Excellence has been defined as “the quality of being outstanding or extremely good.” When we put forth efforts and attempt to do the best – at all times – we attain excellence. It is not about being the best because somebody will always be better than us at some time or the other. When a singer’s performance is extolled or an artist’s painting is admired, it is due to something ethereal and grand in that incredible action or achievement. On the one hand, it gives an immeasurable sense of fulfilment to the artiste, and on the other, the beholder is awestruck and captivated by its brilliance.

To gain excellence, first, we must have the essential talent, and second, we need to work sincerely, practice diligently and have the right attitude. Arjuna achieved excellence in the field of warfare and archery. But when it came to dealing with his own emotions, he collapsed on the battlefield. If excellence is not developed in all aspects of our life, somewhere or the other we will falter. To such an Arjuna, Shri Krishna gave knowledge – not the knowledge of becoming excellent, but exceeding it in all aspects of life.

At the individual level, when we combine all internal resources and pour them together; when the body, mind and intellect are integrated; a certain amount of efficiency arises. Whenever we put love into an action, that skilfully executed work becomes beautiful. It may not necessarily be perfect, but there is a particular magic about it. When we bring people together and each one does his or her best; each one strives to contribute to a common goal from which everyone derives success and benefit, it is acting in a spirit of yajna. It is this attitude that generates excellence.

But how do we exceed excellence? When we perform actions out of love, dedication, and gratitude, the ego dissolves; we obtain the Lord’s blessings and grace. Grace is strange and unfathomable. It makes you go beyond your present talent, skill and capacity towards excellence…some mysterious synergy occurs. Gratitude indicates giving back for what has been received, not out of feelings of debt, but out of thankfulness, as an offering to the universe. It is being able to see the form of the Lord – everywhere, at all times, in everything.

The Vedas are the most excellent means of knowledge about the Supreme Truth. Is it possible to improve upon them? Veda Vyasa did not rewrite the mantras of the Vedas, but gathered the scattered knowledge, and compiled it into four volumes. He formulated the profound wisdom in such a way that it could be passed on to a Yuga where people would neither have the mental capacity to understand nor remember. Thereby, he exceeded excellence.

Could anybody enhance Sage Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana? But Goswami Tulsidas did it by bringing this exceptional epic, in the language of the common man, immersing it in rhythm, poetry, knowledge and depth.

Lord Rama was an embodiment of excellence in all respects. In every field, in every role, in every relationship including as husband, whether you may agree or not, He was the best.

But, how did Sri Hanuman, a mere vaanar, exceed excellence to such an extent that he was praised by the Lord, Himself?

It is when we serve, with humility, the one who is Excellent, then by the sheer grace of the Excellent, we exceed excellence.

The author is Global Head of the Chinmaya Mission.