Morality is the differentiation of decisions, actions, and intentions between the ones that are

right or good and the ones that are wrong or bad. Morality is also defined as conformity to the

right conduct rules. Ethics is the philosophy of morality. Therefore, morality means rightness or

goodness. A moral code refers to a particular system of morality in a certain religion, philosophy,

culture among others. A moral on the other hand is any teaching or practice within a particular

moral code. However, the opposite of morality is immorality, which is actually the opposite of

what is right or good. A morality is the indifference toward, disbelief in, or unawareness of a

given set of principles or moral standards. Morality can be compared between different cultures

and societies, to see what they consider as “right” or “wrong”

Ethics is the branch of philosophy that deals with the questions about morality. ‘Ethics in

most cases is interchangeably used with ‘morality’. Certain ethical theories types such as

deontological ethics in some cases distinguish between morals and ethics. Morality in descriptive

sense is the social mores, codes of conduct, and cultural or personal values. Here it does not

actually connote objective claims of wrong or right but it only refers to what is considered wrong

or right. On the other hand, morality in normative sense is defined as whatever is actually wrong

or right that may be independent on morals or values that are held by a given culture. The virtues

of morality in dharma are honesty, truth, and obedience. Dharma is an imperative concept in

India philosophy. Some mean natural law or universal justice translates it. In its general meaning

it is defined as doing what one is required based on his or her stage and position in life. The other

crucial moral concepts that are found in Hinduism are ‘anugraha’ (divine grace), ‘prarabdha’

(fate), and ‘papa’ (moral evil). According to Hinduism morality, dharma is a code of moral duties

and conduct that is regarded as essential truths that individuals seek in their lifetime.
 Dharma is linked with responsibility and righteousness and mostly it is viewed as living in

conformity with someone’s caste traditions. Among the Buddhists, it is the eternal truth, ultimate

reality to which Buddha was awakened. As the opposite of morality is immorality, the opposite

of dharma is adharma that is generally a behavior, which is opposed to someone’s dharma. The

two terms are like yang and yin because they oppose each other but also they are complementary.

Right and wrong, falsehood and truth, and good and evil can be viewed in terms of adharma and

dharma but they are relative to a particular individual and his position in life. Karma and dharma

are given a lot of attention by the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics of the Hindu religion. Purity

is vital in Hindu religion. The Hindus has a belief that body purification leads to mind

purification and someone’s caste is determined by the impurity or purity of his or her past deeds.

The five ‘pancamakra’ that pollutes are meat, wine, parched grain, sexual intercourse with a

woman who is on periods, and fish. The purity idea is the main concern of the caste system.

The concept of morality and dharma are in most circles defined and explained

interchangeably. Dharma is primarily concerned with the designation of behaviors seen as

necessary in order for the natural order of things to be maintained. Dharma is essentially the

sustainer and center of the human social life. It provides a solid foundation through which people

interact. Because of these functions, dharma is seen as a proprietary duty that is aimed at

promoting orderliness, social harmony, justice, and happiness in human life. An individual

existing in a particular society or community derives his/her own dharma from the immediate

environment or setting. Therefore, dharma dictates many human aspects

including the concept of morality. Anyone who abides by the code of dharma is expected to lead

a moral life.
 Morality is seen as one of the most important traits of human beings. It serves as a code for

self-governance of conduct for an individual. The best way of understanding dharma is by

intuitively listening to one’s conscious. Morality enables one to be able to differentiate between

good and evil. Morality draws its main aspects from Dharma. Dharma is therefore seen as a

combination of the universal principles of morality. However, the concept of morality should not

be confused with that of legality. As seen earlier, morality draws its power from dharma, which

is usually an unwritten code of conduct. Therefore, not abiding by the principles of morality does

not necessarily constitute breaking the law. In essence, the concept of morality in any particular

culture can most effectively be defined if it contains provisions for the application of dharma

concepts. By fully assimilating and incorporating the terms dictated by the dharma, it becomes

relatively easy for any individual in a given premise to lead a moral life.

Honesty refers to the face of moral character that indicates positive and righteous attributes

like truthfulness, integrity, and straightforwardness that goes along with the absence of cheating,

lying, or even stealing. Honesty is an eternal value, which mirrors the Buddhist moral teachings

that are based on Dharma. This value of honesty aids one to advance on the spiritual side and to

lead a morally upright life. This precept is an important factor in social dealings and life since it

encourages one not to opt to falsehood or to tell a lie. This precept makes one develop reliability,

honesty, and moral integrity.