Ethics and Morals in the Indian context

Ethics and values have been a significant aspect of Indian culture and society for thousands of years. Indian philosophy and religious traditions have emphasized the importance of ethical conduct and moral values for leading a fulfilling and virtuous life. Here are some citations from Indian thinkers and texts that highlight the importance of ethics and values in the Indian context:

1. The Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture, emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior in several verses. One such verse states: "A person who remains the same in pleasure and pain, who is wise, and who knows the Supreme, is firmly established in perfect yoga" (2.15). This verse highlights the importance of wisdom and equanimity in dealing with the challenges of life, which are crucial ethical values. It also emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duty (Dharma) and acting selflessly without expecting rewards. Lord Krishna says in the Gita, "You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of the work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction." (Chapter 2, Verse 47).
2. Ramayana: The Ramayana is another important Hindu scripture that tells the story of Lord Rama and his journey towards enlightenment. It highlights the importance of loyalty, righteousness, and compassion. Lord Rama says, "Speak the truth, abide by Dharma, do good to others, and avoid harm." (Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddha Kanda, 115.33)
3. Manusmriti: The Manusmriti is an ancient Hindu text that provides guidelines for personal conduct and social interaction. It emphasizes the importance of morality, justice, and duty. Manusmriti states, "The good become better through their own self-control; the evil become worse through their own self-indulgence." (Chapter 6, Verse 42)
4. Quran: The Quran is the holy book of Islam that contains the teachings of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It emphasizes the importance of compassion, justice, and righteousness. Allah says in the Quran, "Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving like kindred; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and wrongful transgression. He admonished you that ye may take heed." (Chapter 16, Verse 90)
5. Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of Sikhism that contains the teachings of the ten Sikh gurus. It emphasizes the importance of honesty, equality, and selfless service. Guru Nanak says in the Granth Sahib, "True is the Lord, true His Holy Word; His love has been showered upon all. Contemplate Him through his Word; his praises are chanted by one and all. He is the cause of causes, the power of powers, whose commands no one can ever oppose." (Page 1, Line 1)
6. Jataka Tales: The Jataka Tales are a collection of stories from Buddhist literature that contain moral and ethical lessons. They emphasize the importance of compassion, wisdom, and self-discipline. One of the Jataka Tales says, "One should first establish oneself in what is proper; then only should one instruct others. Thus the wise man will not be reproached." (Jataka Tales, 158)

In addition to religious scriptures, Indian society also places a strong emphasis on secular texts such as the Arthashastra and the Chanakya Niti. These texts provide guidelines for governance, administration, and personal conduct. The Arthashastra emphasizes the importance of moral conduct in governance, stating that "In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness; in their welfare his welfare." The Chanakya Niti provides guidelines for personal conduct, emphasizing the importance of honesty, loyalty, and self-discipline.

Some famous Moral Indian thinkers

• Mahatma Gandhi, one of India's most renowned ethical leaders, believed that ethics and values were fundamental to creating a just and peaceful society. He stated, "Morality is the basis of things and truth is the substance of all morality" (Harijan, 4 August 1940). Gandhi believed that ethical values such as truth, non-violence, and compassion were essential for creating a society based on justice and equality.
• Rabindranath Tagore, a celebrated Indian poet, philosopher, and social reformer, also emphasized the importance of ethical values in society. He believed that ethical conduct was the foundation of a just and harmonious society. Tagore once said, "The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence" (Sadhana: The Realization of Life, 1913).