Significance of Zeal
Zeal, as understood across various traditions, showcases a fervent enthusiasm and eagerness towards particular practices or teachings. In Jainism, it reflects carefulness in selecting divine garments. Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes zeal as a desire to practice and promote teachings, while Theravada highlights its role in wealth acquisition and vigorous Dhamma practice. Indian history interprets zeal as energetic pursuit of objectives, and Kavyashastra describes it as an emotional state linked to heroism and spiritedness. Overall, zeal is a vital quality across these contexts.
Synonyms: Enthusiasm, Passion, Eagerness, Vigor, Devotion
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'
In Buddhism, Zeal, or chanda, signifies a fervent enthusiasm for practicing and spreading Dhamma, essential for Bhikkhus, aiding in miraculous achievements and moral development, while also playing a vital role in attaining wealth.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The enthusiasm or diligence that contributes to acquiring wealth, particularly emphasized in the context of moral habit.[1]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) An energetic and enthusiastic desire to act or achieve something.[2]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Enthusiasm and fervor in practicing the Dhamma, considered an important quality of a Bhikkhu.[3]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Known as chanda, this represents the aspect of exertion that contributes to miraculous powers.[4]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A fervent desire or enthusiasm for practicing and spreading the teachings of Buddhism.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Zeal'
In Hinduism, zeal, or Utsaha, embodies enthusiastic heroism and is an emotional state linked to vira-rasa, reflecting spiritedness and passion that characterize both the essence and expressions of heroism within the tradition.
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Utsaha, the sthayi-bhava denoting enthusiasm and spiritedness, associated with vira-rasa.[6] (2) The emotional state of enthusiasm expressed in the first half of the verse, correlating to the sthayi-bhava of vira-rasa.[7] (3) Utsaha; the enthusiastic and passionate nature that characterizes all forms of heroism.[8]
Jain concept of 'Zeal'
In Jainism, Zeal signifies the enthusiasm in choosing divine garments, reflecting a careful consideration for appearances in sacred contexts, which emphasizes the importance of intention and meticulousness in spiritual practices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The enthusiasm or eagerness behind the divine garments' selection, indicating a meticulous care for appearances in sacred contexts.[9]
The concept of Zeal in local and regional sources
Zeal signifies a passionate commitment and high energy directed towards achieving a specific goal, reflecting the intensity and enthusiasm individuals or groups exhibit in their efforts to pursue a particular cause or objective.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.[10]