General meanings:
* Merit: This is the most common and closest translation, referring to good deeds, positive actions, and virtuous conduct.
* Virtue: This emphasizes the moral and ethical aspect of punya, highlighting the qualities that lead to positive karma.
* Spiritual credit: This suggests that punya is a kind of spiritual currency accumulated through good deeds, which can be used to attain liberation or a better rebirth.
* Positive karma: This is a more specific interpretation that emphasizes the causal connection between actions and their consequences.
Other related meanings:
* Blessing: Punya can be seen as a blessing or divine grace received as a result of good deeds.
* Holiness: It can also be associated with sacredness, purity, and spiritual enlightenment.
It's important to note:
* Punya is a concept rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, and its meaning can vary depending on the specific philosophical context.
* While "merit" is the most common translation, it might not capture the full nuance of the concept.
* Understanding the concept of punya requires a deeper understanding of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs about karma, reincarnation, and liberation.
Therefore, the best way to understand "punya" is not through a single English word, but through an understanding of the underlying philosophical framework.