The List of the List of Virtues: Truth, Contentment, Compassion, Humility, and Love

Five Virtues in Sikhism

According to Gobind Singh Mansukhani's Introduction to Sikhism (1977). there are five virtues which one should develop in order to reach Mukti, or to reunite or merge with God.  I believe these are the five virtues of "dharam" as well, where dharam is not religion but righteous living.  These five virtues include Sat (truth), Daya (compassion), Santokh (contentment), Nimrata (humility), and Pyaar (love). They are all flowers of the oneness plant.

ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਦ ਮਤਸਰ ਏ ਖੇਲਤ ਸਭਿ ਜੂਐ ਹਾਰੇ ॥
ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਧਰਮੁ ਸਚੁ ਇਹ ਅਪੁਨੈ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਭੀਤਰਿ ਵਾਰੇ ॥1॥

Shed Lust, Anger, love for Maya, Pride and Jealousy as a addicted gambler loses his possessions in gambling. Bring charity, contentedness, compassion, Dharma and Truth in your house (i.e. mind).

Sat

Sat is the virtue of truthful living, which means practicing "righteousness, honesty, justice, impartiality and fair play." 

The Lord's humble servants are True — they practice Truth, and reflect upon the Word of the Guru's Shabad. The True Lord God unites them with Himself, and they keep the True Lord enshrined in their hearts. O Nanak, through the Name, I have obtained salvation and understanding; this alone is my wealth.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 600

ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਸਾਚੇ ਸਾਚੁ ਕਮਾਵਹਿ ਗੁਰ ਕੈ ਸਬਦਿ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ ॥
हरि जन साचे साचु कमावहि गुर कै सबदि वीचारी ॥
Har jan sācẖe sācẖ kamāvėh gur kai sabaḏ vīcẖārī.
The Lord's humble servants are True - they practice Truth, and reflect upon the Word of the Guru's Shabad.

ਆਪੇ ਮੇਲਿ ਲਏ ਪ੍ਰਭਿ ਸਾਚੈ ਸਾਚੁ ਰਖਿਆ ਉਰ ਧਾਰੀ ॥
आपे मेलि लए प्रभि साचै साचु रखिआ उर धारी ॥
Āpe mel la▫e parabẖ sācẖai sācẖ rakẖi▫ā ur ḏẖārī.
The True Lord God unites them with Himself, and they keep the True Lord enshrined in their hearts.

 

Santokh

Santokh, or contentment, is freedom "from ambition, envy, greed and jealousy. Without contentment, it is impossible to acquire peace of mind."[1]

Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life. One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all.

ਸਤੁ ਸੰਤੋਖੁ ਦਇਆ ਕਮਾਵੈ ਏਹ ਕਰਣੀ ਸਾਰ ॥
सतु संतोखु दइआ कमावै एह करणी सार ॥
Saṯ sanṯokẖ ḏa▫i▫ā kamāvai eh karṇī sār.
Practice truth, contentment and kindness; this is the most excellent way of life.

ਆਪੁ ਛੋਡਿ ਸਭ ਹੋਇ ਰੇਣਾ ਜਿਸੁ ਦੇਇ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਨਿਰੰਕਾਰੁ ॥੩॥
आपु छोडि सभ होइ रेणा जिसु देइ प्रभु निरंकारु ॥३॥
Āp cẖẖod sabẖ ho▫e reṇā jis ḏe▫e parabẖ nirankār. ||3||
One who is so blessed by the Formless Lord God renounces selfishness, and becomes the dust of all. ||3||

Daya

The exercise of Daya, or compassion, involves "considering another's difficulty or sorrow as one's own and helping to relieve it as far as possible. Compassion also includes the overlooking of imperfections and mistakes of others, for to err is human."[1]

Be kind to all beings-this is more meritorious than bathing at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage and the giving of charity.

ਅਠਸਠਿ ਤੀਰਥ ਸਗਲ ਪੁੰਨ ਜੀਅ ਦਇਆ ਪਰਵਾਨੁ ॥
अठसठि तीरथ सगल पुंन जीअ दइआ परवानु ॥
Aṯẖsaṯẖ ṯirath sagal punn jī▫a ḏa▫i▫ā parvān.
Be kind to all beings-this is more meritorious than bathing at the sixty-eight sacred shrines of pilgrimage and the giving of charity.

ਜਿਸ ਨੋ ਦੇਵੈ ਦਇਆ ਕਰਿ ਸੋਈ ਪੁਰਖੁ ਸੁਜਾਨੁ ॥
जिस नो देवै दइआ करि सोई पुरखु सुजानु ॥
Jis no ḏevai ḏa▫i▫ā kar so▫ī purakẖ sujān.
That person, upon whom the Lord bestows His Mercy, is a wise person.

Nimrata

Nimrata, translated as "humility", "benevolence" or "humbleness", is the fourth virtue.

ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥ Humility, Nanak Says is the essence, the very root of all virtues

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 470

The God-conscious being is steeped in humility.

— Guru Granth Sahib, ang 273

Pyaar

Pyaar requires Sikhs to be filled with the love of God.

Let the Fear of God be your feet, and let His Love be your hands; let His Understanding be your eyes.

— Guru Granth Sahib,ang 139


ਭੈ ਕੇ ਚਰਣ ਕਰ ਭਾਵ ਕੇ ਲੋਇਣ ਸੁਰਤਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥
भै के चरण कर भाव के लोइण सुरति करेइ ॥
Bẖai ke cẖaraṇ kar bẖāv ke lo▫iṇ suraṯ kare▫i.
Let the Fear of God be your feet, and let His Love be your hands; let His Understanding be your eyes.

ਨਾਨਕੁ ਕਹੈ ਸਿਆਣੀਏ ਇਵ ਕੰਤ ਮਿਲਾਵਾ ਹੋਇ ॥੨॥
नानकु कहै सिआणीए इव कंत मिलावा होइ ॥२॥
Nānak kahai si▫āṇī▫e iv kanṯ milāvā ho▫e. ||2||
Says Nanak, in this way, O wise soul-bride, you shall be united with your Husband Lord. ||2||

The Five Virtues of Confucius

Confucius taught five virtues a gentleman should practice every day to live a healthy, harmonious life: “To be able under all circumstances to practice five things constitutes perfect virtue; these five things are gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.” 

  1. Ren, ren, is the virtue of benevolence, charity, and humanity;
  2. Yi, yi, of honesty and uprightness;Yì may be broken down into: 
    1. zhong, zhong, doing one’s best, conscientiousness, loyalty; and 
    2. shù, zhu, reciprocity, altruism, consideration for others, and Confucius’ early version of the Golden Rule, “what you don’t want yourself, don’t do to others.”
  3. Zhi, zhi, knowledge;
  4. Xin, xin, the virtue of faithfulness and integrity; and,
  5. Li, li, correct behavior, or propriety, good manners, politeness, ceremony, worship.

The five virtues of St. Vincent de Paul


St. Vincent articulated five virtues that directed his life. We are invited to reflect on these virtues. How do they resonate in our life? How do they challenge our daily living? How are they supported in our community? This Lent, let us prayerfully wrestle with and embrace these five virtues. 

Simplicity

Simplicity is the virtue St. Vincent loved most. “It is my gospel,” he says. Listen to how St. Vincent describes simplicity: 

Jesus, the Lord, expects us to have the simplicity of a dove. This means giving a straightforward opinion about things in the way we honestly see them, without needless reservations. It also means doing things without any double-dealing or manipulation, our intention being focused solely on God. Each of us, then, should take care to behave always in this spirit of simplicity, remembering that God likes to deal with the simple, and that he conceals the secrets of heaven from the wise and prudent of this world and reveals them to little ones. But while Christ recommends the simplicity of a dove he tells us to have the prudence of a serpent as well. What he means is that we should speak and behave with discretion. We ought, therefore, to keep quiet about matters which should not be made known, especially if they are unsuitable or unlawful … In actual practice this virtue is about choosing the right way to do things.


Humility

For St. Vincent, humility is the recognition that all good comes from God. It reminds us that we are not the originator of life. Humility recognizes that we all have gifts, but also limitations and faults. The Beatitudes tell us that the kingdom of God belongs to the poor in spirit. St. Vincent calls us to stand before God humbly in our daily prayer, and have the attitude of a servant.

Meekness

Jesus identified himself as meek and humble of heart. St. Vincent believed this. He won the hearts of those who are poor because his meekness developed as warmth, approachability, openness, deep respect for the person of others. Although he tells us that he was irritable by nature, St. Vincent asked God to change his heart: “Grant me a kindly and benign spirit…” 

Mortification

Jesus calls us to follow him even unto death. A radical directive for our lives today, we are called to be willing to stand in God’s grace, even while absorbing the pain and suffering of our neighbor. St. Vincent embraced this challenge and gospel imperative. Consistently, he calls us to be faithful to our duties of serving those who are poor. Even more, he challenges us to prefer them, when they conflict with other more pleasurable things. 

Zeal

Vincent loved, with a burning love. “Let us beg God to enkindle in our hearts a desire to serve him…” St. Vincent challenges us to persevere as servants of the sick, suffering, and poor—while remembering that although the Lord asks us to cooperate in his work, it still remains His work. We must strive to live a balanced life, so that we might have the energy that nourishes zeal.

Prayer from St. Vincent de Paul

“Lord Jesus, teach me by your example….Make me, through the vigor of my efforts and the power of your Spirit, set the world around me on fire. I want to give myself to you, body and soul, heart and mind and spirit, so that I may always do what gladdens you. In your mercy, grant me the grace to have you continue your saving work in me and through me.” Amen.

The Long List of Virtues

Acceptance
The act of accepting something or someone
Complements: Contentment, Forgiveness
Transcends: Denial, Rejection

Assertiveness
Disposed to or characterized by bold or confident statements and behavior
Complements: Confidence, Courage
Transcends: Self-doubt, Shyness 

Authenticity
True to one’s own personality, spirit, or character
Complements: Honesty, Integrity
Transcends: Low self-esteem

Beauty
The qualities in a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses or the mind
Complements: Joyfulness, Peace
Transcends: Ugliness

Caring
Feeling or showing concern for other people
Complements: Compassion, Kindness
Transcends: Cruelty, Insensitivity 

Cleanliness
The practice of keeping yourself and your surroundings clean
Complements: Orderliness, Purity
Transcends: Dirtiness

Commitment
An agreement or pledge to do something in the future
Complements: Loyalty, Perseverance
Transcends: Lack of Direction

Compassion
Sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it
Complements: Caring, Understanding
Transcends: Grief, Judgment

Confidence
A feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something
Complements: Assertiveness, Courage
Transcends: Self-doubt, Uncertainty

Consideration
The act of thinking carefully about something you will make a decision about
Complements: Caring, Compassion
Transcends: Selfishness

Contentment
The state of being happy and satisfied
Complements: Fulfillment, Joy
Transcends: Dissatisfaction, Restlessness

Cooperation
A situation in which people work together to do something
Complements: Teamwork, Unity
Transcends: Defiance

Courage
Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
Complements: Boldness, Confidence
Transcends: Fear, Self-doubt

Creativity
The ability to make new things or think of new ideas
Complements: Joy, Purposefulness
Transcends: Ordinary

Detachment
Lack of emotion or of personal interest
Complements: Faith, Freedom
Transcends: Control 

Determination
A quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult
Complements: Commitment, Tenaciousness
Transcends: Complacency

Dignity
A way of appearing or behaving that suggests seriousness and self-control
Complements: Honor, Respect
Transcends: Egoism, Selfishness

Encouragement
Something that makes someone more determined, hopeful, or confident
Complements: Support, Caring
Transcends: Self-doubt, Discouragement

Enthusiasm
Strong excitement about something; a strong feeling of active interest in something that you like or enjoy
Complements: Energy, Motivation
Transcends: Boredom, Indifference

Ethical
Following accepted rules of behavior; morally right and good
Complements: Fairness, Respect
Transcends: Immorality

Excellence
Extremely high quality
Complements: Dignity, Honor, Integrity, Respect
Transcends: Mediocrity

Fairness
Treating people in a way that does not favor some over others
Complements: Equality, Justice
Transcends: Grievance, Injustice

Faith
Strong belief or trust in someone or something
Complements: Confidence, Hope, Trust
Transcends: Apprehension, Doubt

Flexibility
Willing to change or to try different things
Complements: Detachment, Understanding
Transcends: Stubbornness

Forgiveness
The act of forgiving someone or something
Complements: Freedom, Peace
Transcends: Anger, Bitterness

Friendliness
Acting like a friend; kind and helpful
Complements: Kindness, Tact
Transcends: Shyness

Generosity
The quality of being kind, understanding, and not selfish; the quality of being generous
Complements: Kindness, Service
Transcends: Stinginess, Self-centered

Gentleness
Having or showing a kind and quiet nature; not harsh or violent
Complements: Patience, Peace
Transcends: Aggression

Graciousness
Very polite in a way that shows respect
Complements: Dignity, Tact
Transcends: Disrespect, Rudeness

Gratitude
A feeling of appreciation or thanks
Complements: Hope, Joy, Peace
Transcends: Disappointment, Pain

Harmonious
Having parts that are related or combined in a pleasing way
Complements: Unity
Transcends: Hostility

Helpfulness
Making it easier to do a job, deal with a problem, etc.; giving help
Complements: Graciousness, Service
Transcends: Negativity

Honesty
The quality of being fair and truthful
Complements: Integrity, Truthfulness
Transcends: Deceitfulness 

Honor
Respect that is given to someone who is admired
Complements: Dignity, Respect
Transcends: Shame

Hope
To want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true
Complements: Faith, Joy, Trust
Transcends: Despair, Frustration

Humility
The quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people
Complements: Modesty
Transcends: Arrogance, Pride

Idealism
The attitude of a person who believes that it is possible to live according to very high standards of behavior and honesty
Complements: Confidence, Hope
Transcends: Cynicism, Pessimism

Integrity
Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; the quality or state of being complete or undivided
Complements: Honesty, Trust
Transcends: Corruption, Deceitfulness

Imaginative
Having or showing an ability to think of new and interesting ideas; having or showing imagination
Complements: Creativity
Transcends: Ordinary, Rationalism

Joyfulness
Feeling, causing, or showing great happiness; full of joy
Complements: Hope, Peace, Love
Transcends: Discontent, Suffering

Justice
The process or result of using laws to fairly judge and punish crimes and criminals
Complements: Fairness, Integrity
Transcends: Discrimination

Kindness
The quality or state of being kind; a kind act
Complements: Caring, Compassionate
Transcends: Cruelty, Loneliness

Love
A feeling of strong or constant affection for a person
Complements: Caring, Forgiveness, Unity
Transcends: Fear

Loyalty
The quality or state of being loyal
Complements: Honesty, Trust
Transcends: Betrayal

Moderation
The quality or state of being reasonable and avoiding behavior, speech, etc., that is extreme or that goes beyond what is normal or acceptable
Complements: Diligence, Responsibility
Transcends: Obsessions, Overindulgence

Modesty
The quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities
Complements: Humility
Transcends: Self-importance

Optimistic
Having or showing hope for the future; expecting good things to happen
Complements: Hope, Joyfulness
Transcends: Pessimism

Orderliness
Arranged or organized in a logical or regular way
Complements: Cleanliness, Purity
Transcends: Chaos

Passionate
Having, showing, or expressing strong emotions or beliefs
Complements: Enthusiasm, Purposefulness
Transcends: Indifference

Patience
The ability to wait for a long time without becoming annoyed or upset
Complements: Determination, Peace
Transcends: Frustration

Peace
A state of tranquility or quiet
Complements: Love, Serenity, Unity
Transcends: Anger, Cruelty

Perseverance
Continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition
Complements: Commitment, Determination, Resilience
Transcends: Laziness

Preparedness
The quality or state of being prepared
Complements: Excellence, Orderliness
Transcends: Complacency

Purposefulness
Having a purpose as in something set up as an object or end to be attained
Complements: Creativity, Commitment, Joyfulness
Transcends: Boredom, Indifference

Reliability
The quality or state of being reliable
Complements: Integrity, Loyalty
Transcends: Untrustworthy

Respect
An act of giving particular attention
Complements: Dignity, Reverence
Transcends: Inconsideration 

Responsibility
The quality or state of being responsible as in moral, legal, or mental accountability
Complements: Courtesy, Tact, Trust
Transcends: Selfishness

Reverence
Honor or respect that is felt for or shown to (someone or something)
Complements: Respect, Worth
Transcends: Hatred

Self-discipline
Correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement
Complements: Commitment, Determination
Transcends: Chaos, Unruliness

Service
Contribution to the welfare of others
Complements: Compassion, Generosity, Purposefulness
Transcends: Lack of concern, Self-centered

Sincerity
The quality or state of being sincere; honesty of mind
Complements: Authentic
Transcends: Disingenuous

Tact
A keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense
Complements: Graciousness, Responsibility
Transcends: Clumsiness

Temperate
Habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions
Complements: Moderation
Transcends: Excessive

Tenacious
Persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired
Complements: Discipline, Perseverance
Transcends: Indecision

Thankfulness
Conscious of benefit received
Complements: Gratitude, Thoughtfulness
Transcends: Unappreciative

Tolerance
Capacity to endure pain or hardship; sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own
Complements: Patience, Tenacious
Transcends: Narrow-mindedness 

Trust
Assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
Complements: Loyalty, Respect
Transcends: Doubt, Skepticism

Truthfulness
Telling or disposed to tell the truth
Complements: Honesty, Faith, Trust
Transcends: Corruption, Deceit

Understanding
An agreement of opinion or feeling; adjustment of differences
Complements: Kindness, Tolerance
Transcends: Egoism

Unity
The quality or state of being made one
Complements: Harmony, Love, Peace
Transcends: Loneliness 

Visionary
A thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination
Complements: Imagination, Leadership
Transcends: Lack of Inspiration

Wisdom
Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning; knowledge
Complements: Idealism, Visionary
Transcends: Lack of Intelligence

Wonder
A feeling caused by seeing something that is very surprising, beautiful, amazing, etc.
Complements: Creativity, Imagination
Transcends: Boredom


0 Comments