Significance of Good horse
The term Good horse has multiple interpretations across different cultures and texts. In South Asia, it signifies a valuable item at a Rakshasa's house and a quality horse for travel. Tibetan Buddhism describes it as a present for a student and a quality horse for burdens. Purana depicts Good horse as ideal for chariots and symbolizes strength and virtue. In Mahayana, it refers to a horse assisting a person in achieving their goals, highlighting its essential role in reaching destinations.
Synonyms: Excellent horse, Fine horse, -
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Good horse'
In Buddhism, "Good horse" symbolizes valuable support—representing offerings for education, a companion for journeying, and an essential resource for achieving one's goals, embodying both material and spiritual assistance in one's path.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A present given to mar pa by his father, illustrating the offerings made to support his studies.[1] (2) A horse of quality that is often considered valuable for traveling or carrying burdens.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Refers to a suitable horse (ashva) that aids a person with two legs in reaching their desired destination.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Good horse'
In Hinduism, "Good horse" symbolizes strength and capability in overcoming challenges, represents high-quality steeds essential for virtue and prosperity, and describes well-suited, charming horses for chariots equipped with weaponry.
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to the quality and capability of the horses used to draw the chariot, symbolizing the readiness to embark on a significant journey.[4] (2) Horses that are well-suited for chariots, characterized by wealth in charm and equipped with weapons.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A comparison to signify strength and capability in facing challenges.[6]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Horses that are of high quality, recommended for achieving virtue, enjoyment, and prosperity.[7]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A metaphor for the senses that are yoked together by the mind, akin to a charioteer controlling powerful steeds.[8]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) A metaphor used to describe prana's ability to uproot attachments, similar to how a skilled horse frees itself from restraints.[9]
From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) Refers to the senses that can be controlled and managed effectively, similar to how a skilled driver controls good horses.[10]
Jain concept of 'Good horse'
In Jainism, "Good horses" symbolize the ideal means of transportation, exemplified by those selected for Pradyota's journey to Rajagriha, reflecting strategic choices in planning and the importance of preparation in achieving goals.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The well-suited horses that were sent ahead for transporting Pradyota to Rajagriha as part of Abhaya's plan.[11]
The concept of Good horse in local and regional sources
Good horse is a valuable item found in the Rakshasa's house, which the youngest youth retrieves for the goat owner, emphasizing its importance and connection to the narrative's themes of value and redemption.
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Another valuable item at the Rakshasa's house that the youngest youth also brings back for the owner of the goats.[12]