosity.[7]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A key aspect of morality and ethics in Buddhism, which includes compassion, truthfulness, and kindness.[8]
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The quality of being morally right or just, which contrasts with Devadatta's actions.[9]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The quality of being morally right, which is emphasized in the discourse between characters.[10]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) A mode of living characterized by moral integrity and virtuous action, which the young man aims to uphold.[11]
Hindu concept of 'Righteousness'
Righteousness in Hinduism signifies the highest moral good, essential for ethical behavior, governance, and personal happiness. It embodies adherence to Dharma and inspires virtuous conduct, ultimately guiding individuals towards positive outcomes and spiritual integrity.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The moral quality that the king seeks to embody and promote within his kingdom for the prosperity of all.[12] (2) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, which leads to positive outcomes and personal happiness.[13] (3) The moral virtue derived from following the path of good deeds, including the observance of fasts.[14] (4) Adherence to moral principles and ethical standards.[15] (5) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, which is emphasized in the context of actions and their consequences.[16]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Moral virtue, highlighted as an intrinsic quality of those devoted to Ramanatha who transcend worldly struggles.[17] (2) The moral principle grounded in truth, penance, mercy, and religious gifts, emphasized as a foundation of life in Kashi.[18] (3) Concept implying ethical behavior, which King Suprabha failed to adhere to when he killed the doe.[19] (4) The moral practice that was obstructed due to the activities of wicked individuals before the ocean was churned.[20] (5) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, emphasized as a trait to be cultivated by both husbands and wives.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A moral principle that Nahusha is said to be conversant with, reflecting his virtuous character.[22] (2) Righteousness denotes moral correctness and adherence to ethical standards, especially in the context of Dharma.[23] (3) The quality of being morally right, sought after by sages through their inquiries and practices.[24] (4) A quality associated with the character of Bashkali, who is depicted as conversant with ethical conduct.[25] (5) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, which is essential for attaining peace both in this life and the afterlife.[26]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The ethical and moral conduct that a king promotes through his governance to achieve success.[27] (2) The moral principle that King Rajyavardhana follows in his governance and relationship with his subjects.[28] (3) A virtuous quality that Ritadhvaja is tasked with maintaining during his quest to confront the Daitya.[29] (4) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, which king Kshupa exemplified while protecting his people.[30] (5) A core theme in the text, referring to the moral and ethical conduct that the characters are urged to uphold.[31]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Moral correctness and virtue in a person’s actions and character, pivotal in determining one's fate after death.[32] (2) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, one of the objectives of the justice system.[33] (3) A virtue that devotees may request from lord Shiva while practicing the vow.[34]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A quality that King Dasaratha fears losing due to his potential decision to banish Rama under duress from Kaikeyi.[35] (2) A key moral quality associated with Rama and Sugriva, standing for justice, virtue, and ethical behavior.[36]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ethical principle guiding the actions of characters, including Ambarisha's conflict of duties when faced with feeding a guest.[37]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The quality of being morally right or justifiable, often linked with adherence to dharma and the performance of duties according to one's nature.[38]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) A state of moral integrity and adherence to spiritual laws, which decreases in the later Yugas.[39]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The moral principle emphasized throughout the text, leading to the protection and reward of those who adhere to it.[40]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) A quality associated with Keshava, representing moral excellence and virtuous behavior.[41]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A moral quality associated with maintaining cosmic order and the continual cycle of offerings and rituals.[42]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The inherent quality of Dharma, representing the culmination of moral values that ultimately prevails in the universe.[43]
Jain concept of 'Righteousness'
In Jainism, Righteousness embodies non-harming principles, guides monk behavior for ascetic living, and represents moral integrity aligned with ethical standards and spiritual practices, ultimately leading to enlightenment.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A fundamental principle declared by the Arhats and Bhagavats, emphasizing the importance of not harming any living or sentient creatures.[44] (2) A state of moral integrity and adherence to ethical principles, often associated with spiritual practices and enlightenment.[45]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The moral principle guiding a monk's actions, essential for living a disciplined ascetic life.[46]
The concept of Righteousness in local and regional sources
Righteousness in the text pertains to ethical action guided by Agni, moral integrity desired by the Supreme Being, and the advocacy for moral correctness by Sita in her opposition to Ravana, underscoring core moral values.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A moral quality that the Supreme Being seeks to restore in the world amidst chaos.[47] (2) Moral integrity and adherence to ethical principles.[48] (3) The quality of being morally right, which Sita advocates for in her rebuttal against Ravana.[49] (4) The ethical course of action that Agni assists his devotees to uphold, embodying moral values.[50]