Ethics And Morality In Ancient Indian Texts

1
Ethics And Morality In Ancient Indian Texts
Chaitanya Kumari Writes informational articles
on common ethics, sanathana dharma, hindu dharma,
duties common to all along with others on
finance, health and cultivating wisdom.
2
Ethics and morality are pivotal elements in
ancient Indian texts. However, the moral and
ethical guidelines of Hindu dharma are completely
different from those of other religions. Of
course, universally accepted virtues such as
integrity, compassion, and purity are given the
highest position in Sanatana dharma. However,
there are no rigid and stringent moral
injunctions that always have to be followed to
the letter. The morality of Hinduism states that
the primary intent or motive behind an action is
the factor that decides whether the action is
good or bad. The dharma refrains from providing a
standardized definition of morality. This is
something that tends to keep changing from one
individual to another. In the same way, the exact
situation also determines the right course of
action. Ethical frameworks in the Indian
knowledge system The ethical frameworks in the
Indian knowledge system include four significant
concepts.
3

• Dharma Dharma stresses the importance of
  leading life as per various moral and ethical
  norms. The dharma of Hinduism covers different
  social and religious responsibilities of
  individuals, as well. Adherence to these
  principles and duties is indispensable to
  maintain orderliness and peace in society.
• Artha The term artha encompasses the aspect of
  earning wealth to make sure that an individual is
  self-sufficient. Here, things like building a
  successful career and keeping oneself financially
  secure are pivotal, too. While speaking of the
  economic growth of society and the country, artha
  is a crucial element.
• Kama Fulfillment of sensual desires and pursuit
  of the varied pleasures of life come under the
  purview of kama. In this context, familial
  bonds and affection between family members are
  also paramount.
• Moksha We now come to the most relevant of all
  the four concepts Moksha. Moksha refers to
  attaining redemption from the recurrent cycles of
  birth-life-death-rebirth. This is the ultimate
  form of liberation for a human being.

4

• At this point, a few points must be mentioned. Or
  else, those major concepts of Sanatana dharma can
  be misunderstood.
• Ancient texts categorically state that dharma is
  the most important concept in relation to artha
  and kama. Only dharmik precepts help people
  distinguish between the right and the wrong.
• The scriptures clearly emphasize the importance
  of staying aligned with the path of dharma while
  pursuing artha and kama.
• Major concepts of Sanatana dharma have been
  mentioned in many good ancient books.
  Unfortunately, mischievous elements from colonial
  and invader ruled times have distorted the
  framework. Sadly, such frameworks are still
  active in India. By fabricating a pseudo issue of
  caste which is a Portuguese and European
  framework and taking selective passages from
  Manusmrithi which was for society 5000 or 10000
  years old.
• There is another class of ethics which cultivates
  common sense and wisdom which is called as Neeti.
  By using metaphors, proverbs and stories many
  times with animals playing main characters
  common sense and wisdom was cultivated in entire
  society.

5
Thank you for spending your precious time
in reading this article!
About Living Smartly
Living-smartly.com is a website that publishes
information specifically focused on helping
people to make right choices in their every day
challenges. Living Smartly provides smart tips
insights that covers all aspects of daily living
such as general health dental health,
philosophy, social skills, technology, wellness,
gifts etc.