âm công
Definition
- Noun:
- Secret merit / Hidden virtue: A good deed or act of charity performed anonymously or in secret, without seeking recognition or praise. The merit or positive karma is believed to be accumulated privately.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Làm âm công là một việc thiện cao quý. (Performing secret merit is a noble good deed.)
- Ông ấy thích tích đức bằng âm công hơn là khoe khoang. (He prefers to accumulate virtue through hidden merit rather than by boasting.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept is often discussed in the context of Buddhist or spiritual philosophy, where actions done without ego or desire for reward are considered to generate greater spiritual merit.
- Theo quan niệm dân gian, âm công sẽ được báo đáp. (According to folk belief, secret merit will be rewarded.)
Variants and Related Words
- Âm đức (n): Similar to "âm công," it refers to hidden virtue or secret goodness, often accumulated over time and believed to benefit one's descendants.
- Gia đình họ phát đạt nhờ âm đức của tổ tiên. (Their family prospers thanks to the hidden virtue of their ancestors.)
Synonyms
- Anonymous charity: Charitable acts done without revealing one's identity.
- Unseen merit: Spiritual credit earned from good deeds that are not publicly known.
- Secret benevolence: Kindness or goodwill shown in secret.
Related Concepts
- Âm phước: Blessings or good fortune believed to come from the hidden merit or virtuous actions of oneself or one's ancestors.
- Sống lâu được xem là hưởng âm phước. (Long life is seen as enjoying hidden blessings.)