Significance of Good act
The concept of Good act varies across different traditions, emphasizing moral commendability and positive impact on oneself and others. In Jainism, it refers to commendable behaviors contributing to merit. Vaishnavism highlights virtuous deeds that may also hinder spiritual progress. The Purana associates Good act with actions that can counterbalance sins and enhance moral integrity. Other traditions, like Vedanta and Theravada, focus on actions yielding beneficial outcomes and promoting spiritual growth. Overall, Good act embodies virtuous actions leading to positive effects.
Synonyms: Beneficial deed, Positive action, Virtuous act, Noble deed, Good deed, Benevolent action, Charitable act
In Dutch: Goede daad; In Finnish: Hyv盲 teko; In Spanish: Buen acto; In German: Gute Tat
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Good act'
In Buddhism, a Good act encompasses actions that cultivate merit and virtue, yield positive outcomes for oneself and others, are intended for spiritual liberation, and align with Mahayana practices, reflecting both worldly and transcendental benefits.
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) An action that is morally positive and yields beneficial results for both the performer and others.[1] (2) Actions that are performed with the intention of liberation, such as bhavana or vipassana practice.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The positive actions or deeds that the Bodhisatta performed during his rule after becoming king.[3]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) These are the actions that contribute to the accumulation of merit and the cultivation of virtue, and they are recognized by those who are spiritually advanced.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Good act'
In Hinduism, a Good act encompasses virtuous actions that yield positive outcomes for oneself and others, enhance moral standing, and are aligned with ethical teachings, contributing to spiritual growth and societal respect.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Actions performed by individuals aligned with Righteousness that demonstrate moral integrity and virtue.[5] (2) Beneficial deeds performed by the king which foster positive relations with subjects and surrounding kingdoms.[6] (3) Positive and righteous actions that can help one become a virtuous individual.[7] (4) Refers to positive and virtuous actions that complement agreeable speech and contribute to an individual's character.[8] (5) The past life actions of a man that have a significant influence on his future and can become exhausted.[9]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A virtuous action that can counterbalance a sin and can lead to the individual's redemption.[10]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Describes an action that is morally positive and leads to 'specially good rewards' as indicated in comparative notes by authors.[11] (2) Actions that are enjoined or morally compelled, performed with thought, speech, and body aimed towards positive outcomes, as opposed to harmful deeds.[12] (3) Positive actions that result in agreeable experiences or outcomes for an individual.[13] (4) An action that results in favorable outcomes or positive experiences for oneself or others, stemming from virtuous intentions.[14] (5) An action performed by a creature in its previous life which leads to a favorable outcome, allowing it to be born into a beneficial family, such as that of 'God' or 'Man.'[15]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) An act associated with generating happiness and positivity within the ceremonial practices being performed.[16]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Positive actions that individuals take, which are rewarded or recognized, yet are also seen as potential obstacles to spiritual realization.[17]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The virtuous deeds performed by Koobja in previous lives that are now rewarded.[18]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Deeds performed by people that accumulate merit and are recognized to also belong to Raikva, symbolizing the interconnectedness of moral actions.[19] (2) Actions characterized by the quality of goodness that arise from meditative practices and understanding of Sama.[20]
Jain concept of 'Good act'
In Jainism, a Good act encompasses positive and morally commendable behaviors that enhance an individual's merit, reflecting the ethical principles central to the faith. Such acts promote spiritual growth and compassion.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Positive behaviors or deeds that are morally commendable and contribute to one's merit.[21]
The concept of Good act in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Good act" pertains to unrecognized or unrewarded positive behaviors or actions exhibited by children, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and encouraging these acts to foster their development and self-esteem.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Positive behaviors or actions performed by the child that go unrecognized or unrewarded.[22]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) All of these tend to make us pure and perfect, and we must work and constantly do good, because it is a blessing to ourselves, and that is the only way we can become perfect.[23]