Ethical Frameworks from Indian Philosophies
The concept of right and wrong is often viewed as a moral construct shaped by society. However, it's important to remember that society itself is a collective of individuals and can be prone to moral lapses. Practices like slavery or discrimination based on skin colour, social status, and creed were once widely accepted. Over time, societal norms evolved, leading to a collective moral realization that such discrimination is unjust. This evolution underscores the need for society to have a moral compass, one that is informed by cultural, social, geographical, and political contexts, and which can accommodate multiple interpretations of morality.
In Indian culture and ethos, the approach to morality often goes beyond the general query of "What is the right thing to do?" It encourages a more introspective question: "What is the right thing for me to do?" or "What is the right action that I should take?" Considering the 'self' in ethical decisions is crucial, as morality largely depends on the individual's actions. However, if moral judgments are left solely to individuals, it can lead to chaos. Therefore, in Indian philosophical thought, the emphasis is on guiding individual moral choices within a broader societal and cultural framework. This approach helps in orienting society towards ethical behaviour, taking into account the varied interpretations that arise from its diverse realities.
To navigate the complex landscape of comparative and competitive realities, it's crucial to establish a unified source of moral guidance. This is where the role of law or jurisprudence becomes pivotal. It acts as a mediator in determining how morality is manifested and upheld in society. Through legal frameworks, a consensus on ethical standards is formed, providing a clear benchmark for acceptable behaviour. This process helps in harmonizing individual moral beliefs with the collective needs and values of society, ensuring a balanced and orderly social structure.
The Distinction Between Morality and Legality
Indeed, while laws are subject to change and can be amended to reflect evolving societal norms and values, they are not the ultimate dictum on moral behaviour. There is a profound distinction between 'morality' and 'legality'. A legal action might not necessarily be moral; conversely, something moral might not always be legal. Indian moral ethos and philosophy predominantly focus on morality rather than legality. This distinction is crucial in understanding the depth and breadth of Indian philosophical thought. Indian philosophy often delves into the nuances of ethical conduct, encouraging individuals to reflect on the moral implications of their actions beyond their legal permissibility. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of ethical behaviour that transcends mere compliance with laws, emphasizing a more introspective and principled way of living.
There are many examples of something being legally permissible but morally corrupt. Legal perspectives often work on the severity of the act rather than the immoral nature of the same. For instance, one might not be punished for a small theft, but that does not make the act morally acceptable. Hence, one can understand that the law cannot be the perfect source for deciding what is right and wrong.
The Role of Śāstra in Defining Morality
In Bharatiya culture, the Śāstra serves as a guiding authority for understanding what is right and wrong. As Shri Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita:
"तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ |
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि || 24||"
"Tasmāch chhāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau
jñātvā śhāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi"
(Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Understand the scriptural injunctions and teachings, and then perform your actions in this world accordingly.)
This verse emphasizes the importance of following the guidance of sacred scriptures in discerning right from wrong actions, underscoring the role of these texts as a moral and ethical compass in life.
Sometimes, even well-intentioned people say, “I do not care for rules. I follow my heart and do my own thing.” It is all very well to follow the heart, but how can they be sure that their heart is not misleading them? As the saying goes, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Thus, it is always wise to check with the scriptures whether our heart is truly guiding us in the proper direction. The Manu Smṛiti states:
"भूतं भव्यं भविष्यं च सर्वं वेदात् प्रसीधति" (12.97)
"Bhūtaṁ bhavyaṁ bhaviṣhyaṁ cha sarvaṁ vedāt prasidhyati"
(The authenticity of any spiritual principle of the past, present, or future, must be established based on the Vedas.)
Hence, Shree Krishna concludes by instructing Arjun to comprehend the teachings of the scriptures and act according to them.
Addressing Fallacies in Śāstra
A question that often arises is whether the Śāstras, created through the faculty of the human mind, are prone to fallacies. To understand this, we must delve into the etymological perspective of the word Śāstra. The root of the word "Śāstra" (शास्त्र) in Sanskrit comes from the root "शास्" (śās), which means "to instruct" or "to teach". The term "Shastra" refers to a treatise, scripture, or any written doctrine or scientific work. It embodies the concept of instruction, guidance, or authority in a field of knowledge or practice.
The root "शास्" (śās) in "Śāstra" (शास्त्र) also encompasses the concept of protection, which is intricately linked to knowledge. In this context, protection is not just about safeguarding in a physical sense, but more about preserving and guiding through the dissemination of knowledge. This knowledge is comprehensive, encompassing not only the understanding of principles and facts but also the capacity to act upon that knowledge, often without explicit instruction.
Ontologically, "Śāstra" in Indian tradition is not just a written text but a body of knowledge that has authority and is considered a guiding principle in various fields, be it philosophy, science, arts, or law. It is seen as a systematic exposition or doctrine, one that directs, informs, and shapes practices, beliefs, and understanding in both spiritual and moral fields.
The Importance of Śāstra in Ethical Decision-Making
An example to illustrate this is the ideas presented in Śāstra. For instance, one part of Śāstra says that all life emanates from the same source of Brahman and contains the same life force, while another part instructs that all life is sacred and all animal life is to be protected. This exemplifies the interconnectedness of knowledge (śāsanat) and action (samshanat), where philosophical principles and practical instructions are intertwined.
Following the Śāstra blindly is not mandated; one must understand both the philosophical and instructional aspects. Some instructions are universal, while others are time and place-specific. Moral laws can be conventional and become important at specific times.
Apart from Śāstra, conscience also plays a crucial role in determining right and wrong. It acts as the inner voice that informs one about their actions. Studying the Śāstras strengthens this voice. Over time, the conscience, supported and strengthened by Śāstra, can guide individuals independently.
Rights vs. Duties: A Deontological Perspective
The discussion of moral behaviour often brings up the debate between rights and duties, prevalent in both legal literature and philosophical discourse. In many contemporary legal systems, there tends to be a greater emphasis on rights, seen as entitlements or freedoms granted to individuals, aligned with a teleological perspective that evaluates actions based on their outcomes or goals.
However, the Śāstras emphasize duties over rights, reflecting a deontological approach where morality is grounded in adherence to duties, rules, or obligations, rather than the consequences of actions. The Śāstras emphasize the concept of Dharma, broadly understood as righteousness or duty, seen as a moral obligation or duty that one must fulfil, irrespective of the consequences.
This focus on duty over rights encourages individuals to act based on their responsibilities and the impact of their actions on the greater good, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and ethical conduct essential for a harmonious society.
Adhering to one's duties ensures that one's rights are taken care of, an imperative way to ensure rights. A significant reference to performing one's duties is found in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 8:
"कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन।
मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥"
"Karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣu kadācana
mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo 'stv akarmaṇi"
(You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to not doing your duty.)
This verse emphasizes performing one's duty without attachment to outcomes, a cornerstone of karma yoga, the path of selfless action and duty.
The Interplay of Duty and Morality
The emphasis on duty as a catalyst for moral behaviour is profound. When individuals focus on fulfilling their duties, particularly towards the nation or society, it leads to moral and ethical conduct. The Bhagavad Gita's teachings highlight the importance of selfless action, resonating deeply with this concept.
In dedicating oneself to one's duties and striving for excellence in service to the nation or society, moral growth and personal development naturally follow. This commitment to duty is performed without attachment to personal gain.
The exploration of morality within the Bharatiya philosophical framework reveals a deeply rooted tradition of ethical inquiry that transcends mere legalistic interpretations. By emphasizing the interplay between individual conscience and the guidance provided by the Śāstras, Indian philosophy offers a nuanced approach to understanding right and wrong. This dual emphasis ensures that ethical behaviour is not only socially harmonious but also spiritually enriching.
The distinction between morality and legality underscores the limitations of law as the sole arbiter of ethical conduct. While laws provide a necessary structure for societal order, they cannot fully encompass the moral dimensions of human actions. Instead, the Śāstras offer a more holistic approach, integrating philosophical principles with practical instructions to guide individual behaviour.
The emphasis on duties over rights in Bharatiya culture highlights a deontological perspective that fosters a sense of collective responsibility. By adhering to one's duties, individuals inherently protect their rights and contribute to the greater good of society. This principle is eloquently encapsulated in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, which advocates for selfless action and dedication to one's responsibilities.
Ultimately, the Bharatiya approach to ethics encourages a balanced integration of personal introspection and societal guidance. By aligning individual conscience with the wisdom of the Śāstras, one can navigate the complexities of moral decision-making, ensuring actions that are both righteous and beneficial to the broader community. This holistic framework offers timeless insights into the nature of ethical conduct, providing a robust foundation for navigating the moral challenges of contemporary life.
Authored by Sushant Gangoli. Published by Brhat.