Significance of Best

In Vaishnavism, the term "Best" signifies the highest quality or most favorable option when comparing alternatives. This concept emphasizes the pursuit of excellence and the selection of the most virtuous path or choice in spiritual practices and life decisions. By embodying the principles of quality and superiority, practitioners are encouraged to seek the best in their devotion and actions, aligning themselves with the ideals of their faith.1

Synonyms: Greatest, Superior, Top, Excellent, Unparalleled, Supreme, Ultimate

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Best'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Best" signifies the highest quality or the most favorable choice among various options, representing an ideal or supreme standard that guides decisions and values within the faith.

Significance of Best in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) A description indicating the superior status of Vimala-kunda among all holy places.^[1] (2) A designation indicating superiority among those who possess religious principles.^[2] (3) A term describing Bhishma as the foremost among virtuous men.^[3] (4) Refers to the highest quality or superiority among those who possess knowledge.^[4] (5) Refers to the greatness of Govardhana Hill, denoted in the text as 'varam', highlighting its significance.^[5]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) Indicates a quality or process that is superior in comparison to others; in this context, it refers to remembrance as the foremost process in bhakti.^[6] (2) Signifies the highest quality or most favorable option among alternatives.^[7]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) An expression of the highest level of quality or standing, denoting Arjuna's distinguished position among his peers.^[8] (2) The highest quality or superior form as classified in natya-shastra.^[9]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The highest quality knowledge and service that Shrila Gurudeva offers to those who serve him.^[10]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Best in Vedanta (school of philosophy):

Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The superior quality of knowledge that is taught by the Teacher.^[11]

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) A reference to the chief vital air, signifying its superiority in the hierarchy of pranas.^[12]

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The claim made by each sense organ, indicating a belief in their own excellence or supremacy.^[13]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance of Best in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):

Purana Books

From: Garuda Purana

(1) Those who strive for honor and virtue, regarded as noble in contrast to the vulgar.^[14]

From: Padma Purana

(1) A phrase indicating the son's pre-eminence and virtue, as perceived by the king.^[15]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance of Best in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) A phrase denoting the highest quality or superiority in comparison to others, as referenced in the context of Krishna and Radhika.^[16]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Last Updated: 25 September, 2024