Significance of Highest good
The concept of Highest good varies across different philosophical and spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others. In essence, the Highest good represents the ultimate spiritual goal or state of fulfillment that individuals strive to achieve. It encompasses ideals such as liberation, enlightenment, moral perfection, and the pursuit of ultimate truth. Attaining the Highest good is often linked to adhering to ethical conduct, self-knowledge, and the realization of one's true self, guiding one’s actions towards profound well-being and spiritual fulfillment.
Synonyms: Supreme benefit, Ultimate welfare, Highest virtue, Ultimate good, Greatest good, Utmost benefit
In Dutch: Hoogste goed; In Finnish: Korkein hyvä
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 good'
In Buddhism, the Highest Good encompasses ultimate fulfillment, liberation, and enlightenment, achieved through understanding dharma. It signifies an ideal state of moral perfection and well-being, represented by Nirvana, free from the constraints of sin and affliction.
From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]
(1) The ultimate goal or state of fulfillment that can be achieved through understanding Brahman and Word-Sound.[1] (2) The ultimate goal or purpose that all humans seek, often associated with prosperity and overall well-being.[2] (3) The ultimate fulfillment that the True Doctrine leads to, implying a supreme state of achievement.[3] (4) This refers to the ultimate state of well-being or enlightenment that is sought in spiritual practice, particularly within the context of Buddhist teachings.[4] (5) Ultimate benefit or prosperity derived from aligning with the teachings of Buddha.[5]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The ultimate aim or benefit sought by individuals on a spiritual journey, often associated with enlightenment or liberation.[6]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) The ultimate pursuit of enlightenment and liberation that a Bhikshu strives to achieve, regardless of material comfort.[7]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ultimate objective of achieving the knowledge and understanding that leads to enlightenment.[8]
Hindu concept of 'Highest good'
In Hinduism, the "Highest good" signifies the ultimate goal of liberation, spiritual fulfillment, and well-being achieved through devotion, adherence to dharma, and realization of true self or Brahman, guiding individuals towards enlightenment and true happiness.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The ultimate benefit for living creatures, identified as Penance.[9] (2) The ultimate beneficial outcome or virtue that one should focus their mind upon.[10] (3) The ultimate benefit or moral value that one can possess, emphasized as fortitude in the context of enduring hardship.[11] (4) The ultimate state of fulfillment and happiness that one can achieve through righteous living.[12] (5) The supreme form of well-being and fulfillment that individuals aspire to achieve.[13]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The wise, recognizing ultimate truth, do not pursue temporary pleasures, aligning their desires with the essence of good.[14] (2) The ultimate goal or purpose in life as understood by different philosophical views, often influenced by past actions and personal preferences.[15] (3) The supreme fulfillment and virtue achieved through devotion to the Supreme Lord.[16] (4) The ultimate benefit or welfare achievable by adhering to prescribed duties and dharma.[17]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ultimate objective or truth that significant beings sought after and enquired about.[18] (2) The utmost goal or objective that one should strive for in life, often linked with spiritual realization.[19]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal that characters in the text are oriented towards.[20] (2) The ultimate spiritual accomplishment that can be attained by dedicated worship and proper conduct.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The ultimate goal in life characterized by devotion to Vishnu, often considered the essence of true spiritual success.[22]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The ultimate attainment or wellbeing that individuals seek through worship and understanding of the divine.[23]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The ultimate spiritual objective that one aims to attain through proper understanding and execution of duty and devotion.[24]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The ultimate objective in life, as stated by Jaigishavya, which is to perform one's duties without attachment.[25]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The ultimate goal or benefit that one seeks to achieve, as taught by the brahmin.[26]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A state representing the sure continuity of happiness rather than personal accomplishments.[27] (2) The ultimate goal or state of realization that one attains through meditation and contemplation, often referred to as 'Liberation'.[28] (3) The ultimate beneficial outcome that acts aim to produce for the Brahmana.[29] (4) The ultimate state that is higher than any other condition, associated with spiritual knowledge and righteousness.[30] (5) Represents the due knowledge of Actions and Wisdom, essential for attaining unalloyed bliss like Heaven and Final Release.[31]
From: Yajnavalkya-smriti (Vyavaharadhyaya)—Critical study
(1) The aim defined by the Mimamsasutra in connection to dharma, referred to as that which promotes maximum welfare.[32]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The ultimate reality or truth, referred to as Brahman, which is realized through knowledge.[33] (2) A term used to refer to moksha, the ultimate goal or highest state of liberation in spiritual practice.[34] (3) Another term used interchangeably with the Supreme, emphasizing the ultimate goal of liberation.[35]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate realization and attaining of the true self, beyond physical existence.[36] (2) The ultimate realization or state that results from pure knowledge, undisturbed by works.[37] (3) The highest good is represented by the realization of Purusha, the ultimate consciousness that epitomizes the goal of spiritual pursuit.[38]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The ultimate goal or purpose of life, which is achieved through self-knowledge according to the teachings of the Upanishad.[39]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) The ultimate objective or state of fulfillment sought in the practice of Yoga, often referenced in ancient texts.[40] (2) The ultimate goal or state of being that may be pursued through focused attention and devoid of distractions.[41]
From: Narayaniya (Narayaneeyam)
(1) The ultimate aim or purpose that brings fulfillment and contentment, identified as Brahman.[42]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) The state of ultimate wellbeing or fulfillment as conceptualized by Goutama in Nayaya philosophy.[43]
Jain concept of 'Highest good'
In Jainism, the Highest Good encompasses the ultimate goal of liberation, spiritual fulfillment, moral perfection, and ethical standards, motivating individuals to pursue enlightenment, true self-realization, and mindful conduct beyond earthly pleasures.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The ultimate truth or ultimate truth-seeking that heretics talk about without achieving or experiencing it.[44] (2) The ultimate spiritual goal or welfare sought by monks through their practices and teachings.[45] (3) The ultimate state of spiritual fulfillment and moral perfection that one strives to achieve.[46] (4) The ultimate objective or moral ideal that individuals should strive to achieve, often associated with spiritual fulfillment.[47] (5) The ultimate goal of liberation and spiritual enlightenment individuals strive to achieve.[48]
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The ultimate goal or aspiration of achieving profound well-being and enlightenment, guiding one's actions and decisions.[49] (2) The ultimate moral or ethical standard one should aspire to, which involves being careful and mindful in one's conduct.[50] (3) What is called the ultimate objective of understanding and living wisely, leading to the realization that one can commit no sin when one knows the highest good.[51] (4) An ultimate objective or principle of well-being that ascetics should aspire to attain.[52]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The ultimate spiritual goal or realization that Jayaghosha aimed to achieve, beyond material needs.[53] (2) The ultimate spiritual aspiration that both characters discuss as a goal that transcends earthly pleasures and pursuits.[54] (3) The ultimate spiritual goal a monk strives for, representing liberation and the realization of one's true self.[55]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Ravana's understanding and commitment to the ultimate truth and purpose, causing him to remain focused during adversity.[56]