ETHICS
Happiness and misery are two different conditions of our mind. They are of our own making. It is our own ignorance that is at the root of all our miseries and suffering. The world is neither good nor evil. We make it good or evil by our perception and our tendency to depict it with optimism or pessimism. Take for instance the well known expression: Is the glass half full or half empty? There may be areas of our life where our thinking needs to be reassessed. Positive attitudes will go a long way to turn our miseries into a blooming happy life.
The negative tendencies of the mind can be attenuated, if not altogether neutralized by cultivating positive habits. Violence, arrogance, anger by love, tolerance, courtesy; vanity, boastfulness by humility; greed, attachment by contentment and detachment; abuse or misuse of sex by continence and abstinence; dishonesty by compassion and truthfulness; jealousy and envy by sharing and acceptance; hatred by friendship and appreciation, and so on.
When good preponderates in the individual he will progress and help others progress. Should evil predominate, man degenerates and brings misery to himself and ruin to others. The law of the jungle will prevail where morality sinks into oblivion. It will be survival of the fittest if the brute in man is aroused and nurtured through violence or non respect of others’ legitimate rights. If the animal instinct in man is let loose, only the brute will be left, turning humanity into a horde of unthinking, violent and vicious criminals. Crime, rape and theft will be the norm of the day. People will live in permanent fear and anguish, leading many to suicide.
Wherever ethics is taught as part of living, it serves as a beacon for man. A life devoid of ethics is an existence devoid of beauty, peace and tranquility; without harmony and happiness; without feelings and decency. Without moral values, our life will be scattered, obsessive tendencies plaguing our disturbed mind, with only negative repercussions to harvest as we tumble downhill to our own destruction.
The ethical laws should govern human nature. They will teach man how to overcome evil with good. Violence can never be stilled with violence. Nor can hatred be wiped out by hatred. It can only aggravate the situation, where all will be losers. An eye for an eye will turn everyone blind. Ethical laws teach us to forsake all evil and bring forth good. There is nothing higher than overcoming evil with good. It is the only path to progress and perfection.
Sound moral values help to counterbalance pronounced evil, vicious tendencies and mould man into the finest jewel of creation. Our daily life if guided by these higher values will spare us the endless sufferings, disappointments and miseries. Rather than live a life of wanton enjoyment and pleasure and reap all the ills, we should learn to enjoy life in a disciplined way. All abuse will eventually harm. Whatever the abuse it always degenerates man whether physically, mentally or morally.
All ethics, all moral virtues are of divine origin. They are meant for man to curb his animal instincts and become a monument of virtue with an exemplary life, fit for a god. Those great virtues are to be daily practiced. All these do’s and don’ts boil down to not being selfish. The true basis of morality is unselfishness. All the regulations and proscriptions found in different scriptures are more to curb selfishness, the great bane of humanity.
Selfishness is the root cause of all evil and immorality. Selfishness prevents us to recognize the right of others. We do not mind using fair or foul means to better our lot, injuring others or depriving them of their rights. Our mistake is that we forget we all belong to a same world. The world belongs equally to all of us. We should live in solidarity rather than hostility. All selfish actions are immoral and sinful. That which leads to unselfishness is moral, virtuous and good.
The grandest of the ethical laws as taught by the Vedanta is: “Love every living creature as thyself”– nothing more, nothing less. It is the law of universal love. It includes not only humans but the lowest of animals, because the same Spirit or Self resides in all. He who recognizes that the One and same universal Spirit is everywhere will refuse to harm anyone.
Any action that makes us unselfish, acts as a purifying balm. Any action that uplifts us from our lower instincts draws us closer to the Supreme. We should help and share in fellow beings’ misfortune. Relieve them from pain and suffering. We should love and share with all creatures as one great entity. Until this oneness is realized and the idea of separateness is dropped, the tendency to mine and thine will persist. Selfishness will bare its ugly fangs.
Ethics are designed to help man conquer his animal instinct. His greatest enemies are his violence, anger, lust, attachment, his vanity and envy that overpower him. Moral disciplines ennoble man’s interior life and help root out the secret, endless desires surging within the mind. These disciplines alone can counter or altogether neutralize those negativities that make life so unworthy of its name.
Negative emotions create stress. Stress invariably leads to tension, the source of many diseases : anxiety, despair, anger, headache, depression, frustration, chronic fatigue, loss of memory, mental imbalance, high BP, palpitation, chest pain, heart attacks, etc. Chronic anger, worry and hatred increase the risk of disease. In contrast, positive emotions result in better health, longer life and a great sense of well being.
There is a perpetual inner battle within us to resist temptation. Ethics teaches us not to allow temptation to tempt us. Once we give in to temptation, it will very difficult to stop. It the first step down the precipice that seals our eventual downfall.
We should always bear in mind that all ethics, all ethical teachings, moral ideas, moral and spiritual laws are for curbing the strong attachment to our lower instincts. They simply urge us to take the opposite path, away from these negativities. All crimes are as a result of our desire for possession and physical pleasures. Many are so avid of enjoyment. Their thousand and one desires put their mind in permanent turmoil. They have no peace, no respite and their health takes the toll.
All competition, struggles and evils that plague our life are manmade. They can therefore be remedied through team spirit, sympathy and sharing. The oneness we feel as a team is the basis of all ethics and morality. This spirit of solidarity and unity yields finer results. The aim of ethics is this unity, this sameness. We may not be born equal. One is born wealthy and another in poverty; one strong, another weak; one is intelligent, another less so. The aim of ethics is to bridge the gap between these eternal disparities by providing equal chances to all.
Morality is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. There is only one way to define morality. That which is selfish is immoral and that which is unselfish is moral. Every selfish action takes us to our downfall. Every unselfish action uplifts. Unselfishness, the foundation of all morality and the quintessence of all ethics, should be the basis of our life.
The whole scope of morality is to prevent man from degrading himself to thorough selfishness. Morality consists of both restraints and the cultivation of certain virtues or higher qualities. These qualities serve as antidote to man’s negative tendencies. They also serve as a catalyst to show him the way to genuine humanity.
Morality and purity are the only forces to destroy ignorance and evil. Ignorance and evil destroy humanity. They need to be destroyed by cultivating goodness and awareness. We have to become moral to discover true happiness. Until we are moral we cannot wipe out life’s sufferings.
YAMAS & NIYAMAS
The Yamas and Niyamas are of divine origin. ‘Yamas’ are moral restraints and ‘Niyamas’, moral disciplines. Two simple words on which depends the fate of humanity! Either man does justice to his Divine image and become moral. Or miserably gropes in the darkness of ignorance and falls into the quagmire of immorality.
Too often yamas and niyamas are mistaken as exclusive to the practice of yoga and meditation. Nothing can be more misleading and further from the truth. Ethics as universal moral laws are fundamental to every human being, man, woman and child, young or old, rich or poor. Wherever one may be, whoever one may be, all are concerned where health, happiness and harmony are at stake. Nothing compares with man’s discriminative faculty. There is nothing superior to man’s intelligence. He has the potential either to uplift himself through moral living or degrade himself through immoral living.
Restraints (Yamas)
- Non violence
Non violence is not just non-killing of humans or animals. It also implies refraining from injuring them whether by words such as abuses, accusations, insults, harsh words; In thoughts, by harboring hatred, evil thoughts and revenge against anyone or by deeds, physical assault. Even intent to injure is a violation of the principle of non violence. Treat with kindness and compassion humans, animals and plants. Life is sacred. Respect life in whatever form. We are all part of a whole, interconnected and interdependent.
Replace hatred by friendship; revenge, hostility, anger by forgiveness. It helps to promote peace, trust, love and friendship and removes fear, mistrust, enmity or hostility. Feelings of hatred or ill will are neutralized, protecting the mind from undue stress. It relieves tension, reducing the risk of a great number of stress related diseases. It is excellent for a healthier and happier life.
Non violence also means mutual consideration and sharing. Settle differences through recognition of one another’s rights. Reconcile differences through compromise. Only then will enmity or stress not overpower the mind, body and emotions, leading one to commit injurious acts. Positive attitude begets positive attitude. It is a way of protection for each and everyone.
Good thoughts mean a friendly disposition. It will eliminate fear of the other and the resulting stress. Both mentally and physically we will be stronger. In the long run the world will be a better place to live where peace, love, trust reign supreme; nothing short of heaven.
Neuroscience has shown that violence results in abnormal brain development. This inhibits the person’s ability to develop humour, empathy and attachment, to counteract the effects of violence. They instead develop other ways to deal psychologically with it. Men have been known to develop a ‘fight or flight’ response. They become prone to alcohol, drugs or other addictions, which may lead to further violent behavior. Women and children are more likely to recoil into themselves. Many suffer from depression, amnesia, suicidal tendencies and other mental illness.
It is commonly said that if one perfects the practice of non violence, there is no need for any other practice, for all the other practices are intrinsically linked with it.
- Truthfulness.
Truthfulness is among the highest virtues. Falsehood is an ugly sin. Whatever the situation, we should never tell lies. Lies pollute the mind and can only hurt the liar in the long run. We should always be truthful in all circumstances.
Although quite difficult to practice, yet to instill confidence and trust in others, we have to be truthful. We should not hurt or cause harm to others by telling lies. It is as sinful to encourage others to tell lies or approving others’ lies.
Close ties should share all secrets, pleasant or unpleasant. They are the ones that will share in sorrow or happiness or bring us the best advice. Never betray trust, secrets or promises.
- Non stealing
One should never appropriate others’ property or belongings. Give up unnecessary necessities or cravings by cultivating self sufficiency.
Excessive desires for things we cannot possess might lead us to steal. Whatever we cannot obtain, we will be tempted to steal. We will try to acquire them by fair or foul means, transgressing others’ rights.
Wanton wastage of personal possessions, others’ property or natural resources is equivalent to stealing.
Non stealing teaches us to be satisfied with what we can acquire by honest means, not by stealing or accepting free gifts and thus losing one’s freedom and peace. If something is acquired through honest means, there is no fear. If attained through dishonest means, one lives in perpetual fear. It is said that the one who never steals, God fulfills all needs.
- Chastity
Sexual energy should not be wasted. It is a creative energy. Its waste depletes the body and mind, through tremendous loss of prana that could have been preserved and converted into higher energies. Its dissipation has the most depleting effect on both the psychic and nervous system.
Chastity is the strongest pillar in the spiritual edifice. The soul has no sex. Sexual thoughts or acts, except for procreation, degrade the soul. In married or unmarried life, chastity is essential.
With prayer and virtuous thoughts one can transform very little of the sexual energy into spiritual power. With chastity all the sexual energy is saved and stored up as spiritual energy, Ojas. It gives will power, intelligence and insight. One should endeavor to save one’s spiritual energy by observing continence.
- Non Covetousness & non acceptance of gifts
Non covetousness is a mental state devoid of cravings and greed, where peace and contentment prevail. Man’s craving is the root of all unhappiness. Covetousness leads to longing. When unfulfilled it leads to anger, frustration and depression.
Practice of non covetousness brings the highest bliss of freedom. It exonerates us from the evil effects of fear, attachment, disappointment, anxiety, hatred, jealousy, anger and depression. It teaches us non-possessiveness, non-greed and unselfishness.
We have some basic needs to keep ourselves healthy and happy. We should find ways to simplify our life with fewer necessities to reduce time and energy spent in caring for them. According to research conducted by psychologists, there is no link between happiness and a larger income. In other words money cannot buy happiness.
Bondage is the worst bane. Acceptance of gifts invariably carries both bondage and indebtedness. Gifts very often hide an expectation of return from the giver. Bribery in guise of gifts or that will enchain someone to the giver is immoral. Whoever accepts such a gift loses his mental, moral and intellectual independence and becomes indebted and enslaved. It makes the heart and mind impure. One who keeps away from such gifts protects both his independence and integrity. His heart remains pure and his mind untarnished. Never accept a gift that implies bondage.
A gift is always imbibed with the negative traits of the giver. Whoever accepts such a gift will be left with those negative qualities. On no account should one accept gifts even it means hardship and suffering. Independence of thought, speech and action are our best gifts and should at all costs be preserved.
Gifts exchanged among close links, friends as token of love or keepsake are natural and decent. There is no harm provided there is no exaggeration or waste. Only gifts as token of love are not evil and do not carry any risk of degeneration or degradation.
Moral disciplines (Niyamas)
- Purification
Purification means both internal and external cleanliness. Bodily cleanliness is external purification. Purifying the mind is internal purification. Although internal purification is of greater value, both internal and external purification are equally important.
External cleanliness is helpful to protect our health, to avoid infection and disease. Body cleanliness is carried out with soap and water. External purity without internal purity is no good. It encourages more attachment to the senses.
Internal cleanliness is mental cleanliness. A pure mind will not be tarnished by selfish motives nor polluted by negative traits. A pure mind will radiate unselfishness.
The repetition of mantras, sacred words or syllables and reading the scriptures or other sacred books, lead to internal purification. Practice of ethics is precisely meant for internal purification.
One should purify the mind by feelings of kindness and love towards all living creatures. Sharing and mixing with others as equals, goes a long way to establish peace with oneself, with our immediate links and with people at large. The circle keeps on widening, for the betterment of humanity. Peace and order will prevail.
Such thoughts and ideas that are painful and can do harm to others or are selfish and gratify our lower instincts should be erased. Our mind should be purged of these negative traits. Eliminate thoughts which are inimical, hostile, aggressive and obscure the mind. When a wave of anger arises, bring in a thought of compassion, forgiveness. If a dishonest thought comes, replace it by a thought of honesty. In this way all negative thoughts will be neutralized. The mind will become pure.
Cleanliness is the first step to overall progress and development. It does not befit anyone to be internally pure and externally dirty. One should observe hygiene laws, such as fresh air, pure water, washing of the mouth, cleaning teeth at least twice daily. Observe cleanliness of the body by a daily bath and change of clothes. Houses as well as surroundings should be kept clean.
Pure food keeps the mind and body pure. Avoid unclean, impure food which weaken our system and dulls our mind. Food sold with only profit making in mind, will make one impure, with the wicked thoughts. Food cooked for the sake of relieving hunger and prepared with all feelings of love will elevate one’s thoughts.
Purity means cleanliness of both mind and body. Both external and internal purification have to be observed. Together they will yield better results. Purification of the body and mind will increase absorption of prana. The body works in perfect harmony with a higher buildup of prana. It brings us deeper concentration, an improved memory and sharp intellect. The result is perfect health and a happy disposition that can only promote peace and joy.
- Contentment
Contentment is the one virtue that will thwart our greed, vanity and our craze to surpass others in possession, profession or influence. We should realise the ephemeral nature of phenomenal existence. Everything comes and goes. Their transitoriness does not enlighten our mind nor enrich our soul. Discontent robs us of our peace and serenity, leaving us obsessed or depressed.
Contentment is the state of total satisfaction, free from all desires or cravings. Irrespective of what do not have or what we are experiencing in our daily life, we are ever happy. It is feeling sufficiency in whatever comes our way. Welcoming it as a gift of God, we are ever grateful that we have what millions do not or may not ever have.
Contentment is simplicity in living. It does not require much for simple living. Whatever our resources, we consider it more than enough. There is never any feeling of lack. The one immersed in contentment develops an inner feeling of joy and serenity, and experiences superlative happiness. There is neither envy nor desire of others’ possessions.
The root of all misery are desires infesting and poisoning the mind. If unfulfilled, disappointment and depression is our lot. The eternal fever of desire gives us no rest, no peace: only dissatisfaction, distress, despondency and disease. The happiness we feel when we have forever destroyed desire far outweighs all the happiness of the universe.
- Austerity
Austerity is discipline and restraint without denial. Avoid the two extremes of extravagance and asceticism. Everything should be done in the just measure without any denial. One should avoid excessive indulgence, be it in eating, sleeping, work or leisure.
We have to eat to keep healthy, so we have to be very particular about our diet. We should never overload our stomach, considering it a garbage bin. Occasional fasting will not harm anybody. It is a good way to give rest to the system and save vital energy.
One has the right to wholesome rest and enjoyment. We should never yield to any temptation which may result in bad habits or addictions. What we like is not always good for us. What we dislike may in fact be in our best interest. Rather than going according to likes and dislikes, we should bother more about what is best for us. With a little effort the senses will be under our control. The mind is the master of the body, not the body master of the mind.
Rather than just fulfilling our selfish ends, working for the good of others is also a form of austerity. It intensifies unselfish feelings in the human and urges him to selfless work. The heart is purified of its selfish motives. When we think of the good of others, we become oblivious of our own puny self. It is one way to curb our endless selfish desires.
The more one works to help others, the purer and less selfish one becomes. Working for the well being and success of all is the best way to rid ourselves of jealousy and envy. The feeling of oneness becomes a reality. Stress will then be nonexistent. Therein lies our peace, protection and ultimately betterment and perfect health.
- Reading of spiritual books and scriptures.
Reading of spiritual literature will gradually restore our spiritual consciousness. It will help us progress morally and spiritually and become aware of the fleeting nature of physical life. Participating in religious activities, listening, reading or studying sacred scriptures fill the mind with pure thoughts. A pure, strong mind will revitalize our whole system. Only such books that will help us in our moral and spiritual progress should be chosen. We should avoid cheap literature. It is a waste of our precious time. It risks misleading us and hinder our progress.
- Surrender to God
Surrender to the Lord is the highest expression of love and renunciation. Absolute, intense, unconditional love and supreme devotion is complete surrender to God. It is a deep and marvelous sense of dependence on the will of God. The individual will is surrendered to the Infinite will. Constant remembrance and yearning for God, with intense love and joy is also surrender.
One who surrenders completely to the Lord, always considers the Lord as the doer. He considers himself only an instrument of God to fulfill His purpose. He works free from any expectation, leaving the result to God. Love for love sake, worship for worship sake, without seeking, expecting or caring for results is complete surrender.
Work without any desire for result or reward. Work for the good of all, not for name or fame. Dedicate all effort and work as worship to the Lord. Whatever our activity our whole self should be focused on the Lord. Any action done should be taken as a blessed privilege from the Lord. Always work in humility, by sacrificing the ego on the altar of humbleness.
Giving is the centre, the basis, the gist of all moral teachings. Give generously without any expectation of return. Offer food and clothing to the needy, seeing God in all. Those who voluntarily bring knowledge and enlightenment to others should also be provided for their basic needs.
Anything done out of love gives it the highest meaning. It gradually culminates in complete adoration of God. We see God everywhere and in everything. Love of the divine leads us to universal love. Love all, hate none. Every act of love brings happiness. There is no greater happiness than to know or make others happy. Deify the world and everything in the world, for God and God alone permeates the whole of the universe.
Conclusion
The practice of truth and all the virtues purify the mind. The best way to practice these ethical principles is to replace negative thoughts by positive ones. Do good because it is good to do good! Ask no more. True morality is the path towards freedom. Immorality leads to bondage.
A pure and moral man has control over himself. That is why purity and morality has always been the object of ethics. Purity in thought, word or deed is among the highest ideals of ethics. A pure mind is man’s most precious possession.
Ethics is the gateway to holistic living. Holistic living is the first step towards balanced health, peace and happiness which provide for quality living. The aim of all ethical laws is to eliminate those negative human traits which more than often are the cause of disease and suffering. Ethics bring forth man’s finer qualities of compassion, love, unselfishness and intelligence. Ethics is the basis of a happy, healthy and harmonious life style.