Cameron Miranda
Hinduism is a diverse religion with many sects and philosophies, so there is no single Hindu view on universal moral laws. However, the concept of dharma is central to Hindu religion and philosophy, encompassing religious duties, moral rights and obligations, and behaviours that promote social order, proper conduct, and virtue. Hindus believe that dharma upholds the universe and society, and it is often translated as duty, virtue, or morality. The idea of ahiṃsā, or non-violence, is also important in Hinduism, and it is considered one of the five Yamas, or ethical, moral, and societal guidelines for yogis. Many Hindus believe in the principle of karma, which influences their moral decision-making as they seek to avoid committing bad actions that will create negative karma.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dharma | The power that maintains society, it makes the grass grow, the sun shine, and makes us moral people or rather gives humans the opportunity to act virtuously |
| Karma | A universal law of cause and effect. Positive actions produce positive effects; negative actions produce negative effects |
| Ahimsa | Non-violence, honest compassion, and true love |
| Satya | Truthfulness |
| Smṛti | Examples of how to follow one's personal duty and the possible karmic consequences in the cases where one does not |
| Brahmacharya | Celibacy when single and fidelity when married |
| Vegetarianism | The concept of non-violence forms the basis of vegetarianism for many Hindus |
| Marriage | Expected of most Hindus. Arranged marriages are common with caste being the main factor considered in a prospective partner |
| Divorce | Not common among Hindu couples, but Hinduism does not explicitly forbid the practice |
| Abortion | Influenced by factors other than religion, such as culture, family perceptions, and financial security |
| Contraception | Most Hindus are open to the use of birth control, but it is rarely used to avoid having children entirely |
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What You'll Learn
The concept of Dharma
Dharma is derived from the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. It is a multifaceted concept that can be understood as the order and custom that make life and the universe possible. This includes the idea of rta, or the 'right way of living', which encompasses duties, rights, laws, conduct, virtues, and the 'right way of living'.
Dharma is not just confined to human pursuits but extends to nature and the entire universe. It governs and sustains everything that exists, from the grass growing to the sun shining. It gives humans the opportunity to act virtuously and make moral choices.
In Hinduism, Dharma is closely associated with karma, the universal law of cause and effect. Positive actions produce positive karma and outcomes, while negative actions produce negative karma and consequences. To act in accordance with Dharma is to act in a karmically positive manner, generating positive karma and avoiding negative consequences.
Dharma also includes the concept of ahiṃsā, or non-violence, which is a fundamental moral and ethical principle in Hinduism. This includes physical, mental, and emotional non-violence towards all living things, and it forms the basis of vegetarianism for many Hindus. Mahatma Gandhi was a well-known advocate of ahiṃsā, applying it to all aspects of his life, especially in his practice of non-violent resistance to lead India to political emancipation from Britain.
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The importance of non-violence (Ahimsa)
Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a fundamental virtue in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The concept of Ahimsa is rooted in the belief that all living beings possess a spark of divine spiritual energy, and therefore, harming another being is akin to harming oneself. This principle extends beyond physical harm, encompassing mental and emotional harm as well.
The ancient Indian principle of Ahimsa encourages benevolence, love, goodwill, and tolerance towards all living creatures. It is not confined solely to human interactions but also includes animals and, by extension, the environment. The earliest reference to the idea of non-violence towards animals is found in the Kapisthala Katha Samhita of the Yajurveda, which is believed to have been written between 1500 and 1200 BCE.
Ahimsa is closely linked to the concept of karma in Hinduism. Adhering to the principle of non-violence is believed to generate positive karma, while violating it is thought to lead to negative karma. This belief encourages Hindus to avoid committing harmful actions and fosters a sense of compassion and tolerance towards all forms of life.
The importance of Ahimsa is further emphasized in the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture. The Bhagavad Gita explores the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals who uphold the virtue of Ahimsa when confronted with violence, war, or the need to sentence a convicted criminal. These discussions have given rise to theories of just war, ideas of reasonable self-defense, and views on proportionate punishment.
Ahimsa also plays a significant role in Patanjali Yoga, where it is one of the five yamas, or moral restraints. To achieve inner peace, Hindus believe that all five yamas, including Ahimsa, must be practiced. This universal concept of non-violence is not limited to specific circumstances but is meant to be observed in all aspects of life.
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The pursuit of unity with God
Hinduism is a diverse religion with a wide array of beliefs and practices. One of the key principles that underpin Hindu moral thought and action is the concept of dharma. Dharma is a complex and multifaceted term that encompasses various ideas such as religion, law, duty, order, conduct, morality, and righteousness. It refers to the power that upholds the universe and society, maintaining order and balance. Hindus believe that by fulfilling their dharma, they sustain society and achieve fulfillment in life.
This pursuit of unity with God is closely connected to the concept of ahimsa, or non-violence. Ahimsa is one of the five Yamas, which are ethical, moral, and societal guidelines in Hinduism. It encourages benevolence, love, goodwill, and tolerance towards all living creatures. Mahatma Gandhi was a prominent advocate of ahimsa, applying it to all aspects of his life, especially in his practice of non-violent resistance against British rule in India.
Hindus believe that by practicing ahimsa and embracing love and compassion, they can come closer to unity with God. This unity is not about becoming separate individuals but rather forging a closer connection with the divine. It is a fundamental aspect of Hindu philosophy, where ethical and moral behaviour is considered the most prized pursuit of human life.
Additionally, the concept of karma is intimately tied to the idea of dharma. Karma refers to the universal law of cause and effect, where positive actions produce positive outcomes, and negative actions have negative consequences. Hindus believe that by acting in accordance with dharma, they accumulate positive karma, which leads to spiritual progress and salvation, known as moksha. Thus, the pursuit of unity with God in Hinduism involves not only moral behaviour but also a conscious awareness of the impact of one's actions on the self and the world.
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The impact of karma on decision-making
Hindus believe in the concept of karma, which proposes that one's actions and choices can shape their life and future lives. This belief can have a significant impact on their decision-making, as they carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions. The concept of karmic debt suggests that all bad deeds or actions represent a debt that must eventually be repaid, encouraging Hindus to avoid committing karmically bad actions. The principle of non-violence or ahimsa is a key aspect of this, where adherence to non-violence is thought to generate positive karma, while violence leads to negative karma. This forms the basis of vegetarianism for many Hindus and their tolerance towards all forms of life.
The belief in karma encourages Hindus to act with fairness and honesty, understanding that unethical behaviour will ultimately lead to negative outcomes. It promotes intentional action and the idea that good deeds, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on others. Hindus may also view karma as a set of guidelines for their life, encouraging mindfulness in their thoughts, actions, and deeds. This belief system can influence social norms and cultural assumptions about moral behaviour, relational connections, and equity frameworks.
Karma is believed to be based on intent, where accidental actions do not count towards karmic justice or consequences. This belief can lead to stronger friendships and happiness, as people generally treat others well in anticipation of future rewards. It is often associated with the saying, "what goes around comes around," suggesting that good deeds make it more likely for good things to happen in return.
The concept of Lungta or wind horse also symbolizes the impact of karma. A high Lungta indicates a positive state of health, luck, and success, while a low Lungta may bring problems or unfortunate situations. Hindus may also interpret karma as a reminder of personal responsibility, where one's life is shaped by the choices they make. This belief can empower individuals to take control of their actions and make decisions aligned with their values and principles, even in challenging circumstances.
Overall, the impact of karma on Hindu decision-making is profound, influencing their actions, relationships, and understanding of justice. It encourages mindfulness, fairness, and empathy in their interactions, with the understanding that their choices have consequences.
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The role of truthfulness (Satya)
In Hinduism, the term satya (सत्य) refers to "truth" or "truthfulness". It is derived from the Sanskrit root sat, which carries various meanings, including "good", "true", "genuine", "virtuous", "real", and "essential". The concept of satya is central to Hindu philosophy and is considered a virtue, referring to being truthful in one's thoughts, speech, and actions.
Satya is a central theme in the Vedas, where it is associated with Ṛta, which represents order, rule, nature, balance, and harmony. According to the Vedas, satya is essential for the functioning of the universe and reality. It is seen as a form of reverence for the divine, while falsehood is considered a sin.
In Yoga, satya is listed as one of the five yamas, which are considered fundamental for spiritual practice. These yamas include ahimsa (non-injury or non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (lack of greed), brahmacharya (self-control or celibacy), and aparigraha (non-grasping of material possessions).
The importance of satya is highlighted in various Hindu scriptures and texts. The Taittiriya Upanishad states, "Speak the Satya (truth), conduct yourself according to the Dharma (morality, ethics, law)". The Mundaka Upanishad emphasizes the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood. The Sandilya Upanishad of Atharvaveda defines satya as "the speaking of the truth that conduces to the well-being of creatures, through the actions of one's mind, speech, or body."
Sri Ramakrishna, a prominent Hindu figure, is quoted as saying, "Telling the truth is one of the glories of longing for God." This underscores the connection between truthfulness and spiritual aspiration in Hinduism.
In summary, satya, or truthfulness, plays a significant role in Hinduism, encouraging adherents to be truthful in their thoughts, words, and deeds. It is seen as a virtue that aligns with the divine nature and contributes to the harmony and functioning of the universe. The practice of satya is integral to spiritual development and is closely linked to other moral principles such as non-violence and celibacy.
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Frequently asked questions
Dharma is a central concept in Hinduism, encompassing religious duties, moral rights and obligations of individuals, as well as behaviours that promote social order, proper conduct, and virtue. It is a complex term that can also mean religion, law, duty, order, righteousness, justice, and norm.
Karma is the Hindu belief in a universal law of cause and effect. Positive actions produce positive effects, and negative actions produce negative effects.
Ahimsa is the Hindu principle of non-violence, honest compassion, and true love. It is one of the five Yamas, which are ethical, moral, and societal guidelines for yogis.
The Yamas are broad-based social and universal virtues in the form of moral restraints or social obligations. They include Satya (truthfulness) and Ahimsa (non-violence).
