Significance of Highest
Synonyms: Top, Utmost, Maximum, Supreme, Peak, Pinnacle, Greatest, Tallest, Largest, Superior, Uppermost, Ultimate
In Dutch: Hoogste; In Finnish: Ylin; In Spanish: Más alto; In German: Der Höchste; In Swedish: Högsta; In Malay: Tertinggi; In French: Le plus élevé; In Polish: Najwyższy; In Italian: Più alto; In Portugese: Mais alto
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Highest'
In Buddhism, "Highest" signifies the attainment of supreme enlightenment, the moral superiority of virtue, profound intentions in seeking refuge, the essence of 'om,' utmost respect for the Blessed One, specific mind-deliverance qualities, and a state of emancipation.
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) An adjective used to denote the utmost level of respect or quality in reference to the Blessed One.[1]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The position of the perfume of those who possess virtue, rising up to the gods, indicating the superiority of moral excellence over physical scents.[2]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The highest is a characteristic of each mind-deliverance, such as beauty, boundless space, boundless consciousness, and nothingness, which signifies its specific efficacy and serves as the basic support for that state.[3]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) He will announce, "I have realized the unsurpassed, the highest, absolute truth," indicating a claim to have attained the highest level of enlightenment, often falsely.[4]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) This is a quality of emancipation, like the firmament, and is equated with the Tathagata, according to the text.[5]
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The highest is in the form of the syllable 'om,' which is the essence of all words, names, and things, and it constitutes the Veda.[6]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Refers to individuals with the most profound intentions who take refuge until they become enlightened.[7]
Hindu concept of 'Highest'
In Hinduism, "Highest" refers to Brahman, the ultimate reality that transcends individual souls, embodying non-duality and supreme truth. It represents the pinnacle of spiritual realization and understanding attained through knowledge and meditation.
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) The highest, being declared by Scripture, is central to the question of whether the individual soul's activity is independent or dependent. This concept is foundational to the discussion.[8] (2) The highest refers to the ultimate reality or the supreme being, which is the object of seeing and meditation and is also the abode of Vishnu.[9] (3) The highest is not of the same nature as the individual soul; it differs from the individual soul, which is a part of it, much like a luminous body differs from its light.[10] (4) Refers to the ultimate reality or Brahman in the context of philosophical or spiritual texts.[11] (5) Refers to the ultimate realization or state attained through the knowledge and meditation of Brahman.[12]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) This describes the home of the spirits gained by the northern path, emphasizing its state of immortality and freedom from fear.[13] (2) This is the attainment that is said to be obtained by those who know Brahman, highlighting the significance of the knowledge of Brahman.[14] (3) This refers to the Brahman, and the text states that Brahman is the highest.[15] (4) The highest entity possesses twofold characteristics, and scripture suggests it exists without any difference, representing a state where distinctions do not apply to the ultimate reality.[16] (5) The highest refers to the object of meditation, specifically that which is hidden and leads to the manifestation of the Lord's equality with the soul, and from whom bondage and release originate.[17]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) This is the ultimate state, attained by the knower of Brahman, as it was declared by the shruti, indicating a state of supreme achievement.[18] (2) Referring to the ultimate attainment or realization that one achieves through knowledge of Brahman.[19] (3) Referring to the status of the space within the heart, which is elevated above other forms of space.[20] (4) The ultimate state or realization that one attains by knowing Brahman, representing the pinnacle of spiritual achievement.[21]
From: Mundaka Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary
(1) The attainment of the highest is merely the removal of ignorance, which is also referred to as reaching the immortal state, according to the text.[22] (2) The highest signifies the ultimate reality or being that transcends the dualities and limitations associated with prana and other phenomena.[23]
From: Kaivalya Upanishad
(1) A reference to the ultimate state of truth and existence that is beyond all dualities and material illusions.[24]
From: Mandukya Upanishad
(1) Refers to the ultimate reality or supreme truth, beyond dualistic perceptions and human concerns, representing the essence of existence.[25]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) Signifies the supreme status of Self-knowledge in the hierarchy of spiritual understanding and achievement.[26]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) This is the teaching of Vedanta that Brahman alone is real, and is realized when one finds everything as Brahman, and is the state of non-duality.[27]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) This is used to describe the subject, which is considered to be incomparable and of the highest order, as the text explains.[28]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) It is synonymous with the Infinite, and is associated with Bliss.[29]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Shri Gaurasundara is considered this of all, as indicated by the word 'sarva-loka', emphasizing his supreme position in the context of devotion and service to others.[30] (2) The provided text highlights that divya means the highest of something, indicating a high quality.[31]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) It indicates the supreme level or quality of something, characterizing the level of devotion achieved through Deity worship. It signifies supremacy.[32]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A level of penalty that surpasses the middling amercement, typically reserved for more severe infractions.[33]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Refers to a supreme spiritual principle or ultimate truth that transcends the mundane.[34]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) It signifies the most estimable state, specifically when dispassion extends to the qualities, making it more valuable than the dispassion related to ordinary objects.[35]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) Acknowledges the snake's eminent position among all reptiles.[36]
Jain concept of 'Highest'
In Jainism, "Highest" signifies the ultimate goal of achieving Brahmanhood through self-control and righteousness, while also recognizing the Tirthakaras as esteemed guides who aid seekers on their spiritual journey.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) This is the good to strive for, suggesting that one should be victorious in control with their eyes on the highest good, which leads to real Brahmanhood.[37] (2) Refers to the Tirthakaras, revered spiritual teachers who provide guidance to mendicants.[38]
The concept of Highest in local and regional sources
The keyphrase "Highest" symbolizes the ultimate goal of spiritual fulfillment and connection, representing eternal bliss, divine ideals, and the pursuit of love and self-realization, urging individuals to strive towards their highest aspirations.
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) It is the divine ideal, and it is the goal that people must strive for, and it is the love of God.[39] (2) The highest are the Sattvikas, the introspective, those who live only in the Self, and these three qualities, Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva (idleness, activity, and illumination), are in everyone, and different ones predominate at different times.[40] (3) The gift of spirituality and spiritual knowledge is the highest, for it saves from many and many a birth; the next gift is secular knowledge, as it opens the eyes of human beings towards that spiritual knowledge; the next is the saving of life; and the fourth is the gift of food.[41] (4) This is what we must always seek, for in the Highest is eternal bliss, and this is a main concept in the text.[42] (5) The highest is the ideal of love, and is always present, and is part of our nature.[43]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) The term highest is used to describe different kinds of measures according to the Tattvarthavartika and the Trilokasara.[44]
The concept of Highest in scientific sources
Highest denotes the maximum value of a health indicator, pinpointing countries with the most elevated figures. It identifies nations with the peak values.
From: Journal of Public Health in Africa
(1) This refers to the maximum value observed for a specific health indicator, and is used to identify countries with the most values.[45]