33 Human Values in Hinduism

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1.  Learning Outcomes

 

2.   Introduction

 

3. Hinduism

 

4.  Hindu scriptures

 

5.  Hindu Beliefs

 

6.  Human Values in Hinduism

 

7.   Summary

 

8. References

 

 

1.    Learning Outcomes

  • To acquire in depth knowledge of Hindu Religion.
  • To understand various beliefs in Hinduism.
  • To understand basic human values and teachings of Hinduism.

 

2.   Introduction

 

Human values can be described as science of morality. Morality is the choice of righteous or good intentions, decisions and actions over the wrong or bad actions. Human values are governed by a large number of factors-biological, genetical, social , cultural, religious factors. In addition, human values are inculcated through practice. Values are also transferred through stories and illustrations. Inner consciousness of man also affects the morality and values. When ones heart is pure and free from greediness and lust, then any actions performed with self control by the person will definitely include high human values. Five basic values- truth, love, peace, right action and non violence will help one to attain high level of morality. This will help the society and enhance the welfare.

 

3.  Hinduism

 

Hinduism is the world’s most prominent and oldest religion. Some practitioners refer it as ‘Sanatana Dharma’. Hinduism believes in attaining materialistic ambitions like wealth recognition, progeny etc. to attain the higher level of satisfaction in the objective world. But the actions to achieve these material things should be governed by self consciousness. The self consciousness gives origin to reality of ideas, mind and soul. Therefore, Hinduism believes in evolution of human soul and mind. There are basically two general ethical and moral principles in the world that are followed by every Hindu – Dharma & Karma.

 

4.   Hindu Scriptures

 

There are numerous scriptures in Hinduism like Mahabharata, Ramayana, Vedas etc. The most important scripture in Hinduism is ‘Hindu Vedas’. Ancient Hindu scriptures are in Sanskrit and are composed & transmitted verbally. Hindu Scriptures are classified into two categories- ‘Shruti’ and ‘Smriti’. ‘Shruti’ primarily refers to Vedas. Hindu Vedas are subcategories into four Vedas – ‘Rig Veda’, ‘Yajur Veda’, ‘Sama Veda’ and ‘Atharva Veda’. These four vedas include details of ‘Karma Kanda’ and ‘Janana Kanda’. ‘Karma Kanda’ includes rituals and prayers to be followed by Hindus. ‘Jnana Kanda’ includes ontological realities like self consciousness, Brahman, God.

 

Classification of Hindu Scriptures

Each Veda is subcategorized into four text – Samhitas, Aranyakas, Brahamans, and Upnishads.

‘Samhitas’ includes prayers (mantras) and benedictions. ‘Aranyakas’ include text on rituals and ceremonies. These two parts of Vedas are called as ‘Karma Kanda’. ‘Brahamanas’ include commentaries on rituals and ceremonies. ‘Upnishadas’ includes text related to philosophy, meditation and spiritualisms. These two parts of Vedas form Jnana kanda.

 

 

‘Smriti’ includes hindu epics – ‘Mahabharata’ and ‘Ramayana’ as well as Puranas. ‘Bhagvada Gita’ is also included as integral part of Mahabharata. ‘Puranas’ contain hindu mythologies.

 

The set-of teachings included in Jnana Kanda is termed as Vedanta. However, Vedanta is not limited to one book as a source of Vedanta philosophy. The important constituents of Vedanta are Upnishadas , Bhagvad Gita, Braham sutras.

‘Upnishadas’ are foundation of Hindu Philosophical thoughts. These are philosophical in nature and core of Vedic wisdom. ‘Brahamsutras’ logically explain the teachings of ‘Upanishadas’. These include systematic strands of ‘Upanishadas’ and form the background of orthodox system of thoughts. ‘Bhagvad Gita’ includes the teachings of Lord Krishna. It is considered as essence of all hindu scriptures. The details of battle between ‘Pandavas’ between ‘Kauravas’ i.e between righteous and wrong are given in this scripture. Though, Lord Krishna was Arjura’s charioteer in battlefield but actually was his spiritual guide. The teachings of ‘Bhagvad Gita’ help human to choose and perform action that are normal and righteous especially when one is in emotional dilemma.

 

Moreover, there are other scriptures for children like ‘Panchtantras’. ‘Panchtantaras’ are very popular in India and includes wonderful ancient Indian social stories that teach the lessons of morality to children.

 

 

5.  Hindu Beliefs

 

In Hinduism there is no static and single belief. It includes a variety of beliefs and practices. The code of ethics followed by hindus in one part of the world may completely differ from code of ethics followed in other part. Hindu scripture clearly discuss three items – concepts, values and practices. The teachings of Hinduism are based on general principles of dharma and karma as well as desire to discern truth from illusion i.e. to achieve ‘Moksha’. Hinduism believes in ontological nature of existence and to attain that through ‘Dharmas’ and ‘Karmas’. Hindu beliefs include ‘Dharma’, ‘Karma’, ‘Moksha’, ‘Samsara’ and various ‘Yogas’. ‘Samsara’ is continuing cycle of birth, life death and rebirth. ‘Yogas’ are path and practices opted by Hindus The Various hindu belief are:-

 

5.1 Purushartha: These are objective of human life. Hinduism includes four types of ‘Purusharthas’.

 

 

‘Dharma’ embraces righteous conduct, selfless action. It covers all the aspects of life – religious as well as secular. It lays stress on performing the duties appropriately and sincerely. Appropriateness is determined in context in which action is performed. Nature of ‘Dharmas’ differs according to gender, caste and age of person. For example, Child Dharma is to obey parents. Parents Dharma is to protect, feed, educate and shelter children.

 

‘Artha’ refers to pursuits of securities. ‘Artha’ includes all activities and resources which help one to achieve higher levels of wealth, career and financial security. It aims at allowing economic prosperity and material well being.

 

‘Kama’ refers to fulfillment of sensual pleasures. It includes pleasure of senses, aesthetic enjoyment of life, fulfillment of desires, longingness. Any action performed to achieve ‘Artha’ or ‘’Kama’ should be associated with ‘Dharma’. This will help the individuals to evolve as responsible human beings on one hand. On the other hand, it will benefit the society as a whole.

 

As per teaching of hindu scriptures, ultimate human Endeavour is to attain ‘Moksha’. Every ‘Karma’ should be put into action in such a way that one should not be attached to it one should have freedom from travails to achieve ‘Moksha’. One should have real & righteous knowledge about nature of one’s own consciousness. This will bring one towards God i.e. towards ‘Moksha’. The knowledge of your own consciousness is the knowledge of God and is called as ‘Moksha’. Therefore, one should pursue knowledge and evolve into superior personality constantly through righteous actions associated with moral and ethical values. This will help one to go beyond knowledge for self realization and hence God realization.

 

5.2 Karma and Samsara

 

‘Karmas’ are actions performed by individuals. Hinduism believes in law of ‘Karmas’. Every individual is responsible for his own actions. One has to reap what one’s seed. One has to face the results of one’s actions; not only for present actions but also for actions performed in past. Every good or bad actions has consequences. According to ‘Karma’ theory, present situation of individual is result of his actions in the past. An individual remains in ‘Samsara’ i.e. continuous cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth due to ‘Karmas’. Therefore, ‘Karmas’ are also the basis of reincarnation. He can liberate himself from ‘Samsara’ and reach the ultimate happiness and peace through self realization and realization of one’s eternal relationship with God.

 

5.3 Concept of God

 

According to Hinduism, God is not separate from the world and is within one and everything. Hindu believes that God is within everyone. Each living creature has soul. The soul is believed to be eternal and is indistinct from God. Therefore God is formless and one. This is the root of secularism of Hindu beliefs. In Hinduism, God is also worshipped in form of Hindu deities like ‘Shiva’, ‘Brahma’, ‘Vishnu’, ‘Ganesha’, Goddesses etc.

 

5.4 Hindu Practices

 

Hindus generally practice their religion through rituals and prayers. In general, all Hindus follow ‘Yamas’ and ‘Niyamas’. ‘Yamas’ are moral values to be followed while performing any action. ‘Niyamas’ are the practices followed in daily routine. Hindu follow certain practices like chanting (Japa), Austerity (Tapas), Sacred vows (Vrata), Purity (Shaucha), Remorse (Hare), worshipping, donations, modesty etc. All these practices help them to be ease at moral values and evolve into better individuals.

 

 

6.  Human Values in Hinduism

 

The religious life is considered as system of education. Likewise, Hinduism is based on inculcating and practicing certain basic human value which are termed as ‘Yamas’. ‘Yamas’ refer to behavior of individuals in daily life. These are the essential morals which every Hindu must have. The basic human values in Hinduism are described as follows:

 

6.1  Truthfulness (Satyam)

 

In Hinduism everyone should speak the truth with kindness and compassion. Truth is always ultimate winner. It is possible that in short run untruth may appear to win but in long run truth will always win. But if truth causes harm, it is better to be silent rather than speaking it. Therefore, one should speak the pleasant truth.

‘ Satyam Brooyat, Priam Brooyat ’

 

For example, if a person is ill and there is risk of his life then telling truth about illness and risk of life to patient may cause harm to patient. So, in that case it is better to be silent.

 

6.2 Non Voilence (Ahimsa)

 

Hinduism teaches us to follow the principle of non violence. According To Hinduism ‘ Ahimsa Paramo Dharma ’

 

Best Dharma is not to harm others one should not harm others for his personal benefits. In Hinduism, one should not opt for non violence at least not beyond bare minimum without which one could not survive. It also means that one should prefer to be vegetarian and should refrain from overeating and consuming meat.

 

 

6.3 Non Stealing (Asteyam)

 

Hinduism teaches us not to steal or enter into debt. One should not be greedy and selfish. This may result in stealing & non violence. The person should not take the things which do not belong to him. The individuals should use their hard earned assets and money. They should not take other’s things through stealing or cheating them.

 

6.4 Honesty (Arjavam)

 

Hindus should follow the principle of honesty. One should be simple, straight forward, open as well as honest and should not follow hypocrisy. There should be integration between physical body, mind and soul.

 

‘ Kayena Manasa Vacha ’

 

6.5 Compassion (Daya)

 

Every hindu must have callous, compassionate and intensive feelings. He must have sympathy, kindness, love, mercy for all. One should do his deed selflessly and for the benefit of society. One should always be ready to provide services to needy ones; even at one’s own sacrifice, if needed.

 

6.6 Forgiveness (Kshama)

 

Hinduism teaches us forgiveness one should restrain oneself from intolerance and ill will. The individuals can forgive only if they have combined characteristics of patience, tolerance and bear sufferings. Forgiveness will ultimately result in peacefulness. It creates the basis of non violence.

 

6.7  Sweet speech (Madhuryam)

 

Hinduism teaches us sweetness of speech and personality. One should not be rude harsh & impolite. The individual should be pious and should always use sweet words. One must be firm but at the same time he must be pure, pleasant, delightful and kind hearted.

 

6.8  Tithing (Dana)

 

Hindus should be generous. It is believed in Hinduism that more you give more you get. One should give or donate to others without any intention of reward. Tithings helps in purity by teaching us the lessons of distributing and sharing others.

 

6.9 Free of Sin (Akalkata)

 

Hinduism teaches us not to perform any action that is sinful. According to law of Karmas, everyone is rewarded according to his karmas, sooner or later, in absolute and correct measure. Every karma is rewarded whether good or bad, positive or negative, virtuous or vicious, loftier or sinful. If one will do sin or bad deed then bad will come back to him. Therefore, one should always do good deed so that good will come back to one. So, one should always try his level best to stay away from sinful.

 

6.10   Self Control (Dama)

 

Hinduism teaches us control over passion and senses. Self control will result in limited desires. Self controlled person will led by wisdom and kindness rather than desires. Self control not only encourages humility but elevates man to level of God. However lack of self control may take an individual to wrong path. A self controlled person has neither fear of criticism nor impression of praise. His each and every action is according to moral and ethical values. For example, one should observe celibacy when single and faithfulness in marriage.

 

6.11 Contentment (Santosha)

 

Contentment is state of complete satisfaction. It is basic nature of soul. Hinduism believes in liberation of soul which is possible only if a person is contented. When a person attains contentment, he will experience mental peace, ease in life and feel free from all worries and tensions. A contented person will experience introversion as well as steadiness and will attain the highest transcendental meditation.

 

 

6.12 Acceptance

 

Everyone should do selfless deeds according to ‘Dharmas and without concern of outcome. Whatever the outcome of any action should be accepted as ‘Prasada’- the gift of God. Whether the Result is desirable or undesirable, one should not get emotionally disturbed or stronger. One should accept the result without anxiety. One should concentrate only on actions not on result. It is very truley said in Hinduism through a Sanskrit Shalok

 

‘Maa Karma Phala Heterbhuh’

 

One should act as a matter of duty without being attached to fruits of activities. Any action performed without desired result will evolve individuals into superior personalities.

 

6.13 Each and everyone is one

 

In Hinduism, it is believed that everyone is alike. ‘Atma’- Soul is a part of God and exists in every one.

 

‘Sarvabhootastam Atmanam, Sarva Bhootari Cha Atmani.’

 

One should follow inner consciousness and see everyone else in oneself. One should listen to other’s problems and try to solve it as these problems are his own. When a person will experience everyone alike then he will transcended into an elevated soul.

 

6.14 Listen to self conscience

 

Whenever a person is in dilemma whether the carrying out action is right or wrong then he should listen to his self conscience. At that time almighty will guide him the right path and that person will be released from all the sins for that action. As said in Bhagvad Gita,

 

‘Sarva Dharmaan Parityajya Maam Ekam Sharnam Vraja Aham Twa Sarva Paapebhya Mokshaishyaami’

 

In Mahabharata when Arjuna was in dilemma whether it is appropriate to kill his own cousins. Lord Krishna enlightens him to choose and perform the action that is moral and righteous. Therefore, Arjuna fought the battle of Mahabharta and kill his cousins for the winning of righteous over wrong.

 

6.15    Enlightenment

 

Hinduism believes that one can evolve himself through continuous upgradation of knowledge. Knowledge of an individual is limited to his capabilities, likes, dislikes, upbringing background, and environment. One should always try to upgrade knowledge and reach the levels beyond the human capabilities. Then he can realize his ‘self’ and be fully enlightened.

 

7. Summary

 

Thus, it can be summarized that each and every individual should act and choose the righteous task. Actions of a person determine his personality. One should always try to graduate out of deception of world and achieve the ultimate goal of liberating himself from all the happenings of oneself and become a superior personality. This can be achieved only through following all the moral and ethical ideals of Hindus. Moral and ethical actions performed to achieve common goal with a spirit of sharing will definitely lead to progress of mankind.

 

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Suggested Readings

  • Elliger,H. (1996). The Basic Hinduism. Bloomsbury Academic.
  • Gandhi, M.K (1996). The Essence of Hinduism. Navajivan Publish House, Ahmedabad
  • Kinnard J.N. Principles of Moral Thought and Action Retreived from www.patheos.com on April 30,2017.
  • Lahire, A. Morals of Hinduism. Retrieved from www.peopleofoureverydaylife.com May 1, 2017.
  • Maganlal. A & Buch , M. A. (2012). The principles of Hindu Ethics. Arya Sudharak Printing Press, Baroda.
  • Pandit, B. (1996). Hindu Dharma. B&V Enterprises, Inc,Glen. Ellyn.
  • Rath, C. (2009). Yama: Basic Human values in Hinduism Reincarnation and Karma. Retreived from www.religious tolerance.org on April 29, 2017
  • Sternity, Y. (2007). Hinduism. Marshall Cavendish.
  • Sunday April 5, 2009 ‘Core values of Hinduism’ Retrieved from www.hinducorevalues.blogspot.in on April 28, 2017