Significance of Meritorious deed
Meritorious deed in the context of various spiritual beliefs refers to actions that are considered virtuous and capable of generating positive karma. In Buddhism, these deeds encompass good actions performed with the intent of spiritual advancement and escaping the cycles of rebirth. Similarly, in Jainism, meritorious deeds are virtuous actions leading to conditional happiness. Across traditions, these actions are emphasized as essential for improving one's spiritual standing, accumulating merit, and achieving favorable future rebirths, ultimately contributing to one's liberation from suffering.
Synonyms: Worthy deed, Virtuous act, Noble act
In Dutch: Verdienstelijke daad; In Finnish: Ansiokas teko; In Spanish: Acto meritorio; In German: Verdienstvolle Tat; In Swedish: Förtjänstfull gärning; In Malay: Perbuatan yang berjasa; In French: Acte méritoire
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Meritorious deed'
In Buddhism, a Meritorious deed is any virtuous action done with the intent to accumulate positive karma, enhance spiritual growth, and escape the cycles of rebirth, ultimately contributing to one’s path toward enlightenment and welfare of others.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Beneficial actions performed by the Buddha that contribute to spiritual growth and accumulation of merit.[1] (2) Acts of offering alms and listening to Dhamma teachings performed by the people along the Buddha's route.[2] (3) Good actions performed with the intention of accumulating positive karma.[3] (4) Good actions that were believed to yield beneficial outcomes, prevalent among the inhabitants of Amaravati.[4] (5) The good actions performed by Uppalavanna Theri throughout her existences, leading to her final rebirth and attainment of enlightenment.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Good actions taken with virtue that can cultivate favorable traits in future lives.[6] (2) Good actions that are virtuous and yield positive results and benefits in one’s life.[7] (3) Actions like killing beings for sacrifice that are mistakenly believed to have positive merit.[8] (4) Acts that bring about good karma and virtue particularly performed by Devas in their celestial realm.[9] (5) Meritorious deeds are good actions with virtuous intentions that generate positive results and contribute to enlightenment.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Positive actions carried out through deed, word, or thought that serve as a store for future welfare and spiritual progress.[11] (2) A positive action suggested by Venerable Anuruddha for Rohini to perform, which included selling her clothing and jewellery to help build a hall for monks.[12] (3) Actions performed with good intentions that lead to positive outcomes and are praised within the context of Buddhist teachings.[13] (4) Actions recognized for their virtue, which contribute positively to one's karma if performed diligently and sincerely.[14] (5) Actions performed through thought, word, or deed that are considered beneficial and serve as a support for beings in future lives.[15]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Acts that generate positive karmic results in Buddhist thought.[16] (2) Acts considered to carry spiritual merit, specifically referencing the king's intention to free the Bodhisatta after recognizing his virtue.[17]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) Good actions or behaviors that generate wholesome effects and contribute positively to an individual’s spiritual progress.[18] (2) Acts of good that can provide relief from the sufferings of petas when shared with them.[19]
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Actions performed with the intention of obtaining a favorable rebirth, associated with the concept of Kusala.[20] (2) Good actions intended to accumulate positive karma and lessen suffering.[21]
From: Mahavamsa
(1) Acts of goodness and virtue performed by the king, which he cherished and wished to be remembered for even at the time of his death.[22]
From: Patthana Dhamma
(1) Acts that generate merit, leading to favorable outcomes in the context of dhamma practice.[23]
From: Cetasikas
(1) Good actions performed in the past that create conditions for confidence and the development of kusala in the present.[24]
From: Apadana commentary (Atthakatha)
(1) Actions that accumulate moral merit and are conducive towards escape from the rounds of rebirths (vatta).[25] (2) Good actions accumulated by Ratthapala which were conducive to escape from the rounds of existence.[26] (3) Good actions performed that accumulate positive karmic results, leading to favorable rebirths and spiritual progress.[27] (4) acts that are virtuous or beneficial, performed by Rahula, which are believed to aid in escaping the rounds of rebirth.[28] (5) Actions accumulated by individuals in past lives that contribute to their spiritual development and escape from the cycles of rebirth.[29]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) Acts performed with the intention of accumulating spiritual merit, emphasized as essential for favorable rebirth and ultimate liberation.[30] (2) Good actions that accumulate positive karma and contribute to one's spiritual growth.[31] (3) Good actions that could provide reward and alleviate suffering, which the ghosts failed to perform.[32] (4) An act of virtue that accumulates positive karma and contributes to one's spiritual progress.[33]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Purvapranidhana Sutra
(1) Good actions that generate positive karma and contribute to a person's future happiness and enlightenment.[34] (2) Acts of goodness or virtue performed with the intent of generating positive karma and benefiting oneself and others.[35] (3) Good actions that generate positive karma and contribute to the well-being of oneself and others.[36]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) Actions that accumulate spiritual benefits, leading to better rebirths and enlightenment.[37]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Actions performed with the intention of generating positive karma, essential for spiritual progress in Buddhism.[38] (2) Actions performed by sangs rgyas ston pa filled with good intentions and benefiting living beings, reflecting his compassionate nature.[39] (3) Good actions performed by the disciple as a means to accumulate positive karma and develop spiritually.[40]
Hindu concept of 'Meritorious deed'
In Hinduism, a Meritorious deed encompasses virtuous actions that influence the soul's fate, promote positive karma, and generate spiritual benefits across lives, often linked to adherence to dharma and acts of charity and righteousness.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Good actions performed in previous lives that result in favorable conditions and pleasures in the current life.[41] (2) The good actions performed by King Harishcandra which ultimately enable him and his family to ascend to the Heavens.[42] (3) Good actions undertaken with virtuous intent that can lead to favorable outcomes in a person's life.[43] (4) The actions that bring about good karma and spiritual benefits, associated with Shri Krishna.[44] (5) Good actions performed by devotees, which are recognized and rewarded by the Goddess.[45]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Good actions that reflect virtue and bring one closer to spiritual enlightenment.[46] (2) Good actions or acts performed by individuals that lead to positive outcomes and can grant access to divine regions.[47] (3) Acts that are virtuous and commendable, usually leading to good fortune or spiritual benefits.[48] (4) Acts that are virtuous and deserving of praise or reward, contributing positively to one's moral standing.[49] (5) Actions that are considered virtuous and bring honor, which Abhimanyu is said to have performed throughout his life.[50]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Actions considered virtuous and beneficial, leading to positive outcomes and eventual liberation.[51] (2) Actions considered virtuous but potentially tainted by pride and attachments.[52] (3) Actions that are considered virtuous or beneficial, often intended to yield positive outcomes for oneself or others.[53]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Good actions that signify Dasaratha’s honorable character and his capacity to grant the queen's wishes.[54] (2) Good actions that earn positive merit, which influences one's afterlife and spiritual state.[55] (3) Good actions performed by Shri Rama, which have changed from royal duties to austerity in the forest context.[56]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A beneficial action deemed worthy of spiritual merit by Madhucchandas.[57] (2) An act that brings spiritual benefit and reflects virtue, often linked to selflessness and devotion.[58] (3) Actions carried out by individuals at holy centres to accrue spiritual merit and favor for their ancestors.[59]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) Good actions performed by men that lead to the accrual of merit, vital to the spiritual and moral framework described in the text.[60] (2) A virtuous act that elevates one's status, particularly in light of compassion shown towards suffering beings.[61]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The righteous actions and austerities performed by Bhagiratha's forefathers that have allowed him to witness the goddess Ganga.[62]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Actions performed with good intentions or ethical considerations intended to create positive outcomes.[63] (2) Meritorious Deeds are actions performed that are morally good and beneficial, which are often motivated by the belief in experiencing positive Karmic Results in this life or the afterlife.[64] (3) Good actions that have a greater force than evil deeds, sometimes counteracting negative consequences.[65] (4) The good actions or accomplishments for which witnesses may acknowledge their merit during the oath-taking process.[66]
From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra
(1) Actions that are performed with the intention of earning merit or rewards, which should not be the motivation for doing one's duties.[67]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) Actions regarded as virtuous that, in contrast to the outcast status, lead to benefits in the afterlife.[68]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Good acts such as pond consecration where specific offerings are made.[69]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) Virtuous actions that are believed to lead to better circumstances or divine positions, but are ultimately linked to ignorance.[70] (2) The good actions performed in life that influence the soul’s fate after death, potentially earning a place in heaven.[71]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) Actions performed by beings that are virtuous or righteous, leading to the happiness experienced in this world.[72] (2) Actions that yield positive outcomes and contribute to the accrual of happiness and bliss for beings in the world.[73]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Good actions or contributions that have earned one a favorable state or position, often related to spiritual practices.[74]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) Actions that are considered righteous and in accordance with religious teachings, believed to bring about positive fruits.[75]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the virtuous actions of Lord Shri Rama, which the mother encourages her daughter to meditate upon for solace.[76]
The concept of Meritorious deed in local and regional sources
Meritorious deed encompasses good actions aimed at spiritual growth, improving karma, and social welfare, exemplified by the Princess's charitable acts, royal contributions to society, and the King's virtuous deeds leading to positive life outcomes.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Good actions performed by the King which resulted in the birth of five children.[77] (2) An act performed by the Princess to help the less fortunate, including the Carpenter’s son.[78]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Good actions taken with the intention of accumulating spiritual benefits and improving one's karma.[79]
From: Buddhist Ceremonies and Rituals of Sri Lanka
(1) Wholesome actions that accumulate merit, counteracting negative karma and contributing to better future lives.[80]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) These are actions or behaviors that are considered worthy and deserving of praise, as in the context of Brahma, where every man can aspire to a high position through such actions.[81]