Significance of Ultimate Good

Ultimate Good encompasses various interpretations across different philosophies and religions. In Buddhism, it relates to the realization of enlightenment for oneself and others through bodhicitta. Tibetan Buddhism views it as spiritual fulfillment via Buddhist teachings. Vaishnavism and Purana emphasize moral benefits and welfare attained through virtuous deeds and parental guidance, respectively. Vedanta connects Ultimate Good with unifying with Brahman, while Pancaratra defines it as the highest purpose in life. Mahayana focuses on the welfare of all beings as the Bodhisattvas' goal, representing the highest spiritual aim.

Synonyms: Supreme good, Highest good, Absolute good, Perfect good, Ideal good, Moral perfection., Supreme virtue, Absolute goodness, Highest morality

In Dutch: Ultiem goed; In Finnish: Äärimmäisen hyvää; In Spanish: El bien supremo; In German: Ultimatives Gut; In Malay: Kebaikan tertinggi; In Swedish: Ultimate Bra; In French: Bien ultime; In Swedish: Ultimat bra; In Finnish: Äärimmäinen hyvä; In Italian: Bene supremo; In Portugese: Bem supremo; In Polish: Ostateczne Dobro

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

Buddhist concept of 'Ultimate Good'
Buddhism Books

Ultimate Good in Buddhism encompasses the welfare and enlightenment of all beings as the Bodhisattvas' highest aim, achieved through spiritual fulfillment and the realization of enlightenment for both oneself and others through dedicated practice and bodhicitta development.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

From: Mahavastu (great story)

(1) The highest spiritual goal or realization that Bodhisattvas aspire to achieve.[1] (2) The highest aim of Bodhisattvas, centered around the welfare and enlightenment of all beings.[2]

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

From: Tattvasangraha [with commentary]

(1) The ultimate achievement of prosperity and spiritual fulfillment attained through the teachings of the Buddha.[3]

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The realization of enlightenment for oneself and others, achieved through proper practice and development of bodhicitta.[4]

Hindu concept of 'Ultimate Good'
Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Ultimate Good encompasses the highest spiritual benefits achieved through virtuous actions, personal welfare, unification with Brahman, and fulfilling life’s true purpose, leading to liberation and understanding as explored by sages like Devala and Markandeya.

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa):
Pancaratra Books

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

From: Parama Samhita (English translation)

(1) The best course of worship for the ultimate good is visiting holy places in the manner prescribed for devotees of Vishnu.[5] (2) The highest purpose or aim in life that brings true fulfillment and liberation, which both Devala and Markandeya seek to understand.[6]

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

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.

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The welfare and best interests that parents tend to for their children during upbringing.[7]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The highest form of benefit or welfare that an individual can pursue in life, free from doubts and false expectations.[8]

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

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’).

From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya

(1) The highest moral or spiritual benefit attained in life through virtuous deeds.[9]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

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).

From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

(1) The highest achievement in life, often linked to understanding and unifying with Brahman.[10]

The concept of Ultimate Good in local and regional sources
History Books

Ultimate Good signifies the pinnacle of personal fulfillment through overcoming selfishness, as well as the overarching ethical standards that a community strives to achieve, embodying both individual and societal aspirations for welfare.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) This is what the parents were supposed to arrange matches for their daughters which would ensure their .[11] (2) The highest ethical goal or value upheld by a society or community.[12] (3) The highest benefit or welfare that an individual might achieve by transcending egoism and desires.[13]

The concept of Ultimate Good in scientific sources
Science Books

Ultimate Good, according to the text, involves people setting aside external pursuits, despite their physical appeal. Augustine's "Confessions" exemplifies this, portraying a journey towards finding ultimate fulfillment.

Significance in Religious Studies:
Religion Books

From: Religions Journal (MDPI)

(1) If we know that God exists and (4) is false, then we can "vaccinate" others against missing out on ultimate goods by inflicting pf-life-ruining evil on them, ensuring a great reward.[14] (2) Augustine's account in the Confessions describes a restless heart that reaches its final goal in this.[15] (3) People are urged to cast aside externals in their pursuit of it, even though externals can be considered good in a physical context.[16]