Significance of Highest principle

The Highest principle is a multifaceted concept across various Indian religious traditions. In Buddhism, it represents the ultimate truth imparted by Buddha. Hinduism views it as the state of existence that leads to liberation, while Vaishnavism emphasizes service to Lakshmi above personal gain. The Purana texts describe it as the governing reality of spirituality, leading to the ultimate realization by overcoming desires. Lastly, Vedanta equates the Highest principle with Brahman, a supreme truth or state of existence.1
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Synonyms: Ultimate principle, Supreme principle, Central tenet, Supreme rule, Ultimate standard

In Dutch: Hoogste principe; In Finnish: Korkein periaate; In Spanish: Principio más alto; In German: Oberstes Prinzip

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 principle'

Buddhism Books

The Highest principle in Buddhism signifies the ultimate truth and teachings imparted by Buddha to the Mallas, encapsulating essential wisdom as he approaches his departure from the world.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) The ultimate truth or teaching that Buddha imparts to the Mallas as he prepares to leave the world.[1]

Hindu concept of 'Highest principle'

Hinduism Books

The Highest principle in Hinduism signifies the ultimate value of selfless service, the essence of liberation, the supreme truth of Brahman, and the realization of divine existence, emphasizing the importance of overcoming desires and spiritual dedication.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Anugita (English translation)

(1) The ultimate realization or principle attained by overcoming desires and reconciliating the self.[2]

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 in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The ultimate value in Vaishnavism, which is to serve Lakshmi, rather than seek to dominate or enjoy her.[3]

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 in Hinduism (general):

From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha

(1) Indicates the ultimate state of existence that encompasses being, intelligence, and beatitude, essential for achieving liberation.[4]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Katha Upanishad with Shankara’s Commentary

(1) The highest principle indicates a supreme state of existence or truth that is equated with Brahman.[5]

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).