Significance of Good work
Good work encompasses a wide range of virtuous actions across various spiritual traditions, each interpreting it through their unique lenses. In Buddhism, it signifies actions embodying virtue, while Hinduism ties it to ethical sacrificial rites and virtuous intentions. Jainism emphasizes actions acknowledged as virtuous, and Vaishnavism views them as charitable yet requiring spiritual devotion. South Asian contexts illustrate good work's societal implications, whereas Vedanta and Dharmashastra focus on the moral outcomes of actions. Ultimately, the concept of good work emphasizes the intention behind actions to foster spiritual growth and societal well-being.
Synonyms: Great performance, Fine work, Superb job, Well done, Great job, Excellent effort, Good job
In Dutch: Goed werk; In Finnish: Hyv盲盲 ty枚t盲; In Spanish: Trabajo bueno; In German: Gute Arbeit; In Malay: Kerja bagus; In Swedish: Bra jobbat; In French: Bon travail
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 work'
In Buddhism, "Good work" encompasses positive actions and virtuous deeds, highlighting charity, ethical behavior, and community contributions that enhance personal welfare, spiritual growth, and societal well-being, ultimately shaping karma and future lives.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Actions performed with the intention of helping or benefiting others, particularly relatives, as mentioned in the context of the Supreme Buddha.[1] (2) Positive actions or deeds one performs, in contrast to being merely 'rich in words'.[2] (3) Refers to the charitable and virtuous actions the aged Brethren were engaged in before they approached the Master.[3] (4) Acts of kindness and charity that are encouraged in religious practices, particularly in the context of almsgiving.[4] (5) Acts of charity and moral conduct that contribute positively to oneself and society, which the king practiced following Atthisena's teachings.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Actions performed with the intent of benefiting others, believed to bring happiness to the doer in both this life and the next.[6]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Actions regarded as virtuous or beneficial that lead to positive outcomes in this life and future lives.[7]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) Actions that are morally right and beneficial to others.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The significant beneficial actions performed by buddhas and bodhisattvas that have profound effects on the spiritual welfare of beings.[9]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Actions that are ethically and morally positive, emphasized for their importance in spiritual life.[10]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The beneficial actions performed that lead to positive outcomes, such as being able to perceive the teachings of the Tathagata.[11]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) Actions that embody virtue and righteousness, which Buddha instructs his followers to practice diligently.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Good work'
In Hinduism, "Good work" encompasses virtuous actions that yield positive outcomes in material and spiritual realms. Despite their benefits, such actions may not lead to lasting enlightenment and can distract from attaining knowledge of the highest Self.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Actions or deeds that lead to positive outcomes and improvements in the character and status of the individual soul.[13] (2) Actions that are aligned with virtue and righteousness, which are believed to lead to a favorable rebirth or embodiment in a higher form.[14] (3) Actions that are considered virtuous, which do not alter the status of the highest Self.[15] (4) This term describes the virtuous actions undertaken by an individual, which are implied to yield positive results or contributions.[16] (5) Actions or rituals that fall under the category of beneficial deeds and are meant to yield positive results, like knowledge.[17]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) These are actions, such as sacrifices, which lead to the enjoyment of the heavenly world, but the text states that a remainder of such works does not necessarily continue to exist.[18] (2) The text discusses the fate after death of those whose good works do not entitle them to pass up to the moon, suggesting a different post-mortem experience based on their actions.[19] (3) This phrase refers to the sphere of the results of actions, and it is where the two entities are said to exist, but the highest Self is not in the sphere of these results.[20] (4) Good works refer to virtuous actions that are traditionally believed to influence the individual's soul, although the highest Self remains unaffected by such actions.[21] (5) A class of actions considered beneficial and commendable, which can be performed for specific outcomes or fruits.[22]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Actions in this world that are considered virtuous and lead to a favorable rebirth.[23] (2) Refers to the actions a person takes that lead to shining and radiating warmth, emphasizing the connection between ethical conduct and the realization of Brahman.[24] (3) Acts of virtue or positive contributions that enhance one鈥檚 personal radiance and recognition.[25] (4) Actions performed according to scriptures that result in positive outcomes like name, fame, and strength.[26] (5) Good work signifies actions that are virtuous and commendable, through which an individual shines and radiates warmth and positivity.[27]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Actions that lead to positive outcomes and contribute to an individual's moral and spiritual well-being.[28] (2) Actions that are in harmony with scriptural teachings, leading towards positive outcomes and aspirations.[29]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Actions that are righteous and lead to positive outcomes in life and afterlife, emphasized in the context of Naciketas's choices.[30] (2) Actions that lead to beneficial outcomes and positive experiences for oneself, acknowledged by the Lord.[31]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Actions that are beneficial and righteous, performed with the intention of achieving certain positive results.[32] (2) Actions that lead to positive outcomes and moral improvement for individuals.[33]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Actions performed with righteous intent, which yield beneficial outcomes both in the material and spiritual realms.[34]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Positive actions that can lead to the correction of mental errors.[35] (2) Actions aligned with righteousness and virtue which lead to spiritual growth and understanding of the Supreme soul.[36]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Positive actions that the Brahmanas performed during their lives, which led to their virtuous rebirths.[37] (2) Actions performed by the twice-born ones and the righteous that merit divine favor.[38]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The actions and righteousness that lead to the attainment of various desires and rewards in the world.[39] (2) Engagement in virtuous deeds, which rishi Ritavac deemed preferable to having a bad son.[40]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) This refers to righteous deeds performed in the past, which have led to the blessings of the beings present.[41] (2) Refers to the virtuous actions performed by the sage, which have earned him respect.[42]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Acts performed for particular objectives that contribute positively to spiritual welfare, such as Puttreshti Yajna.[43]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The ethical actions and outcomes intended by participants in the sacrificial rites.[44] (2) Refers to the actions or tasks that Brihaspati, the Brahman, is invoked to lead the cow towards through the ritual.[45] (3) The concept of favoring or selecting one among many individuals or entities for a significant task or sacrifice.[46]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Positive actions that are subject to moral scrutiny and potential impact based on intent and action.[47]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Positive actions or religious duties, which can be undermined by a lack of honor in social interactions, particularly by a Brahmana.[48]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Actions that are charitable, moral, and virtuous, often seen as ultimately inadequate without spiritual devotion.[49]
Jain concept of 'Good work'
In Jainism, Good work encompasses virtuous actions that hold significant value, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct over mere visual perceptions of enlightened beings like the Arhat.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The virtuous actions performed, which are acknowledged as important compared to the sight of the Arhat.[50]
The concept of Good work in local and regional sources
Good work encompasses actions that purify the mind, promote knowledge, and serve others selflessly, aligning with Vedantic principles. It reflects morality, ethical conduct, and religious devotion, ultimately contributing positively to both personal and societal well-being.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are actions performed during a person's life, which the author believes cannot be erased by any amount of animosity.[51] (2) The author refers to a worthwhile endeavor, possibly charitable or beneficial in nature, that is being considered for support.[52] (3) This refers to the positive contributions or accomplishments of a person identified as A__, which the sender acknowledges and appreciates, recognizing the individual's efforts.[53] (4) These are actions, often charitable or beneficial, undertaken with the intention of helping others or contributing to the well-being of society, sometimes seen as a way to express religious faith.[54] (5) The phrase refers to good works on Vedanta, and the text mentions that you should read the Gita and other good works on Vedanta.[55]
From: Bede's Ecclesiastical History of England
(1) Good works refer to the acts of righteousness and spiritual devotion that the vision emphasized as a means of redeeming sins and seeking eternal blessings, which many in the monastery failed to prioritize.[56] (2) Good works were what the brothers were to prepare for, along with watching and prayer, to be mindful of their own uncertain hour of death.[57] (3) Laurentius used constant examples of them, and frequent words of holy exhortation, to strengthen the foundations of the Church, and to carry it on to the fitting height of perfection.[58] (4) The text references the actions that are considered virtuous, and are used in the context of persuading and converting people, and the influence they can have.[59] (5) These are the fruits that should spring up where beasts were wont to dwell, or men to live after the manner of beasts.[60]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Efforts made by individuals to benefit others in a charitable realm, often seen as somewhat ineffective because they do not address the root causes of social problems.[61] (2) Actions that cultivate happiness in life and contribute to the successful attainment of goals, including social service.[62] (3) Actions that are beneficial, though according to Buddha, they are less significant than love.[63]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An action intended to be beneficial, which the Vedarala hoped to do for the sick person.[64] (2) The sentiment expressed by the Gama-Mahan虇ge when she deceitfully frames the paramour's death as an act of valor.[65] (3) A phrase uttered by the Princess that signifies her acknowledgment of the outcome she desired, revealing her complicity in the tragic events.[66] (4) The intention that the poor man expressed in wanting to help the three young men after being cheated.[67] (5) Matalana's determination to perform a positive action after learning about his lineage.[68]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Actions taken by the people that reflect their moral and ethical values.[69]