Significance of Spiritual merit
Spiritual merit is a crucial concept in various belief systems, emphasizing the benefits obtained through virtuous actions aligned with spiritual teachings. In Buddhism, Jainism, and other traditions, it includes the positive qualities and karmic rewards from ethical behavior, meditation, rituals, and acts of kindness. Various philosophies highlight its role in spiritual growth, improved rebirths, and liberation from worldly cycles. Overall, spiritual merit symbolizes the accumulation of goodness and righteousness that enhances one's spiritual journey across multiple cultures and religious doctrines.
Synonyms: Spiritual value, Spiritual worth, Moral merit, Spiritual credit, Virtue, Piety, Sanctity, Holiness, Righteousness, Goodness
In Dutch: Spirituele verdienste; In Finnish: Hengellinen ansio; In Spanish: Mérito espiritual
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Spiritual merit'
Spiritual merit in Buddhism signifies the positive karmic results from good deeds and ethical conduct, essential for spiritual advancement and favorable rebirths, ultimately leading to enlightenment, as shown in various teachings and stories.
From: Lotus Sutra
(1) The positive karmic results of good deeds, intentions, and practices that contribute to one's spiritual advancement.[1] (2) The accumulation of positive karmic energy through ethical and virtuous deeds that lead to better rebirths and eventual enlightenment, central to Buddhist practice.[2]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The accumulation of good deeds believed to result in favorable rebirths and spiritual progress, emphasized in the story.[3]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Spiritual merit is the positive karmic effect that the frog realized contributed to its rebirth in a higher existence.[4] (2) The positive karmic quality accumulated through good deeds and practice, which influenced Bahiya's quick attainment of enlightenment.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The good karma generated both by the silent sage through his practice and by the villagers through their acts of generosity.[6]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The positive qualities or achievements accrued through meditation and moral conduct, essential for spiritual advancement.[7]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The spiritual benefits or rewards gained through virtuous actions, especially those aligned with Buddha's teachings.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Spiritual merit'
Spiritual merit in Hinduism encompasses the accumulation of good deeds, righteous actions, and devotion, influencing one's afterlife fate, spiritual progress, and ethical standing, ultimately contributing to personal liberation and positive karmic value.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The benefits gained through acts of devotion and holy practices, such as listening to the account of Dvaraka.[9] (2) The accumulation of spiritual benefits achieved through good deeds, sacrifices, and adherence to divine rules.[10] (3) The positive value or benefits accumulated through virtuous actions and devotion that aid in achieving higher spiritual states.[11] (4) The positive spiritual value obtained through charitable acts, especially gifts made to the needy or to spiritual leaders.[12] (5) The accumulated virtue resulting from acts of devotion and worship, leading to spiritual advancement.[13]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Positive consequences or blessings obtained through good deeds, which can influence one's future rebirths and spiritual conditions.[14] (2) The value or quality of good actions that result in positive karmic outcomes, emphasized in the context of worshiping in Karttika and practices associated with the Dhatri tree.[15] (3) The accumulated virtue resulting from good deeds, especially those performed in devotion and service.[16] (4) The accumulated positive karma or virtues obtained through good deeds and religious practices that contribute to one's spiritual progress.[17] (5) The benefits acquired through righteous actions, especially the act of giving.[18]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The virtue accumulated through righteous actions and adherence to spiritual practices.[19] (2) Religious or moral credit earned through virtuous actions, proper gift-giving, and adherence to scriptural injunctions.[20] (3) The positive moral and spiritual credit acquired by individuals through virtuous acts such as making gifts of kine.[21] (4) The qualities or virtues that enhance one's spiritual life, which in this context become meaningless if not aligned with familial responsibilities.[22] (5) The religious benefits and recognition gained through the recitation and listening of sacred history.[23]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The concept of the moral and ethical standing of the titans, which they believe has been exhausted.[24] (2) The positive quality earned through virtue and devotion, which Hanuman believes may have safeguarded Sita.[25] (3) The accumulation of good deeds and virtues that contribute to one's spiritual status.[26] (4) The rewards attained through virtuous living, associated with residing in sacred places like Cittrakuta.[27]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The benefits and virtues accrued from acts of devotion and worship towards the Devi.[28] (2) Benefits gained from adhering to rituals and prayers directed towards Savitri.[29] (3) The beneficial outcomes associated with virtuous actions or the worship of the Earth that enhance one's religious standing.[30] (4) The accumulated benefits one earns through virtuous actions, leading to favorable outcomes in this life and after.[31]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The accumulated benefits obtained from the praise and worship of Krishna, as mentioned in Akrura's verses.[32] (2) The value obtained from religious duties or actions, not applicable to the noble-souled personalities once they realize the highest wisdom.[33]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The accumulated good deeds and virtues one possesses from previous lives.[34] (2) The positive spiritual value gained through devotion and righteous actions.[35]
From: Nilamata Purana
(1) The positive spiritual credits gained from engaging in righteous actions, charity, or rituals at sacred sites.[36]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The rewards and benefits acquired from deeds performed jointly by husband and wife.[37]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The positive value attributed to good deeds, actions, and thoughts that affect one's fate after death.[38]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The value or benefit gained through the proper performance of rituals, worship, and good deeds.[39]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The focus of thoughts that shifts towards religious pursuits as one ages.[40] (2) Spiritual Merit is the distinguishing feature of 'Sattva,' which is associated with knowledge and a state of bliss.[41] (3) The benefit one aims to achieve by engaging in voluntary servitude, particularly among Shudras.[42] (4) The benefit or reward obtained through actions recognized as virtuous or in accordance with spiritual guidelines.[43] (5) The religious value or credit one gains through proper conduct, potentially affected by marrying earlier than prescribed.[44]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) The rewards gained from good deeds or virtuous actions which have implications for both marriage and property acquisition.[45] (2) The concept of earning a favorable status or benefit in spiritual terms through proper actions and knowledge.[46] (3) The positive value or karma accrued from performing good or righteous acts, particularly in relation to interactions with family.[47] (4) A benefit achieved through good actions or conduct, which may allow for eating the food of a Shudra living under one’s protection.[48] (5) The accumulative rewards gained through religious actions and service to one's teacher.[49]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) The religious and moral credit a person earns, which can be lost due to severe offenses such as drinking alcohol.[50] (2) The moral and spiritual value that could be lost by a host who neglects to feed a Brahmana guest, illustrating the significance of proper treatment of guests.[51] (3) The accumulated good karma or virtue gained through pious actions and good conduct.[52] (4) The positive value accrued from performing virtuous actions and adhering to customs recognized as authoritative.[53]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) An increase in virtue or merit that is attributed to the act of partitioning the estate.[54] (2) The positive spiritual benefits accrued by subjects, which are also shared by the king.[55] (3) The accumulation of good deeds or spiritual knowledge, which is prioritized over other pursuits.[56] (4) The value or benefits gained from performing acts of charity or offering gifts for spiritual purposes.[57]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) The spiritual rewards or benefits accrued through the practice of rituals, including acts of devotion and charity.[58] (2) The accumulated good deeds or virtues that hold significance in the socio-religious hierarchy.[59]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The positive outcomes gained from virtuous actions and devotion that elevate one's spiritual status.[60] (2) The accumulated good karma or virtue gained through devoted actions and worship of God Sri Hari.[61] (3) The positive karma accumulated through acts of devotion, charity, and righteousness.[62] (4) Dhruva's spiritual virtue ensured his fame, wealth, and longevity upon receiving blessings from the Lord.[63]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The positive qualities or virtues acquired through devotional practices and selfless actions.[64]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The value associated with performing acts of kindness and recognizing divine presence, in contrast to the worldly pursuits of wealth.[65]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The accrued benefits from practicing spiritual activities, highlighting the importance of worshiping Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.[66]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The intangible rewards derived from good deeds and selfless acts aimed at helping others.[67]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The accumulation of positive virtues and benefits resulting from righteous actions avoiding unwholesome behavior.[68]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The virtue or positive quality that enables an individual to gain knowledge and wisdom.[69] (2) The value or benefit derived from using words that express the correct gender in relation to the objects they refer to.[70]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The positive spiritual outcome or value derived from acts of devotion, pilgrimage, or rituals.[71]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The accumulation of goodness resulting from virtuous actions that create a barrier against evil forces.[72]
Jain concept of 'Spiritual merit'
In Jainism, Spiritual merit encompasses the positive qualities gained during one's spiritual journey, derived from righteous actions and insights, and fostered through adherence to yoga practices, contributing significantly to spiritual growth.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) Positive qualities acquired in the spiritual journey, associated with respective yogadrishtis.[73] (2) Positive qualities or outcomes that arise from righteous actions and insights within the yoga framework.[74] (3) Positive attributes or qualities that are developed through adherence to specific yoga practices and stages, contributing to spiritual growth.[75]
The concept of Spiritual merit in local and regional sources
Spiritual merit encompasses qualities cultivated by Tathagata, benefits from religious acts that inspired kings' land grants, and rewards from giving, all contributing to enhanced moral and ethical standing in the spiritual realm.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) The benefits or rewards gained through the act of giving, which enhances one's moral and ethical standing in the spiritual realm.[76] (2) The benefit or value gained from performing religious acts, which motivated the land grants made by kings.[77]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Sridevi's beliefs surrounding karma and the notion that the situation with their child was a consequence of past actions.[78]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The qualities that were cultivated by Tathagata, which the Brahman reflected on when he encountered the shramana.[79]