Indian Ethics Essentials

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I. Nishkama Karma (Bhagavad Gita) Core Doctrine: Act according to Dharma (duty) without desire or attachment to results. Purpose: Purify the soul, lead to liberation (supreme purpose of human life). Also known as: Karmayoga. Arjuna's Dilemma: Faced with fighting relatives; Krishna advises action as a Kshatriya's duty, safeguarding justice. Key Verse (Bhagavad Gita 2.47): "कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन । मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्ङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ॥" "You have a right over action alone, never on its result. Let not the results of action be your motive, nor should there be in you any attachment to inaction." Essence: Actions based on Dharma, not desire for results. Focus on the action itself, ensuring it aligns with Dharma. Svadharma: One's own dharma; better to perform one's own duty, even if inferior, than another's. "Duty for duty's sake": Abide by duties regardless of pleasure/pain, gain/loss, victory/defeat. Leads to equanimity and liberation. Connection to Society and God: Fulfilling duties is like a prayer/offering to God; actions become a 'yoga'. "Selfless Service" (Lokasangraha): Prioritizing society's interest; performing actions for collective well-being. Synthesis of Action & Renunciation: Inner renunciation of desire is essential, not outer renunciation of actions. Desireless actions lead to liberation. Influenced: Swami Vivekananda, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Sri Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi. II. Purusharthas (Purposes of Human Life) Definition: "Purpose of human life"; ethical framework determining one's actions. Four Purusharthas: Dharma (Duty or Righteousness) Artha (Wealth) Kama (Pleasure) Moksha (Liberation) Order: Traditionally enumerated as above; Dharma is means to others; Moksha is supreme goal. Charvaka Exception: Considered Kama as the ultimate goal. A. Dharma Meaning: Fundamental law of nature (ordering the world). Duties of each individual based on this law. Ethics in general. Source: Vedas are primary source. Two Forms: Samanya Dharma: Universal moral values (truth, non-violence, compassion). Vishesha Dharma: Specific duties based on social class (varna) and stage of life (ashrama). Adherence: Results in merit (punya); non-adherence results in sin (papa). Emphasis: Mimamsa school, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita. B. Artha Meaning: Wealth and material prosperity. Importance: Essential for sustenance, fulfilling duties, economic security. Kautilya (Arthashastra 1.7): "अर्थ एव प्रधान इति कौटिल्यः । अर्थमूलौ हि धर्मकामाविति ।" (Wealth is primary – so believes Kautilya. Wealth alone is the basis of dharma and pleasure.) Chanakya Sutra (1-2): "सुखस्य मूलं धर्मः । धर्मस्य मूलमर्थः ।" (The basis of happiness is dharma. The basis of dharma is wealth.) Ethical Means: Must be attained through ethical means; Dharma is superior to Artha. Critique of Over-emphasis: Leads to suffering, momentary pleasure, evasion of ethics. Considered inferior/secondary goal. C. Kama Meaning: Pleasure; pleasing sensation from contact of senses and objects. Goal: Attaining pleasure and avoiding pain. Includes comforts, luxuries, arts, aesthetics, sensuality. Charvakas: Considered pleasure the ultimate goal of life, encouraging living pleasurably. "यावज्जीवेत्सुखं जीवेन् नास्ति मृत्योरगोचरः । भस्मीभूतस्य देहस्य पुनरागमनं कुतः ॥" "As long as one lives, one must live happily. Nothing is seen to be after death. When the body is reduced to ashes, how can it ever return?" Larger Indian View: Kama as cause of suffering; emphasizes detachment and renunciation. True happiness in realizing Truth, not pursuing pleasurable things. Bhagavad Gita (5.22): Worldly pleasures are "wombs of sorrow." D. Moksha Meaning: Liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Goal: Release from suffering. Traditional Definition: "मुच्यते सर्वैर्दुःखबन्धनैर्यत्र सः मोक्षः" (Where one becomes free from all bondage of suffering, that is liberation.) Purpose of Human Life: Unanimously believed to be the ultimate purpose; "param purushartha." Result: Attainment of perfect peace and happiness (ananda). Bhagavad Gita (5.21): Detachment from worldly things and absorption in Absolute Truth leads to eternal happiness. III. Classification of Dharma Root: 'dhri' – to hold, to support, to sustain. Fundamental Law: 'Dharma' as the most fundamental law of nature, ordering the universe (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.14). Natural & Moral Order: Based on 'Rta' in Vedas. Intrinsic Nature: Dharma of fire is to burn, water to nourish; objects perform their role. Human Duty: Individual duties for moral order. Humans, with free will, must consciously strive to fulfill Dharma. Vedas: Primary source of Dharma. Essence is letting go of egoistic/selfish tendencies, performing actions in oneness with the universe. Adherence: Merit (punya) vs. sin (papa). Importance: Most important purushartha; enables achievement of Artha, Kama, Moksha. A. Samanya Dharma (Universal Duties/Moral Values) Applicability: Everyone, irrespective of time, place, social class (varna), or stage of life (ashrama). Goal: Represents ideal human nature. Manusmriti's Ten Moral Values: Forbearance (Dhriti) Forgiveness (Kshama) Humility (Dama) Non-stealing (Chauryabhava) Purity (Shaucha) Sense-control (Indriyanigraha) Discernment (Dhi) Spiritual Knowledge (Vidya) Truthfulness (Satya) Absence of Anger (Akrodha) Bhagavad Gita's Values: Truthfulness, non-violence, absence of anger, kindness, forgiveness, non-conceitedness, discipline of body/mind/senses, charity. Essence: Selflessness and oneness of all beings. B. Vishesha Dharma (Specific Duties) Applicability: Specific to individual based on social class (varna) and stage of life (ashrama). Varna Dharma (Social Classes): Brahmana: Predominance of sattva guna . Intellectual/spiritual class. Duties: spiritual knowledge, mind/sense control, purity, forgiveness. Kshatriya: Predominance of rajas guna , followed by sattva . Warriors/rulers. Duties: courage, strength, battlefield steadiness, charity, governance. Vaishya: Predominance of rajas guna , followed by tamas . Trade/commerce. Duties: agriculture, cattle-rearing, business. Shudra: Predominance of tamas guna , followed by rajas . Service class. Duty: serve other classes. Ashrama Dharma (Stages of Life): Brahmacharya: Student life. Duties: study Vedas, service to teacher, mind/body discipline. Grihastha: Householder life (after education). Duties: marriage, profession, daily/occasional religious/social duties (nitya-naimitya karma). Vanaprastha: Forest-hermit life (after fulfilling householder duties). Duties: austerities, meditations (tapa) for inner purification. Sannyasa: Monk life (final stage). Duties: renounce possessions/relations, austere monastic life, pursue spiritual wisdom/liberation. Underlying Principle: Society and human life oriented towards spiritual wisdom and liberation. IV. Jaina Ethics Focus: Bondage and liberation of soul (jiva). Soul's Nature: Inherently perfect, with infinite potential ('ananta chatushtaya': infinite knowledge, faith, power, bliss). Obstruction: Soul's potential obstructed by matter (karma). Asrava: Inflow of matter caused by four passions: anger, arrogance, infatuation, greed. Aim: Stop inflow of new matter (samvar) and eliminate existing matter (nirjar) for liberation. Path to Liberation: 'Triratna' (Three Jewels): Samyak Darshana (Right Faith): Respect for truth revealed by Tirthankaras. Essential for accepting and implementing teachings. Samyak Jnana (Right Knowledge): Knowledge of Jaina worldview, true nature of soul distinct from matter. Realizing soul's infinite potential. Attained progressively as obstruction of matter is removed. Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct): Helps overcome passions, stop new matter inflow, eliminate existing matter, liberate soul. Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows) - Component of Right Conduct: Ahimsa (Non-violence): Abstinence from taking life; active concern for other beings; not harming any living being. Translates to compassion and empathy. Satya (Truthfulness): Based on detachment/renunciation. Commitment to higher truth of life. Asteya (Non-stealing): Abstinence from taking what is not given. Based on detachment/renunciation. Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Abstinence from sensuality/sensory impulses. Complete control over body, mind, senses; commitment to pursuit of knowledge. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Abstinence from possessions/possessiveness. Renunciation of external possessions and internal ownership. Other Codes of Conduct: Samiti: Carefulness (walking, speaking) to avoid harming living beings. Gupti: Restraint of thought, speech, body movement. Dharma: Ten virtues (forgiveness, humility, integrity, cleanliness). Anupreksha: Constant reflection on Jaina teachings. Parisaha Jaya: Victory over hunger, thirst, heat, cold, etc. V. Bauddha Ethics Focus: Ethics over metaphysics; addressing practical problems of life. Foundation: Four Noble Truths. Four Noble Truths: Dukkha (Suffering): All life is suffering (birth, old age, disease, death, unfulfilled desires, attachment). Dukkha Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): Cause of suffering is desire, rooted in ignorance. Leads to cycle of birth/death (Dvadasha Nidana - Twelve Links). Dukkha Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): Suffering ceases if conditions are removed; complete cessation of desires leads to Nirvana (liberation). Dukkha Nirodha Marga (Path to Cessation of Suffering): Eight steps to attain liberation (Noble Eightfold Path). Noble Eightfold Path: Samyak Drishti (Right View): Rectifying worldview with Buddha's teachings (Four Noble Truths) to overcome ignorance. Samyak Sankalpa (Right Resolve): Resolve to renounce attachments, have good will, be non-violent. Samyak Vak (Right Speech): Abstain from lying, divisive speech, abusive speech, idle chatter. Samyak Karma (Right Conduct): Follow 'Panchasheela': abstention from killing, stealing, sensuality, lying, intoxication. Samyak Ajiva (Right Livelihood): Give up dishonest means, adopt honest means of earning. Samyak Vyayama (Right Effort): Four-fold mental discipline: eliminate old impure thoughts, eliminate new impure thoughts, generate pure thoughts, retain pure thoughts. Samyak Smriti (Right Mindfulness): Strengthening detachment from body/mind (non-self). Contemplation of impermanence. Samyak Samadhi (Right Concentration): Intent meditation to attain samadhi/concentration, leading to Nirvana. Summary: Buddhist ethics emphasize knowledge, conduct, and concentration, centered on detachment. VI. The Ethics of Gandhi Core: Principles for spiritual development, based on Pancha Mahavrata. Eleven Vows of Gandhi: Ahimsa (Non-violence): Most important ideal. Basis: selflessness, love for all beings. Not just absence of physical force, but positive love/compassion. Means to empower weak, establish just society. Satya (Truth): Truthfulness of speech and realization of Absolute Truth (enlightenment/liberation). Truth as conscience, guide for thoughts/actions. Both means and end. Asteya (Non-stealing): Against truth/non-violence. Not taking what is not given; not owning more than one needs; working for what one owns. Brahmacharya (Non-sensuality): Complete control over body, mind, senses; commitment to Truth. Saving oneself from violence. Aparigraha (Non-possession): Not accumulating beyond immediate needs. Seeing oneself as trustee, not owner. Reduces conflict, promotes sharing. Sharira Shrama (Bread Labour): Performing sufficient physical labor daily to deserve one's living. Cultivates respect for labor, reduces inequality. Asvada (Control of Palate): Consuming food only for sustenance, not sensory desire. Diet healthy, balanced, non-stimulating. Brings senses under control. Abhaya (Fearlessness): Essential for path of truth/non-violence. Mark of detachment and surrender to God. Swadeshi (Use Indigenous Goods): Buying local goods to strengthen economy, alleviate poverty. Duty to neighbors. Sarva Dharma Samanatva (Equal Respect for all Religions): Truth is one, known by different names. All religions given by God; no one superior. Essential for harmonious society. Asprishyata Nivarana (Removal of Untouchability): Corruption of religion, heinous crime. Against ahimsa. All men are equal, children of God ('Harijan'). A. Sarvodaya (Universal Development) Meaning: 'Development of all' or 'universal development'. Inspiration: John Ruskin's 'Unto the Last' (translated as 'Sarvodaya'). Aspects: Greatest Good of All: Reject utilitarianism ('greatest good of greatest number'). Focus on 'greatest good of all' by prioritizing the weakest members (antyodaya). Spiritual Evolution of Society: Primary aim is spiritual evolution, not just economic development. Guided by non-violence and truth. Emphasize duties over rights. Decentralization of Political Power: Centralized power (state) is organized violence. Envisioned stateless society, 'Swaraj' (power in people's hands). Rural Reconstruction: Strengthen rural economies; villages self-sufficient ('Gram Swaraj'). Promote local products ('Swadeshi') and village industries over large-scale industrialization. Trusteeship: Industrialists/capitalists as trustees of wealth, not owners. Wealth belongs to God. Aims for harmonious coexistence, non-violent solution to class conflict. Reform of Caste System: Caste system corrupted by untouchability. Abolish discrimination for equal development. B. The Seven Sins (to be avoided) Purpose: Principles for spiritual development of individual/society. Sins: Wealth Without Work: Attaining wealth without working is stealing. Right to wealth comes from performing duty. Pleasure Without Conscience: Pursuing pleasure without morality/ethics, leading to degradation. Morality before pleasure. Knowledge Without Character: Learned man without character is a threat; misuses knowledge. True knowledge is being a good person. Commerce Without Morality: Commerce tainted by immoral practices (cut-throat competition, single-minded profit). Damages society, ignores well-being, exploits workers. Science Without Humanity: Science misused (e.g., atomic bomb). Must be guided by universal human values. Religion Without Sacrifice: Religion without renunciation of personal desires for collective welfare. Empty rituals. Politics Without Principle: Political power corrupts; without constitutional principles, politics becomes social evil. C. Trusteeship (Revisited) Concept: Wealthy industrialists/capitalists as trustees of wealth. Principle: All wealth belongs to God; individuals have duty to share excess. Gandhi's View: Reject violent revolt; appeal to conscience for capitalists to uplift people. Ensures 'Sarvodaya' by including all in development. Outcome: Harmonious capitalist-worker relations; non-violent, permanent solution to class conflict. Destroys capitalism, not capitalists. VII. Important MCQs Question: Which of the following is NOT one of the four Purusharthas in Indian philosophy? a) Dharma b) Artha c) Karma d) Moksha Solution: c) Karma. The four Purusharthas are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Question: The concept of "Nishkama Karma" primarily emphasizes: a) Performing actions with a desire for heavenly rewards. b) Renouncing all actions and living a life of meditation. c) Fulfilling one's duty without attachment to the results. d) Prioritizing personal gain over societal well-being. Solution: c) Fulfilling one's duty without attachment to the results. Question: According to Jaina ethics, the "Three Jewels" (Triratna) that lead to liberation are: a) Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya b) Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech c) Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct d) Dharma, Artha, Kama Solution: c) Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Samyak Darshana, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra). Question: Which of the following is NOT one of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism? a) The truth of suffering (Dukkha). b) The truth of the origin of suffering (Dukkha Samudaya). c) The truth of the impermanence of the soul (Anatta). d) The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Dukkha Nirodha Marga). Solution: c) The truth of the impermanence of the soul (Anatta). While Anatta is a core Buddhist doctrine, it is not one of the Four Noble Truths themselves. Question: Gandhi's philosophy of "Sarvodaya" advocates for: a) The greatest good of the greatest number. b) The development and well-being of all, especially the weakest. c) Centralization of political power for efficient governance. d) Industrialization as the primary means of economic progress. Solution: b) The development and well-being of all, especially the weakest. Question: "Wealth Without Work" is one of Gandhi's 'Seven Sins'. This principle highlights: a) The importance of earning wealth through honest labor. b) The need for charity and philanthropy by the rich. c) The spiritual value of renouncing all material possessions. d) The idea that wealth is inherently evil. Solution: a) The importance of earning wealth through honest labor. Question: In the context of Vishesha Dharma, which Ashrama (stage of life) is primarily focused on fulfilling social and family responsibilities? a) Brahmacharya b) Grihastha c) Vanaprastha d) Sannyasa Solution: b) Grihastha. Question: The Jaina vow of "Aparigraha" means: a) Non-stealing b) Non-violence c) Non-possessiveness d) Truthfulness Solution: c) Non-possessiveness. Question: Which of the following concepts is central to Gandhi's idea of "Trusteeship"? a) Wealth should be confiscated by the state and redistributed. b) Capitalists should act as custodians of their wealth for the benefit of society. c) All forms of private property are illegitimate. d) Workers should violently overthrow the capitalist class. Solution: b) Capitalists should act as custodians of their wealth for the benefit of society. Question: The Buddhist Noble Eightfold Path is broadly categorized into: a) Karma, Bhakti, Jnana b) Wisdom, Morality, Concentration c) Dharma, Artha, Kama d) Faith, Hope, Charity Solution: b) Wisdom (Prajna), Morality (Sila), Concentration (Samadhi). (Right View & Right Resolve for Wisdom; Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood for Morality; Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration for Concentration).