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Significance of Inferior

In the context of Vaishnavism, the term 'Inferior' has multiple meanings. It refers to the lowest quality in natya-shastra, indicating a lesser form compared to the best and medium. Additionally, it signifies a lower status, particularly in comparison to the Yadavas, as noted by Shri Yudhishthira regarding Bhagavan Shri Krishna. Moreover, in Dharmashastra, 'Inferior' describes lower-ranked relationships or marital choices, while in Mahayana, it applies to individuals of diminished status who have faced exploitation and harm in previous lives, affecting their current circumstances.1
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Synonyms: Subordinate, Lesser, Second-rate, Lowly, Poor, Minor, Weak, Lower, Deficient

In Spanish: Inferior; In Dutch: Minderwaardig; In Finnish: Huonompi

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

Buddhist concept of 'Inferior'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, "Inferior" describes individuals of lower status exploited in past lives, leading to their current suffering in hell. This concept reflects the consequences of karma and the impact of past actions on one's present state.

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

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Refers to individuals of lesser power or status whom those in hell exploited or harmed in their past lives, contributing to their current punishment.[1]

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.

Hindu concept of 'Inferior'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, "Inferior" denotes the lowest quality in natya-shastra, a lesser status compared to Yadavas as seen in Shri Yudhishthira's remarks, and refers to lower-ranked relationships or marital choices within the caste system.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The state of being lesser in status or importance compared to the Yadavas, as expressed by Shri Yudhishthira regarding comparisons with Bhagavan Shri Krishna.[2]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The lowest quality or form, regarded as lesser in comparison to 'best' and 'medium' in natya-shastra.[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 Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Describes the status of relationships or choices that are deemed lower in rank, particularly relating to the appropriateness of marital choices within the caste system.[4]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Plural form: Inferiors.