Uttam Adhikari (उत्तम अधिकारी)
An uttama adhikari (उत्तम अधिकारी | uttama adhikārī) literally means most eligible. According to Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu describes most eligible seeker for bhakti as someone who meets the following three conditions:
- Deep Knowledge: They are profoundly knowledgeable in Vedic scriptures.
- Unshakeable Faith: They possess unwavering, doubt-free faith in the path and the Supreme Being.
- Clear Goal and Determination: They are completely clear about their spiritual goal and are absolutely determined to achieve it using the proper methods.
Due to this elevated state, the uttama adhikari makes very quick spiritual progress. Their spiritual knowledge (tattvajnana) acts as a shield, allowing them to avoid bad company (kusang) or remain unaffected by it if encountered.
