Significance of Kindness
Kindness is a multi-faceted concept in various philosophical and religious traditions. In Tibetan Buddhism, it embodies compassion and goodwill, while Arthashastra highlights its role in fostering friendships through good deeds. Vaishnavism emphasizes a caring and generous nature. Purana showcases kindness through figures like Goddess Sarasvati and Gautama. Dharmashastra connects it to alleviating suffering, and Mahayana identifies it as essential for mutual respect. Theravada presents kindness as metta and gentleness, while Indian history promotes it as a virtue against hatred, advocating peace and constructive resolutions to conflicts.
Synonyms: Compassion, Benevolence, Generosity, Goodwill, Warmth, Sympathy, Tenderness, Thoughtfulness, Friendliness, Consideration, Empathy, Charity
In Dutch: Vriendelijkheid; In Finnish: 驰蝉迟盲惫盲濒濒颈蝉测测蝉; In Spanish: Amabilidad; In German: Freundlichkeit; In Malay: Kebaikan; In Swedish: 痴盲苍濒颈驳丑别迟; In French: Gentillesse
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Kindness'
In Buddhism, kindness encompasses metta and gentleness, fostering harmonious connections with all beings, including adversaries. It embodies friendliness, generosity, and compassion, promoting mutual respect and enhancing relationships among individuals.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others.[1]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Kindness is experienced through metta and gentleness, indicating a close and harmonious intimacy with all beings, including those who would be enemies and all others.[2]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) An excellence representing compassion and goodwill towards others.[3]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A fundamental quality of compassion that can lead to better relationships and mutual respect among all beings.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Kindness'
In Hinduism, Kindness embodies good deeds fostering relationships, a gentle virtue in Yogic practice, compassion in meditation, and caring behavior, as exemplified by figures like Kamsa and Goddess Sarasvati, highlighting its transformative essence.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The quality of being kind, which is highlighted in the actions of Kamsa upon seeing Vasudeva's true nature.[5] (2) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, which is notably absent according to the speaker.[6]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) A quality of being caring and benevolent toward others.[7]
From: Hitopadesha (English translation)
(1) The core message found throughout the narrative, emphasizing that good deeds lead to friendships and positive outcomes.[8]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) An emotional disposition marked by a longing to alleviate the suffering of others, forming an important aspect of meditation practice.[9]
The concept of Kindness in local and regional sources
Kindness, emphasized in Buddhism as a counter to hatred, signifies being friendly and generous. In the play, it serves as a strategy for characters to address betrayal through peace instead of punishment or revenge.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A central motif in the play where characters consider strategies of kindness as a method of addressing betrayal, rather than traditional notions of punishment or revenge.[10] (2) The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate towards others.[11] (3) A virtue emphasized in Buddhism as a counter to hatred and violence, promoting peace and reconciliation.[12]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) An act of generosity shown by the recipient, for which the sender expresses gratitude, appreciating the help provided.[13]