Significance of Virtue
Virtue in various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Vaishnavism, and others, emphasizes moral excellence and righteousness. It is associated with ethical behavior and positive qualities that enhance spiritual well-being and promote societal harmony. These teachings underline the importance of conducting oneself with integrity and moral uprightness. Virtue is often seen as essential for spiritual development and achieving desired outcomes, ultimately guiding individuals towards a fulfilling and righteous life while benefiting others along the way.
Synonyms: Moral excellence, Goodness, Righteousness, Integrity, Honor, Moral quality, Morality, Rectitude, Uprightness, Ethics
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Virtue'
In Buddhism, Virtue encompasses moral excellence and righteousness guiding actions, attributes like generosity, and qualities essential for spiritual growth. It emphasizes ethical behavior, beneficial actions, and integrity, contributing to enlightenment and positive social impact.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Moral qualities that characterize the good behavior of individuals, emphasized throughout the story.[1] (2) Moral excellence or righteousness practiced by the bodhisatta, leading to spiritual elevation and respect from celestial beings.[2] (3) Moral excellence that is necessary for deserving the yellow robe.[3] (4) The positive traits and qualities of the queen that are ultimately recognized by the king.[4] (5) Moral excellence and righteousness that guide one’s actions, as illustrated by characters in their decisions and beliefs.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Qualities of moral excellence associated with individuals like the Buddha, whose teachings and truth do not decay, unlike physical entities.[6] (2) A quality that is essential for monks, lacking which renders the act of receiving alms corrupt and unethical.[7] (3) One of the three trainings, referring to the commitment not to commit any kind of evil or improper actions.[8] (4) Moral qualities that Sariputta recited in response to an accusation, which highlighted his integrity and ethical conduct.[9] (5) The quality or trait of moral excellence that the wise should cultivate, leading to a clearer path to Nibbana.[10]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Moral qualities and characteristics that contribute to the Bodhisatta's growth towards enlightenment.[11] (2) Moral attributes or qualities such as generosity and morality, which are practiced by future Buddhas.[12]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A quality associated with those who give and practice the teachings of the Lord, essential for spiritual development.[13]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Moral excellence that individuals strive for to avoid the negative effects of past misdeeds and improve future outcomes.[14]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Moral behavior that is venerated and brings peace; also a sign of character in relation to spiritual practice.[15]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Moral excellence that guides behavior towards beneficial and righteous action.[16] (2) Moral excellence that led to the great impact of the Bodhisattva's actions, causing tremors in the earth and recognition from other beings.[17]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A characteristic that signifies moral excellence, specifically in relation to the bodhisattva’s efforts towards beneficial acts.[18] (2) A representation of moral excellence or righteousness, which individuals aspire to achieve through discipline and conduct.[19]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Positive qualities and actions that are to be cultivated and associated with benefiting others.[20] (2) Moral excellence and righteousness, which leads to positive outcomes and spiritual well-being.[21]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) A concept emphasizing moral conduct and ethical behavior that leads to true grace and a happy people.[22]
Hindu concept of 'Virtue'
In Hinduism, virtue encompasses moral excellence, righteousness, and commendable behavior rooted in ethical principles. It emphasizes qualities that inspire good conduct, align with dharma, and reflect positive character traits in individuals and governance.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Moral excellence and righteousness, referenced as a guiding principle in the characters’ actions.[23] (2) Moral excellence, which one aspires to achieve through righteous actions.[24] (3) Moral excellence that is acknowledged and respected, often promoted through honoring significant relationships.[25] (4) Moral excellence and righteousness that govern an individual's actions and choices, often contrasted with sin.[26] (5) Refers to the moral excellence of practicing agreeable speech as advised by Bhishma to Sakra.[27]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The quality valued by both Anasuya and Sita, determining the righteousness of their actions and decisions.[28] (2) The quality of being morally good or righteous, attributed to Rama.[29] (3) Moral qualities that the ministers possessed, guiding their actions and decisions in the service of the king.[30] (4) The principle that guides Rama in his decisions, particularly concerning family loyalty and ethics.[31] (5) Moral excellence and righteousness embodied by Shri Rama.[32]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The moral excellence attributed to both Somasharman and his wife Sumana, emphasizing their devotion and faith.[33] (2) Positive traits or qualities deemed morally good and desirable in individuals.[34] (3) Morally good qualities that people should aspire to have; in the text, they are described as being integral to a good person's character.[35]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Moral excellence that is sought and protected by Ramanuja and embodied in Bhagavatas.[36] (2) Behavior showing high moral standards, which is prevalent among women during the Krita Yuga but deteriorates in later Yugas.[37]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) Actions regarded as morally good; in the Kali age, fasting and donations made by those in need are viewed as virtues.[38] (2) The principle by which Parikshit rules, underlying his character and leadership.[39]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) A quality that signifies moral excellence and uprightness, making no distinction between a disciple and a child.[40]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The moral excellence which serves as the foundation for the king's actions and decisions.[41]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The quality of moral goodness that should be maintained in conduct, instrumental in achieving good fortune.[42]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The positive qualities or moral excellences of the woman being praised.[43] (2) Moral principles or qualities that are considered good and desirable in a person.[44] (3) The moral qualities or attributes that reflect positive character.[45] (4) Refers to the moral excellence and commendable qualities of the subject.[46]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The quality of being morally good, especially in following dharma and inspiring others.[47]
From: Padarthadharmasamgraha and Nyayakandali
(1) A moral quality associated with righteousness and ethical behavior, included among immaterial things.[48] (2) A quality of moral good that is not based on like qualities existing in its causes.[49] (3) Moral excellence or righteousness, produced by the conjunction of the Self with the Mind.[50] (4) Follows another Virtue while also leading to Pleasure.[51]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Qualities such as caste, learning, and character that are prerequisites for the adopted son to claim his portion of inheritance.[52] (2) Describes moral excellence or righteousness that may qualify an individual for a position of respect within the community.[53] (3) Moral excellence and righteousness, which the treatise seeks to impart knowledge about.[54]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The quality or practice of moral excellence, which can influence hostile beings to coexist peacefully.[55]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Moral qualities that lead to the accumulation of spiritual achievements.[56]
From: Amarakoshodghatana of Kshirasvamin (study)
(1) Moral excellence and righteousness, recognized as one of the strengths in dashabala.[57]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Moral excellence highlighted within the context of honoring and valuing qualities that lead to spiritual fulfillment.[58]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) A central theme in the text, used to commend noble actions and to warn against moral failings that lead to downfall.[59]
Jain concept of 'Virtue'
In Jainism, Virtue encompasses positive traits and moral excellence, urging individuals to cultivate qualities leading to ethical living, righteousness, and right knowledge, while recognizing the inherent virtues found in the Supreme Lord.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) Virtue (shubha) refers to morally good practices that contribute to merit (punya), forming the basis for ethical living.[60] (2) Characteristics or qualities that are deemed morally good and desirable in a person, usually associated with righteousness and right knowledge.[61]
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) Virtue refers to moral excellence; the text notes that after a virtuous beginning, some may become miserable if they seek honor and fame.[62]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) Positive traits or qualities deemed morally good that one should strive to cultivate throughout life.[63]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The positive and admirable qualities that are inherently found in the Supreme Lord.[64]
The concept of Virtue in local and regional sources
Virtue, as attributed to Shiva raja, signifies a protective quality that shields him from the negative influences of the Kali age, highlighting the strength and moral integrity associated with his character in regional narratives.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A quality attributed to Shiva raja that supposedly protected him from the evils of the Kali age.[65]