Significance of Zeal

Zeal is a concept that varies across different philosophical and religious contexts. In Jainism, it reflects careful selection in sacred appearances, while in Mahayana Buddhism, it signifies enthusiasm for practicing and sharing Buddhist teachings. Theravada relates zeal to fervent Dhamma practice and energetic desire for achievement. Historically, it denotes strong commitment to goals, essential for significant accomplishments. Kavyashastra associates zeal with spiritedness in heroism, encapsulating the passionate emotional state that enhances one's endeavors across various fields.

Synonyms: Enthusiasm, Fervor, Passion, Eagerness, Vigor, Ardor, Devotion, Intensity

In Spanish: Celo; In Dutch: Ijver; In Finnish: Innokkuus; In German: Eifer; In Malay: Semangat; In Swedish: Iver; In French: Zèle; In Portugese: Zelo; In Italian: Zelo; In Polish: Gorliwość

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Zeal'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, zeal signifies a fervent enthusiasm for practicing and promoting the Dhamma, essential for Bhikkhus, enhancing moral habits, and fostering exertion leading to spiritual accomplishments and miraculous powers.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)

(1) Consisting in desire to act, which is the beginning of all these things, with the suppression of hindrances being the middle and absorption being the end.[1] (2) An energetic and enthusiastic desire to act or achieve something.[2]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) The enthusiasm or diligence that contributes to acquiring wealth, particularly emphasized in the context of moral habit.[3]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) Enthusiasm and fervor in practicing the Dhamma, considered an important quality of a Bhikkhu.[4]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Known as chanda, this represents the aspect of exertion that contributes to miraculous powers.[5]

From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

(1) A fervent desire or enthusiasm for practicing and spreading the teachings of Buddhism.[6]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Hindu concept of 'Zeal'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, zeal is interpreted as "Utsaha," representing enthusiastic heroism. It's a core emotion, the "sthayi-bhava," linked to the "vira-rasa" or heroic sentiment. This spiritedness manifests in the first half of a verse, embodying passion.

Jain concept of 'Zeal'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Zeal signifies an enthusiastic commitment to the careful selection of divine garments, emphasizing the importance of meticulousness and dedication to appearances within sacred practices.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) The enthusiasm or eagerness behind the divine garments' selection, indicating a meticulous care for appearances in sacred contexts.[7]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Zeal in local and regional sources

History Books

Zeal embodies boundless enthusiasm and energy essential for achieving significant goals. It signifies a passionate commitment to one's pursuits, though the author advises Mary to temper her zeal, suggesting a balance between enthusiasm and moderation.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is a necessary characteristic, essential for accomplishing significant feats, representing the boundless enthusiasm and passion needed to stay committed to one's endeavors.[8] (2) The author tells Mary to not be too zealous.[9]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.[10]

The concept of Zeal in scientific sources

Science Books

Zeal, in this context, is a measurement used to describe nanoparticles. It specifically assesses their surface charge and stability. The study utilized Zeal to analyze green-synthesized silver nanoparticles.

Significance in Health Sciences:
Health Sciences Books

From: International Journal of Pharmacology

(1) A measurement used to characterize nanoparticles, indicating their surface charge and stability, which was analyzed for the green synthesized silver nanoparticles in this study.[11]

Classical concept of 'Zeal'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Zeal in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: Aesop's Fables (English translation)

(1) It refers to the bird's enthusiasm or eagerness, which in this case, surpasses caution and leads to negative outcomes.[12]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.