Puṇya
पुण्यनपुंसकलिङ्ग (neuter) · √पु धातु (pu — to purify) + ण्य प्रत्यय — that which purifies
puṇya
Ethics and Values
Merit — result of actions aligned with dharma
Puṇya is merit generated by dhārmic actions — such as generosity (dāna), truthfulness (satya), non-violence (ahiṃsā). Puṇya results in pleasant experiences in this or future lives. However, even puṇya is limited and temporary. In Vedānta, both puṇya and pāpa are transcended by self-knowledge — the wise one is beyond both.
Using this in academic work? Get formal citation
Vishva Vidya (2026). Puṇya (पुण्य). Vishva Vidya — Vedanta. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/punya
Vishva Vidya. "Puṇya (पुण्य)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026, https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/punya.
Vishva Vidya. "Puṇya (पुण्य)." Vishva Vidya — Vedanta, January 1, 2026. https://vedanta.com.br/en/glossary/punya.
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