CHAPTER 1

INDIAN ETHOS INTRODUCTION AND

OVERVIEW

Evolution of Ethos- Definition of EthosEvolution of Ethos in India- Common Ethos in

India, their characteristics Glimpses of
various religions.

1.0 Evolution of Ethos

Since time immemorial, philosophers have attempted to
study human behaviour and to evolve a system of judging the
right or wrong conduct of human beings. In the earlier period of
history, cave men, as they were called, lived in groups and the
group head decided the principles of right or wrong behaviour. As
the civilization improved, people moved to different areas, and
each group decided their own views on right or wrong behaviour.
Nobody questioned whether right or wrong is really right or really
wrong. Various customs, traditions or habits, developed over a
period of time, were labeled as Ethos.

1.1 Definition of Ethos

The word Ethos is a Greek word, which means both an
individual character so also a community culture.

According to Webster dictionary, Ethos denotes the

characteristic spirit of culture, era or community.
a) It is a part of the psyche of the community.

b) It is related to the behaviour that is normal,

spontaneous and unplanned.
c) It is something, which if imbibed in the workplace,
will make it stress-free and more productive.
d) Ethos are based on customs and traditions.
e) They are neither judged right nor wrong.
1.2 Evolution of Ethos in india
India is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multireligious country. Therefore, in India, there are many
Ethos, which may appear to be wrong to members of the
other community in India as well as outside India. For
example, the dowry system the gifts given by the
father of bride to the father of bridegroom out of love and
affection, has recently been considered as illegal but still
it is a part of Indian traditions and customs. Sati system is
another tradition, wherein, after the death of the
husband, the wife of the deceased is also burnt along
with her husband. In some of the tribal communities,
killing of the female child just after her birth was
common. Though these customs were not good, they
were a part of Indian Ethos; of course, the Government of
India made laws against these customs and abolished
them.
Also, people from Brahmin and Vaishya communities will
not engage themselves in the leather business, as it is
against the Ethos of their communities. In the Integrated
Rural Development Programme (IRDP), initiated by
Government of India for eradication of rural poverty,
many projects like leather tanning, poultry, etc., were
conceived in villages where people from Brahmin and
Vaishya communities lived. According to their Ethos, they
cannot engage themselves in such professions,

howsoever profitable they may be. The planners failed to

understand these customs, traditions and psyche of the
villagers. These projects violated local sentiments.
Consequently, these projects faile
India is a land of many religions, which have different
customs and traditions. They have different cultural
norms, yet they co-exist harmoniously with each other.
For example, Muslims are against idol worshiping, while
Hindus worship idols. Even among Hindus, a sect of Jain
community does not believe in idol worshiping. Also
among Hindus, their various deities have different
temples. For each deity, form of worshiping is different.
For example, some Hindus worship goddess Kali, to whom
meat and wine are offered. Some Hindus believe in
slaughtering animals as an offering to the god, while
others totally detest it. With such diversity of customs
and traditions, Indians have developed a sense of
tolerance, respect, forbearance, humility, integrity,
sacrifice and self-less service.
1.3 COMMON ETHOS IN INDIA
In spite of different outlooks developed by Indian
communities, the following traits are common throughout
India:
1)
2)
3)
4)

It is still generally a taboo in India for lovers or

spouses to kiss or embrace each other in
public.
Guests are always welcome, though to limited
extent.
Showing respects to parents, elders, teachers,
etc.
Offering alms to poor.

5)
6)
7)
8)

God fearing - whatever may be the name of

god.
Marriage is considered to be a lifelong affair
not only between two individuals but also
between two families.
Children are well taken care of until they are
married or even after that.
Relationship is considered to be of permanent
nature.

Indians believe in Sarva Dharma Sambhavana

- Equal Respect for Every Religion, whether Hindu,
Christian, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. These
religions co-exist like seven colours in white colour.
Additionally, Indian Ethos absorbed numerous
enriching points from various religions. Indians
believe in Unity in Diversity.
(Briefs of some religions are appended at Appendix1)
Indian ethos, basically, are based on Vedas,
Upanishads, Shrutis and Puranas, which include
Bhagwat Gita, Ramayana, etc. These epics were
written thousands years back when there was no
religion. Thus, Indian Ethos does not belong to any
religion, but they represent the way of human life.
They have universal appeal and are applicable to all
the people of different religions, places, time, etc.
According to Swami Vivekananda, Indian Ethos
serve ideas of honesty, integrity morality, etc.

1.4 Characteristics of Indian Ethos

1)Know One self : In Indian Ethos, a great emphasis
is placed on knowing oneself. It is emphasized that
self is a part of supreme self PARAM BRAHMA or
Supreme conscience. Supreme self is also known
as Divine. It is also believed that divine qualities
like
integrity,
honesty,
patience,
loyalty,
forgiveness, compassion, self-less service are
within us. Only these latent qualities in human
beings are to be aroused through inner
purification. This also indicates that every human
being has immense potential for development and
therefore, he must strive for excellence in the field
of his choice. This results in inner motivation, and
increases the productivity, not only in personal life
but also in the society and the organization he
serves.
2)Self Realization : Indian Ethos
believe in
individual development. Though all human beings
are part of Supreme Self, they have to tap their
dormant potential. They have to act accordingly
and
inculcate the divine qualities
within
themselves. Apart from higher productivity, it
results in better effectiveness, peace, balance and
harmonious growth in all spheres of life.
An individual has different role to play in life : (i)
for self- good mental and physical health, to
acquire power and prestige, to earn money, (ii) as
father / mother, brother / sister, wife / husband, as
a friend, relative, (iii) in office, as peer, junior,

boss, etc. Indian ethos emphasize that each

individual must have a balanced growth. An
individual has to act to realise all the goals which
an individual has set for himself.
CHARACTERSTICS
PERSON

OF

SELF-

REALISED

Once Self is realized, it is believed that :

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Self
Self
Self
Self
Self

is constant delight (Anand)

is eternal perfection
is entire self-sufficient (Poorna)
is universal love
is importable and silent

The inward journey transforms a person from being

ego-centric to socio-centric and finally to Cosmocentric. According to Mahatma Gandhi, such a
person believes in the concept of trusteeship. If
such a person acquires millions of rupees, he will
not spend all the money on himself like a egocentric person. He will think that he is a trustee of
the money sent by the God, and this is Cosmocentric approach. A self-realized person may also
keep a minimum sum for his basic needs and the
rest of money he may use for the services of
society, following socio- centric approach.
3)Self Management : Swami Vivekananda said : If
you cannot manage self, you cannot manage
others. Once self realization comes, then self
management is easily achieved, because it is said

that once issues are identified, it is easier to find

solutions to them. Self management also stresses
not only on developing and managing skills, but
also on all the inner divine qualities lying dormant
within us. It also emphasizes self discipline and
control. Accordingly, the individual thinks last
about himself. Self management also implies to act
voluntarily accordingly to ethics and not by force
or by circumstances.
4)Holistic Approach : Indian Ethos also emphasize
holistic approach to life. It states that all living
beings humans and other living objects, like
animals, insects, etc., are part of Supreme Soul.
We must, therefore, live in harmony with each
other.
5)Team Spirit : The Verse Om Sahana Vavatu,
Sahnau Bhunaktu, Sahviryam Karvavahe, Tejasvina
Vadhitamastu, Maa Vidvisha Wahe gives the
essence of Indian Ethos for team spirit. The Verse
means : may He protect us, may He help us to
enjoy, may we work together, may our efforts be
thorough and faithful, and may we never
misunderstand each other. The emphasis here is
on team spirit. It suppresses I and believes in We
approach.
6)Service Attitude : Indian Ethos believe in giving
with humility. Service without ego is basic to Indian
Ethos. Indians believe that we are only means,
actual giver is Supreme Soul and we are grateful to
the one who receives from us. Because he has

given us a chance to have inner peace. Giving

itself gives us peace and we should not expect
anything in return. This also embodies the spirit of
sacrifice or Yagna attitude.
7)Spirit of Sacrifice : Indian Ethos believe in
sacrifice for the sake of others. In the 21 st century,
a person wants to acquire more and more for
himself without bothering about others. This
results in unhealthy competition and people resort
to unethical means to acquire wealth, fame,
position, power, etc. Needs become greed and the
persons start developing satanic qualities, like
anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. Organizational goals,
which include family and social goals, are not
taken into consideration and are put at the back
burner. Human technology is misused to serve
human ego. Indian Ethos demand that we should
look from others perspective before we start
fulfilling our needs, because all human beings are
part of Supreme Soul. Also, we must be
responsible for our action. If failure comes to us,
we must internalize it and find out why we failed. If
we succeed, we should give the credit to others,
including God. This is a part of our responsibility
and it builds team spirit. The Spirit of Sacrifice is
also in the rituals of Yagna, wherein we offer our
choicest material and prayers to God and offer
Prasad to all the members of the community.
8)Chitta Shuddhi (Purification of Mind) : Indian
Ethos believe in developing a pure mind, which
implies purifying emotions, feelings, impulses, etc.,

the things which are related to heart. Christ has

also said : Blessed are those who are pure by
heart. Medical mystic Thomas Kepis states that a
pure heart penetrates heaven and hell. Swami
Vivekananda said that begin your work with pure
body and mind. Mind purification should be given
preference over body.
9)Unity in Diversity : In India, people from different
religions have different rituals, customs and
beliefs. They have different life styles, yet they coexist in India because of holistic approach that all
human being are part of Infinite Self .
10) Tolerance : Indian listen and understand others
point of view. They have respect for each other. It
is a common sight to see Church, Mosque, Temple,
Gurudwara, etc in the same neighbourhood. Also,
people from different religions take part in various
functions and festivals. Indians believe in Live and
Let Live.
11) Peace : Basically, Indians are peace loving.
Great Indian, like, Gautama Buddha, Mahavir
Swami, Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, etc
have advocated peace for human beings. For many
centuries, our scriptures have recommended Yoga
(including Meditation and Contemplation) for
peace of mind. Peace is tolerance based and stems
from love for all and the idea of mutual
coexistence.

12) Humanity : On the basis of belief that all living

beings are part of Supreme Self. Indians have
developed a humane approach to life.
13) Cooperation and Mutual Trust : God has
designed human being on the principle of
cooperation and thus, cooperation has become a
way of life for a human being. If we look to a man,
his all the organs (namely, ears, eyes, mouth,
nose, lungs, nerves, etc) are designed to be
cooperative with each other and sub-serve the
main purpose of keeping the human body healthy
and working properly. Each organ works on the
basis of mutual trust and believes in giving.
Cooperation is working together, sharing the
resources together, and getting the peace and
happiness. The benefits of cooperation are as
follow:
a) Promotes team work.
b)Enables a person to view things from others
viewpoint .
c) Makes one less self centered by widening his
area of concern.
d)Brings in concept of US and WE in our mind
and dissolve I and THEM.
e) Cooperation gives in happiness, everlasting
peace, friendship, lots of love and relationship.

14) Adopt and Adapt : Indian Ethos, right from

earlier days, have adopted and adapted various
traditions and customs from various civilizations.
Through
this
process
of
absorption
and
assimilation, Indian culture has become rich and
survived many turmoils.

ANNEXURE 1
GLIMPSES OF VARIOUS RELIGIONS
BUDDHISM
Lord Buddha was born around 550 BC in Lumbini, in
Nepal, as a prince named Siddhartha. Seeing the sorrow
and despair of human being due to starvation, old age,
diseases, death, etc., prince Siddhartha left his wife and
son, and spent several weeks under Bodhi tree. Finally,
he attained enlightenment and propagated a religion,
called Buddhism. His followers were called Bhikshoos.
They left their homes and established Sangha, an
institution governed by the highest democratic principles.
Buddhist philosophy preaches to avoid two extremes - life
of self torture and life of luxurious living. It advocates
middle path of self discipline through an eight-fold
endeavour, consisting of the following:

Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right
Right

understanding;
aspiration;
speech;
conduct;
vocation;
effort;
mindfulness; and
concentration

Buddhism preaches to shed desires for pleasure, because

desires for pleasure are the root cause of sorrow.
Buddhism has laid down the following five concepts:
1. Ahimsa Abstaining from any injury or harm to
others, either through action, utterance, or inner
thoughts.
2. Refraining from taking what does not belong to you.
3. Abstinence excessive indulgence in sense pleasures.
4. Refraining from falsehood and encouraging mutual
trust and understanding.
5. Abstinence from intoxicants
Buddha also stressed on the following:
(a)
Universal love and friendliness
(b)
Compassion
(c)
Empathy and joy in giving happiness to others
(d)
Being impartial and having an equanimity of
mind
JAINISM

Mahavir (Vardhamana) was the founder of Jainism. He

was born around 540 BC. He was contemporary of Lord
Buddha. He left his home in his twenties and gained
enlightenment or Jina. Hence, the religion propagated
by him is called JAIN. He was called 24 th Tirthanker.
Trithanker is one who guides the disciples along the right
path. Jains believe that theirs is the earliest religion and
Vedas contain reference of Thirthankers. Jains have two
sects Shwetambers (white clothed) and Digambers
(naked).
The principles of Jainism are Ahimsa (non-violence),
Satyam
(truthfulness),
Astiya
(non-stealing),
Brahmacharya
(celibacy)
and
Aparigraha
(noncovetousness). It teaches universal brotherhood and
equality of all beings. The doctrines of Jainism can be
summed up in the maxim Ahimsa Paramo Dharam (that
is, non violence is the highest religion). All rules of
conduct are based on the mercy, which has the following
four forms:
1)To perform kind acts without expecting any
reward.
2)To rejoice at the well being of others.
3)To sympathize with the distressed people.
4)To pity the criminals.
Additionally, five gateways of knowledge are as follows:
i) Mati : That which comes through five sense
organs.

ii) Shruti : That which comes through listening from

the learned.
iii)
Avadhi : Recognition of the events of the
past.
iv)
Mana Paryaya : Through what is in others
thoughts.
v) Keval
: Pure, transcending all knowledge and
precedes
attainment of Nirvana.

Jains believe in the theory of Papa and Punya.

Untruthfulness, unchastity, anger, attachment, hatred,
envy, back-biting, hypocracy, etc, result in Papa; while
doing service with sincerity results in Punya. Monks
duties include forgiveness, humility, avoidance of
intrigues and deceit in speech and action, simplicity,
austerities, celibacy and being truthful.
The path of Nirvana is the attainment through right
faith, right knowledge and right conduct, as indicated in
the scriptures.

SIKHISM
Sikhism
is a monoetheistic religion founded in 15 th
century in Punjab on the basis of the teachings of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji and ten successive Gurus. It is the fifth
largest organized religion in the world. The system of
religious
philosophy
and
expressions
has
been
traditionally known as Gurmat(Counsel of Gurus.) The

teachings of ten Sikh Gurus and selected works of many

devotees from diverse socio-economic and religious
backgrounds have been included in the holy scripture
entitled Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
1)The principle belief of Sikhism is faith in
Wahe Guru-represented by the phrase IK
ONKAR-meaning one god.
2)The essence of Sikh teachings is summed by
Guru Nanak Ji in these words Realisation of
truth is higher than everything in the world.
Higher still is truthful living.
3)It emphasizes the principle of equality of all
humans and rejects discrimination on the
basis of caste, creed and gender.
4)It does not attach any importance to
asceticism as a means of achieving salvation,
but stresses on the need of leading life as a
householder.
5)It emphasizes that god is shapeless timeless
and sightless.
6)It believes in universality of God.
7)It states that God is omnipresent and is
infinite.
8)It believes that God created the entire
cosmos.
9)It stresses thet God can be seen only from
the Inward Eye or through the Heart
10)Devotees must meditate to progress
towards enlightenment and reaching the
Supreme Soul-The God

ISLAM
Mohammed, the founder of Islam was born in 570 AD in
Mecca. At that time, Arabs were following a variety of
religions, worshiped stone idols and sacrificed human
being and animals to appease God. Mohammed believed
in one God Allah and laid the foundation of Islam
submission to the will of God. It is a religion of selfsurrender and following the commands of God. It believes
in Universal Brotherhood of Man. The cardinal tenet of
Islam is : Except Allah, there is no other God and
Mohammed is the Prophet. Some of the teachings of
Islam are as follows :
(i)

The true believer desires for others that he desires

for himself.
(ii) God will not be affectionate to those who are not
affectionate to Gods creatures.
(iii) He is among the most favourites of God from
whom, the greatest good comes to His creatures.
(iv) The best of man is the one from whom, good
accrues to all humanity.
(v) Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the captive
if he is unjustly confined to jail.
(vi) Assist any oppressed person.
(vii) Love thy fellow beings first.
(viii)Abuse no one and despise not anything good.
(ix) Speak to thy brothers of good acts and kindness.
(x) If a man reproaches you for what he knows in you,
do not do the same for what you know of him.

(xi) He, who masters himself when angry, is the

strongest person.
(xii) Do not take up arms except in self-defence.
Islam is a religion of sacrifice. It strongly prohibits
application of force for its observance. Abuse, anger,
back-biting, blood shedding, bribery, dishonesty, drinking,
envy, flattery, greed, hypocracy, lying, violence,
wickedness, etc., are not appreciated. Virtues like,
brotherhood, charity, chastity, forgiveness, friendship,
gratitude, humility, justice, love, modesty, truth, trust,
etc., are appreciated.
These doctrines are well scripted in Quran, the Sonna, the
Ijma, and the Qias. The true Muslim believes in the
following:

God and his angels.

Scriptures and the apostles.
Resurrection and the day of judgement.
Gods absolute decree.

Other duties of Muslims are as follows:

i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Praying (offer Namaaz).

Giving alms.
Keeping fast of Ramadan.
Haj-performance (pilgrimage to Mecca).

CHRISTIANITY

Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ. He was a Jew,

born in Nazareth, a small town of Galiliee. Psalms of Old
Testament inspired him. Initially, he learnt in the
preaching of John, the Baptist at Jerusalem. Idea which he
propagated was that kingdom of God is within all of us,
similar to the one in Vedas. He was called The Son of
God by his followers. Christians believe that, after his
death, Jesus Christ was bodily resurrected after three
days; this day is known as Easter Sunday. Jesus taught
the following percepts:
1) Love of God.
2) Charity with mind and heart.
3)Forgiveness.
3)No Covetousness
4)Light of god dwells in every heart and
therefore love thy neighbour and love your
enemy.
5)Service to others-Devote your life in serving
others at the same time do your work with
devotion,
BAHAI
Bahai faith was founded around 150 years ago
by the saint Bahaullah. It has now spread all
over the world because of its universal
approach. It brings in new spiritual and social
teachings in this modern age of materialism. It
teaches oneness of all human being and all
religion. The basic teachings of Bahai faith are
as follows:
1)All humanity is one family.
2)All man and women are equal.

3)All divisive tendencies on the basis of race,

religion, caste, economics, etc., is destructive
and must be overcome.
4)We must investigate truth for ourselves with
open mind without any preconception.
5)Science and religion are in harmony with
each other.
6)Our economic problems are linked with
spiritual problem.
7)The family and its unity are very important
for eternal peace and happiness.
8)There is only one God.
9)All major religions have come from one God.
10)
World peace is the crying need of our
time.
JUDAISM
This is the religion of Jews. The Judaism was Started
by Abraham, who lived in 2200 BC in Palestine. After the
invasion of Palestine by Egyptians, the Jews went to
Egypt and lived there miserably in poverty. Moses was
born to Jewish parents. Seeing the sufferings of
captivated Jews, he had a dream to unite all the Jews,
give them a free nation of their own and their own God.
To fulfill his dream, he brought all the Jews out of Egypt.
At Mount Simai, he preached the following TEN
COMMANDMENTS, which are the golden principles to lead
a righteous life:
1) I am The Lord, Thy Lord, who has brought thee
out of the land of Egypt and out of bondage.
Thou shall not have any other God.

2) Six days thus shall labour and do all thy work.

3) Remember the Sabbath (the seventh day) and

keep it holy.
4) What is hateful to thee, do not do it to thy
fellowmen.
5) Thou shall not steal.
6) Thou shall not covet thy neighbours wife nor
commit adultery.
7) Thou shall at all time show respect and
reverence to your parents.
8) Thou shall not kill.
9) Thou shall not bear false witness.
10) Thou shall not take the name of the Lordthy God, in vain.
.
REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What do we mean by the following terms:
a) Ethos.
b) Ethics.

c) Self management.
d) Spirit of sacrifice.
e) Self realization.
f) Chitt Shuddhi.
g) Ultimate of human being
h) cooperation and its benefit.
2) What is Ethos. What are the common practices of
Ethos in india.
3) What do we
characteristics.

mean

by

Ethos.

Describe

their

4) What are characteristic features of various religions

practiced in India.