Significance of Ten virtues
The Ten virtues, across multiple traditions, represent foundational ethical principles and qualities essential for spiritual development. In Jainism, they encompass forbearance and truthfulness, defining dharma. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes moral conduct guided by arya-Avalokiteshvara and Shantarakshita. In Mahayana, they represent Bodhisattva practices and qualities leading to Buddhahood. Theravada highlights essential attributes such as dana and sila, which are critical for achieving Parami (Perfection). Overall, the Ten virtues serve as significant guiding principles across these spiritual traditions.
Synonyms: Values, Ethics, Qualities, Attributes, Noble qualities, Commendable qualities, Virtuous characteristics
In Dutch: Tien deugden
In Finnish: Kymmenen hyvettä
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Ten virtues'
The Ten virtues in Buddhism encompass ethical principles for moral conduct, crucial for spiritual growth and enlightenment. They are essential qualities practiced by Bodhisattvas, including almsgiving and morality, forming a path to Buddhahood.
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ten qualities that one gains from practicing the Great Nirvana Sutra, signifying the advancement towards enlightenment.[1] (2) Key principles or qualities the Bodhisattva practices, each contributing to spiritual growth and enlightenment as part of the path to Buddhahood.[2]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A set of ethical principles that guide right conduct in Buddhist practice.[3] (2) The actions and qualities that lead to positive outcomes for oneself and others, as taught by the Buddha.[4]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ethical principles that the seer’s son, Shyamaka, adhered to throughout his life.[5]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva (Sutra of the Great Vow)
(1) Moral actions practiced for the benefit of all sentient beings, which can positively influence one's karma and future rebirths.[6]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Moral guidelines that beings should practice to enhance their chances of positive rebirth and avoid suffering.[7] (2) Moral principles that align with merit and are considered essential for those aspiring to attain higher states and liberation from suffering.[8] (3) A set of ethical actions and qualities that are deemed beneficial and aligned with merit.[9] (4) A set of moral and ethical principles that guide practitioners toward beneficial actions and away from harm.[10] (5) The moral qualities that are essential for those seeking to follow the path of the gods and humans, encouraging positive conduct.[11]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A doctrine expounded by the upadhyaya Shantarakshita to the king, involving principles guiding moral conduct in Buddhism.[12] (2) A set of ethical principles that established a moral framework for the people of Tibet as taught by the incarnated figure, arya-Avalokiteshvara.[13]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) Moral principles adhered to in Buddhist practice that, when followed, lead to higher rebirths.[14] (2) A set of ethical principles taught in the vehicle of Gods and humans, essential for spiritual development.[15]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A set of moral qualities including dana (alms-giving) and sila (morality) that are foundational for Parami (Perfection).[16] (2) Refers to the ten specific positive qualities, such as dana and sila, considered essential in the context of Bodhisattas.[17]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) Essentials (dhammas) that Buddhist monks must reflect on repeatedly to cultivate their spiritual practice and moral conduct.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Ten virtues'
The Ten virtues in Hinduism encompass essential ethical principles like compassion, truthfulness, and non-violence, guiding conduct during vratas and promoting moral behavior in daily life.
From: Matsya Purana (critical study)
(1) Common ethical principles that guide the conduct during vratas, including compassion, truthfulness, and non-violence.[19]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The characteristics of the cow that the Adhvaryu enumerates, demonstrating the cow's value in the transaction.[20]
Jain concept of 'Ten virtues'
The Ten virtues in Jainism encompass qualities essential for dharma, including forbearance, modesty, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, straightforwardness, and celibacy, promoting a life of ethical conduct and spiritual growth.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The collective term for the ten characteristics including forbearance, modesty, straightforwardness, purity, truthfulness, self-restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment, and celibacy that constitute dharma.[21]