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Hindu Ethics

The mark of Dharma is Achara or good conduct. Achara is the mark of the good. From Achara is Dharma born. Dharma enhances life. Man attains prosperity and fame, here and hereafter, through the practice of Dharma.

Good conduct is the highest Dharma. It is the root of all Tapas or austerities. Righteousness, truth and good works, power and prosperity—all originate from conduct. 

Conduct And Character

The word Religion comes from the Latin word religio which consists of two words, viz., re (back) and ligare (to bring or bind). That which binds the soul back to God is religion. Religion shows the way for the attainment of God-realisation.
Man has various sorts of desires. Sometimes, there is conflict of desires. That desire which obtains victory is termed ‘will’. The inner disposition which makes the will possible is called character. Character is the aggregate of peculiar qualities which constitute personal individuality.
External behavior is not always a sure guide in judging the character of a man.
Hindu dharma speaks about four fold goals of human life termed as ‘chaturvidha purushartha’. ‘Purusha’ means human and ‘artha’ means object or goal. This framework of life wherein each human being has an obligation to pursue the four-fold goals in his or her life is a unique and very important contribution of Hindu philosophy. Human life is considered very precious because when compared to plants, animals and other organisms, it is humans alone who have a fully developed faculty of intellect.
All organisms except humans are invariably driven by natural instincts. Though these naturally developed instincts help organisms in their survival, they also bound and limit them.

Benefits Of The Practice Of Ethics

  1. Moral Integrity: Practicing ethics helps individuals develop and maintain moral integrity. It involves living in accordance with one’s values and principles, which leads to a strong sense of personal integrity and self-respect.

  2. Trust and Credibility: Ethical behavior builds trust and credibility, both at the individual and organizational levels. People are more likely to trust and respect those who consistently make ethical choices, which is essential for healthy personal and professional relationships.

  3. Positive Reputation: Ethical individuals and organizations tend to have a positive reputation. This can lead to better opportunities, whether in terms of career advancement, business success, or personal relationships.

  4. Social Harmony: A society where individuals and institutions prioritize ethics tends to be more harmonious. Ethical behavior fosters cooperation, understanding, and a sense of community, reducing conflicts and promoting social cohesion.

  5. Effective Decision-Making: Ethical decision-making is typically more thoughtful and balanced. It involves considering the consequences of one’s actions on others and society as a whole, leading to more well-informed and just decisions.

  6. Personal Growth: Engaging in ethical reflection and practice can contribute to personal growth and self-improvement. It encourages individuals to be more empathetic, compassionate, and aware of their own shortcomings.

  7. Conflict Resolution: Ethical principles often guide effective conflict resolution. Ethical negotiation and mediation techniques can help parties involved in disputes find common ground and reach mutually beneficial solutions.

  8. Employee Satisfaction: Organizations that prioritize ethics tend to have more satisfied and engaged employees. Ethical leadership and decision-making create a positive work environment, leading to greater job satisfaction and loyalty.

  9. Legal Compliance: Ethical behavior often aligns with legal standards and regulations. Practicing ethics can help individuals and organizations avoid legal issues and regulatory violations.

  10. Environmental and Social Responsibility: Ethical considerations can lead to a greater focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility. This is increasingly important in a world facing environmental challenges and social inequalities.

  11. Long-Term Success: Ethical behavior can contribute to long-term success in various domains, including business and personal relationships. It may involve sacrificing short-term gains for the sake of long-term stability and growth.

  12. Well-Being and Happiness: Many people find a sense of well-being and happiness in living in alignment with their ethical principles. Acts of kindness, generosity, and ethical living can contribute to a more fulfilling life.

  13. Global Peace: On a broader scale, the practice of ethics contributes to global peace and cooperation. Ethical diplomacy and international relations are essential for addressing global challenges and conflicts.

The Foundational Principles Of Hindu Ethics

The ethics of the Hindus is subtle, sublime and profound. All religions have taught ethical precepts such as: “Do not kill, do not injure others, love your neighbour as your self,” but they have not given the reason. The basis of Hindu ethics is this: “There is one all-pervading Atman. It is the innermost soul of all beings. This is the common, pure consciousness. If you injure your neighbour, you really injure yourself. If you injure any other creature, you really injure yourself, because the whole world is nothing but your own Self.” This is Hindu ethics. This is the basic metaphysical truth that underlies all Hindu ethical codes.
The Atman or Self is one. One life vibrates in all beings. Life is common in animals, birds and human beings. Existence is common. This is the emphatic declaration of the Upanishads or Srutis. This primary truth of religion is the foundation of ethics or morality or science of right conduct. Morality has Vedanta as its basis.

  1. Dharma (Duty and Righteousness): Dharma is the central concept in Hindu ethics. It refers to one’s duty, righteousness, and moral obligations. Each individual has a unique dharma based on their age, caste, gender, occupation, and life stage. Fulfilling one’s dharma is considered essential for leading a virtuous life.

  2. Karma (Law of Action and Consequences): The concept of karma teaches that every action has consequences. Good actions lead to positive karma, while bad actions lead to negative karma. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) is influenced by one’s accumulated karma.

  3. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence and non-harm. It is highly valued in Hindu ethics and has influenced many other philosophical and religious traditions, including Jainism and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

  4. Satya (Truth): Honesty and truthfulness are considered essential virtues in Hindu ethics. Speaking the truth is seen as a moral imperative, though it is also understood that truth should be spoken with compassion and at the right time.

  5. Asteya (Non-Stealing): Asteya emphasizes not taking what does not belong to you, both in a material and non-material sense. This includes not only refraining from theft but also avoiding envy and covetousness.

  6. Brahmacharya (Celibacy and Self-Control): Brahmacharya refers to self-control and celibacy, especially in the context of spiritual pursuits. It encourages individuals to control their desires and maintain discipline.

  7. Aparigraha (Non-Possessiveness): Aparigraha is the principle of non-possessiveness and non-attachment. It encourages individuals to minimize material possessions and not be overly attached to worldly belongings.

  8. Svadharma (One’s Own Duty): Svadharma is the idea that individuals should follow their own dharma or duty rather than trying to perform the duties of others. It stresses the importance of self-realization and self-discovery.

  9. Yamas and Niyamas: These are the ethical and moral guidelines outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, which are also influential in Hindu ethical thought. The Yamas include non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness. The Niyamas include cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to the divine.

  10. Moksha (Spiritual Liberation): The ultimate goal of Hindu ethics is to attain Moksha, which is liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Achieving Moksha is considered the highest ethical and spiritual aspiration in Hinduism.

Philosophy Of Right And Wrong

Everybody speaks: “This is right, that is wrong; you are right, he is wrong;” but he cannot tell you exactly what he means by ‘right’ and ‘wrong’.

What is the criterion by which we judge an action to be right or wrong, and good or bad? “Right and wrong” and “good and bad” are relative terms. Right and wrong refer to the moral standard, as law. Good and bad refer to it, as end. You will have to adjust your conduct according to this moral standard. That which is in accordance with a rule is right. That which is worthy of achievement is good. Religion gives us the ultimate data upon which ethical science may be built. 

  1. Rights-Based Ethics: This ethical framework, championed by philosophers like John Locke and John Rawls, emphasizes individual rights as a foundation for morality. It asserts that certain rights, such as the right to life, liberty, and property, are inviolable and should be protected and respected.

  2. Feminist Ethics: Feminist ethics, emerging from feminist philosophy, focuses on gender-based moral issues and the experiences of women. It critiques traditional ethical theories for their male-centric perspectives and seeks to incorporate feminist insights into moral philosophy.

Conclusion

You must obey the laws or rules of conduct. The rules are given for you by the law-givers for your own betterment and spiritual uplift. The law-givers are great sages who had direct God-realisation.
To stick to Sadachara is difficult, no doubt. Mockery, misunderstanding and persecution will have to be faced. Therefore, the cultivation of forbearance, meekness of spirit, calm endurance and spirit of forgiveness are of great importance. Uphold virtue at any cost. For its sake, bear any calumny. Return good for evil.
Do not leave the path of morality even if your life is in danger. Do not leave righteousness for the sake of some material gain. Consult the Sastras and Mahatmas whenever you are in doubt. Build up your character. Grow. Evolve. Keep up your ideal always before your mind. Stick to Sadachara or right conduct. Practise it. You will soon attain eternal bliss and immortality.