Module Two

Sources of Ethics- Indian

VEDIC

Manu Ramayana Mahabharata Vedanta

Six Orthodox schools

Jain Buddha Charvaka

Sankara

Kautilya
Ethics in Indian tradition and history
 Veda
God s Words - Sruti - Passed on to man so they can have an orderly life .
 )

The most important of Vedic Literature are Vedas. Composed in Vedic Sanskrit between 1500 and 500 BCE, Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism. The Vedas are split
into four major texts and contain hymns, mythological accounts, prayers, poems and formulas considered sacred to the Vedic religion.

Vedas are also known as Apaurasheya (i.e. not man-made but is God-GIfted)

 Nitya (i.e. existing in all eternity)

 Shruti (i.e. not written but conveyed by God to Rishis or Sages by hearing

Sanskrit - Rig Vedic – They came from Southern Russia . Settled in an area called Sapta sindhu
The Vedic Aryans first settled in the region of Saptasindhu. This is called the Vedic culture of the plains of River
Saraswathi and later in the plains of the River Ganga.
In the universe of Vedas, the whole universe of knowledge comes in.
Ananta Vei Vedah - अनंता वै वेदा:
The word "Ananta" means "Infinitive", Vei means those, so the sentence Ananta Vei Vedah - अनंता वै वेदा: means The
Knowledge of Vedas is infinitive
Vedas were compiled by Mahrishi Krishna Dvaipayana. That is why he is also known as "Vedavyasa".
THERE ARE 4 VEDAS:
1. Rig Veda
2. Samaveda
3. Yajurveda
4. Atharvaveda
The first 3 Vedas are jointly called "Vedatrayi", i.e. trio of Vedas. The Atharvaveda is not included in this trio as it was later
discovered. The four Vedas is jointly known as, "Sanhita". The creation of the Rig Veda was done in the "Rig Vedic Period" while the
other three were created in the "Later Vedic Period".Rig Veda" was created in the region, "Sapt Sindhu" or "Sapt Sendhav". It is one
of the most important texts of the Hindu tradition. It describes the hymns in the praise of the Gods, which are recited in various
rituals. T
 Rigveda and Cosmic order : India has a very ancient history of thinking about ethics. Its central concepts are represented in
Ṛigveda, one of oldest knowledge texts not only of India but of the entire world. In Ṛigveda, we come across the idea of an all-
pervading cosmic order (rta) which stands for harmony and balance in nature and in human society. Here rta is described as a power
or force which is the controller of the forces of nature and of moral values in human society. In human society, when this harmony
and balance are disturbed, there is disorder and suffering. This is the power or force that lies behind nature and keeps everything in
balance.

IMPORTANCE OF VEDAS
Vedas are the best preparation for life. If someone is able to understand the Vedas can learn lifestyle. Learning Vedas make us familiar with our past, our roots, our ancestors. We got to know the spiritual significance of
the world. We understand the importance of the life we get.

We will be able to conquer the problems if we continue reading the Vedas. The spiritual life is away from negativity. Negativity leads to physical and mental disorders. Gaining the information and knowledge of the Vedas,
we can overcome those negativities, fears, worries and so.

The basic concept of Vedic Education is to train people in the way that they live their life peacefully. It further develops the character and personality of a person.
As per many scientific studies, the chanting of mantras improves the memory and learning power of a person. When you chant a mantra, it produces vibrations that activates the chakras present on your head and face.
This chakra is responsible for memory and concentration power.
 Manu
The current universe, is asserted to be ruled by the 7th Manu named Vaivasvata. Vaivasvata was the king of Dravida before
the great flood. He was warned of the flood by the Matsya (fish) avatar of Vishnu, and built a boat that carried the Vedas, Manu's
family and the seven sages to safety, helped by Matsya. The tale is repeated with variations in other texts, including
the Mahabharata and a few other Puranas. It is similar to other floods such as those associated with Gilgamesh and Noah.
Ten sons and one Daughter – Ela
Manusmriti
Swa Dharma - work according to your ability .
Fourth class – How they Came?
Dharma Ashrama - Four stages of life

Dharma : In Indian tradition, the concept of rta gave rise to the idea of dharma. The term dharma here does not mean mere religion; it stands for duty,

obligation and righteousness. It is a whole way of life in which ethical values are considered supreme and everyone is expected to perform his or her duty according

to his or her social position and station in life.

Ramayana - Rama Yana – Rama s Travels

Dharma - Moral - Rama -

A Dharma - immoral - Ravana – Putin – Hitler – Israel
Mahabharata
Niscama Dharma
Nishkama Karma in Bhagavad Gita
Nishkama Karma has an important role in the Bhagavad Gita, the central text of Mahabharata, where Krishna advocates
'Nishkama Karma Yoga' (the Yoga of Selfless Action) as the ideal path to realize the Truth.
Allocated work done without expectations, motives, or thinking about its outcomes tends to purify one's mind and
gradually makes an individual fit to see the value of reason and the benefits of renouncing the work itself. These
concepts are vividly described in the following verses:
 To action alone hast thou a right and never at all to its fruits; let not the fruits of action be thy motive; neither let there be in thee any
attachment to inaction.
— Verse 47, Chapter 2-Samkhya theory and Yoga practise, The Bhagavadgita
 "Fixed in yoga, do thy work, O Winner of wealth (Arjuna), abandoning attachment, with an even mind in success and failure, for evenness of
mind is called yoga"
— Verse 2.48
 "With the body, with the mind, with the intellect, even merely with the senses, the Yogis perform action toward self-purification, having
abandoned attachment. He who is disciplined in Yoga, having abandoned the fruit of action, attains steady peace..."
— Verse 5.11
Raja Dharma
Arjuna
6
The Six Schools
The Hindu philosophy is categorized into six Orthodox and three Heterodox philosophies. The classification is based on the
acceptance of the authority of the Vedas. The Orthodox school of philosophy also called the Aastika school believes in the authority
of Vedas, while the Heterodox school of philosophy, popularly known as Nastika school rejects the principle of authority of Vedas.
Schools of Hindu Philosophy
The six orthodox schools are called as shatdarshanas and include Nyaya, Sankhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Purva Mimamsa and Uttara
Mimamsa (Vedanta Philosophy). Most of these schools of thought believe in the theory of Karma and rebirth. Moksha (salvation) is
believed to be the liberation from the cycle of birth and death and is the ultimate goal of human life.
1. Nyaya Philosophy
Nyaya school follows a scientific and a rational approach. Sage Gautama is the founder of this school. Nyaya school banks upon
various pramanas (mechanism of attaining knowledge). It believes that gaining knowledge through the five senses is the sole way of
attaining liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
2. Sankhya Philosophy
Sankhya is the oldest of all philosophies put forth by the sage Kapila. It is a dualistic philosophy with Purusha (soul) and Prakriti
(nature) in it. Advaita Vedanta derives its base from Sankhya School. Sankhya also devolves philosophical basis for Yoga. It
emphasizes the attainment of knowledge of self through meditation and concentration.
3. Yoga Philosophy
Yoga school introduces the methods of the discipline of body and mind. Though Yoga was practised in the pre-Vedic period, the
great Sage Maharshi Patanjali systematized and codified the then-existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge
through his Yoga Sutras. Emancipation of Purusha from Prakriti by self-awareness through the discipline of body and mind is
conceptualized by Yoga. It is believed that practising Ashtanga Yoga is the way to relieve oneself from past sins in order to make way
for liberation.
4. Vaisheshika
Vaisheshika school deals with metaphysics. It was founded by the sage Kanada. It is an objective and realistic philosophy of the
Universe. According to the Vaisheshika school of philosophy, the universe is reducible to a finite number of atoms, Brahman being
the fundamental force causing consciousness in these atoms.
5. Purva Mimamsa
Purva Mimamsa school believes in the complete authority of Vedas. It is based on sage Jaimini’s Mimamsa Sutras. It emphasizes the
power of yajnas and mantras in sustaining the activities of the universe. It states that a human being can attain salvation only by
acting in conformity with the principles of Vedas.
6. Uttara Mimamsa (Vedanta)
Vedanta school is a monistic school of philosophy that believes that the world is unreal and the only reality is Brahman. The three
sub-branches of Vedanta are Advaita of Shankaracharya, Vishishta Advaita of Ramanujacharya and Dvaita of Madhwacharya. Uttara
Mimamsa is based on Upanishads (the end portions of Vedas).
Frequently asked Questions Related to the Orthodox School of Hinduism
Q1
What are the six philosophical schools of Hinduism?
Hindu philosophy encompasses the philosophies, world views and teachings of Hinduism that emerged in Ancient India. These
include six systems (shad-darśana) – Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Mimamsa and Vedanta.
Q2 What are the subschools of Hindu Philosophy?
Hindu philosophy also includes several sub-schools of theistic philosophies that integrate ideas from two or more of the six orthodox
philosophies, such as the realism of the Nyāya, the naturalism of the Vaiśeṣika, the dualism of the Sāṅkhya, the non-dualism and
knowledge of Self as essential to liberation of Advaita, the self-discipline of Yoga and the asceticism and elements of theistic ideas

Vedanta or the end of Vedas

He is best known for his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which teaches that there is a single reality, which is the
underlying basis of all appearances. Shankara is also credited with unifying the various schools of Hindu thought and
helping to revive Hinduism after the Islamic invasions.

Shankaracharya was an early 8th century Indian philosopher and theologian who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita
Vedanta. He established four major mathas in different regions of India - Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, Sringeri. He revived
Sanatan Dharma .

Shankara, also called Shankaracharya, (born 700?, Kaladi village?, India—died 750?, Kedarnath), philosopher and theologian, most
renowned exponent of the Advaita Vedanta school of philosophy, from whose doctrines the main currents of modern Indian
thought are derived. He wrote commentaries on the Brahma-sutra, the principal Upanishads, and the Bhagavadgita, affirming his
belief in one eternal unchanging reality (brahman) and the illusion of plurality and differentiation.

Vedanta, one of the six systems (darshans) of Indian philosophy. The term Vedanta means in Sanskrit the “conclusion” (anta) of
the Vedas, the earliest sacred literature of India. It applies to the Upanishads, which were elaborations of the Vedas, and to the
school that arose out of the study (mimamsa) of the Upanishads. Thus, Vedanta is also referred to as Vedanta Mimamsa (“Reflection
on Vedanta”), Uttara Mimamsa (“Reflection on the Latter Part of the Vedas”), and Brahma Mimamsa (“Reflection on Brahman”).
The three fundamental Vedanta texts are: the Upanishads (the most favoured being the longer and older ones such as the
Brihadaranyaka, the Chandogya, the Taittiriya, and the Katha); the Brahma-sutras (also called Vedanta-sutras), which are very brief,
even one-word interpretations of the doctrine of the Upanishads; and the Bhagavadgita (“Song of the Lord”), which, because of its
immense popularity, was drawn upon for support of the doctrines found in the Upanishads.
What are the Upanishads?
The word Upanishad is usually interpreted as “sitting down beside.” This Sanskrit word can be broken down into three parts and translated as “upa” meaning near, “ni” as down and “shad” as to sit. Thus the meaning of
the word confers the intent of these texts to directly transfer knowledge and truth from teacher to student. The collection of Sanskrit texts known as the Upanishads are thou Composed over several centuries and in many
volumes, the Upanishads reflect a strong need to express and communicate the deep mystical states and spiritual contemplations that the ancient yogis experienced.

According to tradition, there were over two hundred Upanishads, but there are only eleven “principal” Upanishads, as commented on by the ancient sage Shankara. The texts are written in a passionate poetic verse
describing mystical states and spiritual concepts or in descriptive short stories and dialogues between historical figures.

ght to be the direct teachings received at the foot of the ancient Indian sages or Rishis.
Ethics (nitisastra) is a branch of philosophy that deals with moral values. It studies human character and conduct in terms of good
and bad, right and wrong. . Ethics is primarily concerned with the moral issues of the world. A true knowledge of ethics would be
attained if one practices and imbibes these moral values.

True religion lays stress on moral virtues. People are required to discharge their duties according to the moral code of ethics. In the
knowledge tradition of India, ethics has its origin in its religious and philosophical thinking. From time immemorial, various religious
faiths have flourished here. Every religious and every philosophical system of India has a prominent ethical component. Ethics is the
core of all these systems. In every religious tradition, good moral conduct is considered essential for a happy and contented life.
Without following the path of righteousness no one can attain supreme goal (moksa)of life. For this one has to perform good deeds
and avoid wrong-doing.

Kautilya - Arthasastra

Dharma : In Indian tradition, the concept of rta gave rise to the idea of dharma. The term dharma here does not mean mere
religion; it stands for duty, obligation and righteousness. It is a whole way of life in which ethical values are considered supreme and
everyone is expected to perform his or her duty according to his or her social position and station in life.

In Buddhism, the word dhamma is used, which is the Pali equivalent of the Sanskrit word dharma. The guidelines and rules regarding
what is considered as appropriate behavior for human beings are prescribed in the Dharma Sastras. These are sociological texts that
tell us about our duties and obligations as individuals as well as members of society.
In the Hindu way of life, every individual is expected to perform his or her duty appropriate to his or her caste (varṇa) and stage of
life (asrama). This division of one’s life into the four asramas and their respective dharmas, was designed, in principle at least, to
provide fulfillment to the person in his social, moral and spiritual aspects, and so to lead to harmony and balance in the society. The
four asramas are: (1) brahmacarya, stage of studentship; (2) grhastha, stage of the householder; (3) vanaprastha, life in the forest;
and saṁnyasa, renunciation.

Apart from this, the concept of four ends of life (purusarthas) is also very important. These four ends of life are the goals which are
desirable in them and also needed for fulfillment of human aspirations. These are (1) righteousness (dharma); (2) worldly gain
(artha); (3) fulfillment of desire; (kama) and (4) liberation (moksa). The fulfillment of all of these four ends of life is important for
man. In this classification, dharma and moksa are most important from the ethical point of view. They give right direction and
purpose to human life. For instance, acquiring wealth (artha) is a desirable objective, provided however it also serves dharma, that
is, the welfare of the society.

Charvaka -

In the Bhagavad-Gita, selfless action (niskama karma) is advocated. It is an action which is required to be performed without
consideration of personal consequences. It is an altruistic action aimed at the well-being of others rather than for oneself. In
Hinduism this doctrine is known as karma yoga.
The concept of right and wrong is the core of the Mahabharata which emphasizes, among others, the values of non-violence,
truthfulness, absence of anger, charity, forgiveness and self realization. It is only by performing one’s righteous duties or dharma
that one can hope to attain the supreme path to the highest good. It is dharma alone that gives both prosperity (abhyudaya) and
the supreme spiritual good (nisryas).

Similarly, the importance of ethics and ethical values is highlighted in epics and philosophical texts like, Upanisads, Ramayaṇa,
darsana-sastras and dharma-sastras.

The darsana sastras are philosophical texts, which provide rational explanations of the ethical issues; the universal moral problems
faced by man in daily life are placed in a philosophical context.

In the dharma-sastras, emphasis is on the social ethics. In these texts the inter-personal and social relations are placed in an ethical
framework for guidance. In these texts the ethical problems are discussed in an indirect manner.

Apart from these some of the texts directly deal with ethical issues:

1. Viduraniti: Attributed to Vidura, the great Mahabharata character. A rich discourse on polity and dharma-sastra.
2. Kamandakiya Nitisara:A Sanskrit work belonging to c. 700-750 CE.
3. Nitivakyamrtam: Literally the ‘nectar of science of polity’ contains thirty-two discourses in simple Sanskrit prose by a Jain
scholar, Somadeva Suri.
4. Ḷaghu Arhanniti: A small manual in Prakrit verse (c. 1088-1172 CE) on civil and criminal laws by Hemachandra, a Jain scholar.
5. Sukranitisara: An abridged Sanskrit text on polity which is attributed to Sukracarya but believed by scholars to be a work of
the early mediaeval period of history.
6. Nitikalpataru: A Sanskrit treatise attributed to King Bhoja, available in manuscript only.
7. Niti Satakam: Bhartrhari’s hundred verses on ethics.
Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist codes of ethics and
differences Sikh ethics
Sikhism is most recent faith in Indian tradition.It also lays great stress on ethics in Human life. Its Founder Gurunanak dev said that
truth is higher than anything else. The cardinal virtue according to Guru Granth Sahib are: compassion (daya), charity (dana)
contentment (santokh), non-enmity (nirvair) and self less service (seva). In addition to these one is morally obliged to practice the
general and eternal virtues.

Jain ethics

Jainism places great emphasis on three most important things in life, called three gems(triratna). These are: right vision (samyaka
dṛṣṭī), right knowledge (samyaka jñāna) and right conduct (samyaka cāritra).

Apart from these, Jain thinkers emphasize the need for reverence (śraddhā). There are other moral principles governing the life of
Jains. Most important of these are ideas of puṇya (merit) and pāpa (demerit). Such deeds are very important from the ethical point
of view. Pāpa is the result of evil deeds generated by vice and puṇya is the result of good deeds generated by virtuous conduct. One
should take the path of a virtuous life to lead the way to spiritual growth. Right conduct is necessary for the spiritual progress of
man.
The most important thing in Jainism is practice of non-violence. It is required that principle of principle of non-violence should be
followed in thought, word and deed.

The other cardinal virtues are: Forgiveness, humanity, simplicity, non-covetousness’, austerity, restraint, truthfulness, purity,
renunciation and celibacy.

Buddhist ethics

Buddhism gives primary importance to ethics. Sometimes it is called an ethical religion as it does not discuss or depend on the
existence of God (the Supreme Being with form and attributes) but instead believes in alleviating the suffering of humanity. The
ethical values in this faith are based on the life and teachings of the Buddha.

These moral instructions are included in Buddhist scriptures or handed down through tradition. According to Buddhism, the
foundation of ethics is the pañcaśīla (five rules), which advocates refraining from killing, stealing, lying, sexual misconduct and
intoxicants. In becoming a Buddhist, a lay person is encouraged to take a vow to abstain from these negative actions.

In Buddhism, the two most important ethical virtues are compassion (karuṇa) and friendliness (maitrī). One should have deep
sympathy and goodwill for the suffering people and should have the qualities of a good friend.

The most important ethical value is non-violence or non-injury to all living beings. Buddhist ethics is based on Four Noble Truths.
These are:
1. (1) life is suffering
2. there is a cause for suffering
3. there is a way to remove it, and
4. it can be removed (through the eight-fold path). It advocates the path of righteousness (dhamma). In a way this is the crux of
Buddhist morality.

The bhakti movement

During the middle ages, the Bhakti movement arose in India. It was an all-India movement of social
reform and spiritual awakening. It played a very important part in reawakening moral consciousness in
India. Jayadeva, Nāmdev, Tulsīdās, Kabīr, Ravidās and Mīra are some of the prominent saints of this
movement. Most of these saints came from the downtrodden sections of society. Rejecting the
distinctions of caste, colour and creed, they spread the message of human equality. They were saint
poets. In their vāṇī (poetic compositions) they propagated the ideals of love, compassion, justice and
selfless service. These are the ethical values which we need even today
Model Three

Guru Nanak Daya Nand Gandhi

Ramakrishna

Vivekananda Tagore Gandhi

Radhakrishnan Ambedkar

Sri Aurobindo
Model Four
Western Thinkers