Ethical Teachings 2

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Ethical Teachings

Sri Aurobindo

The criterion of social development, according to most of the Western social philosophers, is the moral progress in the individuals and Society. Thus ethics has been considered as the most potent method of social development.   This contention, to be fully verified and examined, requires a two-fold inquiry. First, what is that standard of morality which is the wisest and hence the widest and most comprehensive?  

Such a theory of moral standard will, obviously, harmonize and integrate all other theories, show their limitations and weld them into a more perfect theory. Secondly, does moral progress realize an integral evolution of man and society?

As this is the aim of social development, the social philosopher will find out the true nature of ethics, its highest standard and its value but he will also see its value for the achievement of the ideal of social development.  Find out its limitations, if there are any, and suggest other methods which might be an improvement upon it Sri Aurobindo examines various standards of morality, presents a standard at once integrating and transcending others, assesses the value of moral progress in social development, shows its limitations and finally indicates how religion and Yoga/”>Yoga are an advance upon the ethical method.

The basic fallacy underlying the different theories of ethics is the same as it is in the theories of psychology, metaphysics and religion all these are vitiated by the defect of abstraction.

Theories of ethics, psychology and metaphysics have been generally built upon the truths of some one aspect of man’s being, on the truth of the individual, in isolation from society and vice versa, and on similar other abstractions.  But as Sri Aurobindo points out, “The ethical being escapes from all these formulas; it is a law to itself and finds its principle in its own eternal nature which is not in its essential character a Growth of evolving mind, even though it may seem to be that in its earthly history, but a Light from the ideal, a reflection in man of the Divine.”  Morality, religion, science, metaphysics, all should seek the development of the whole man, not isolated from but in and through society. This is the aim of all the efforts of man.

The Ultimate End

Thus the ultimate end, according to the moral philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, is God-Realization. This is the criterion of good and right “All takes new values not from itself but from die consciousness that uses it; for there is only one thing essential, needful, indispensable, to grow conscious of the Divine Reality and live hi it and live it always.’

This is a principle on which Indian sages have generally agreed. It is the real inner meaning of the ethics of self-realization as Sri Aurobindo points out, “The God is also, subjectively, the seeking for our highest, truest, fullest, and largest self.”

In the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, man, world and God, are three forms of the same Reality, Existent, Conscious and Blissful to realize that Reality is the supreme end. Thus “good is all that helps the individual and die world towards their divine fullness and evil is all that retards or breaks up that increasing perfection?  These concepts of good and evil hi Sri Aurobindo’s ethics are dynamic since their aim is progressive and evolving in time. Hence no rigid rules of conduct can be framed. The temporality of the forms of moral conduct is quite compatible with the eternity of moral ideals.’

Ethics: A means to God realization

Kant preached “Duty for the sake of Duty.” Sri Aurobindo like the author of Gita, accepts Duty for the sake of God. He interprets the central teaching of the Gita in a way different from that of Samkara, Ramanuja and Tilak, etc.  

To him, “The Gita does not teach the disinterested performance of duties but the following of the divine life, the abandonment of all Dharmas, sarvadharman, to take refuge in the Supreme alone, and the divine activity of a Buddha, a Rama Krishna, a Vivekananda is perfectly in consonance with this teaching.  Thus, like the Gita, Sri Aurobindo strongly emphasizes the value of Kanna in life. There he agrees with Tilak, his closest associate in political activities. But he does not admit Kanna as an end in itself. The ideal man of Sri Aurobindo’s moral philosophy works neither for himself nor for society, nor event for Duty itself but for God, as an instrument hi His hand.

Tulsidas

Tulsidas was the most important poet of the Rama Bhakti school. The wave of the Bhakti Movement spear-headed in the North by Ramananda may have influenced Tulsidas. But to Ramananda it was irrelevant whether the devotee was a Nirguna or Saguna Bhakta so long as he followed Ramananda’s preaching and had religious fervour. His disciples were free to interpret Rama in any manner they liked so long as they felt drawn towards Him as an object of worship and devotion.

Among the different Bhakti schools, the most prominent were the Nirguna and Saguna. Nirguna School believed in formless God, whereas those belonging to Saguna worshipped a personal God with a form. Kabir-2/”>Kabir who founded the Nirguna School of Bhakti conceived Rama as a formless God whereas Tulsidas and his followers worshipped Rama as Saguna God taking into account His divine.

Even the Nirguna School of Bhakti was split into two groups – those who believed in ‘gyan’ (knowledge) and had an intellectual approach to devotion and those who believed in love and attachment, and total surrender to God for attaining Him. Those who followed the latter path were the Sufis or mystics. The Saguna School of Bhakti also branched into two directions, one devoted to ‘Rama’ and the other for ‘Krishna’. The former school of saint poets was led by Tulsidas and the latter by Surdas. Thus in Hinduism-2/”>Hinduism the three schools of Bhakti which produced poetry of highest order was Kabir, Surdas and Tulsidas, besides the Sufis.

The magnum opus of Tulsidas is, however, Ramcharitmanas in Hindi or Avadhi. It is the life story of Rama as narrated by Valmiki in his Ramayana with slight modifications. The Manas has been adjudged as the best work in Hindi literature with devotion as the theme and, as one of the best Epics in any tongue anywhere. It presents Rama as an ideal man in all respects, viz. as a son, brother, husband, friend, warrior and a king.  

For Tulsidas Rama was an incarnation of God (Vishnu) Himself. No other book has made such a deep impact on the minds of the people in the North. Many scholars and even foreign critics have gone to the extent of comparing ‘Manas’ (Tulsidas) with Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’. According to H.C. Kala, both believed in a life with spirituality and truth as the dominant note, struggle between good and evil, and ultimate triumph of god over evil. Both have a classical theme and subject; Tulsidas narrated the story of Rama and Ravana, and Milton having made us of Adam and Eve.

In his beautiful verse of couplets in rhyme (dohas), Tulsidas has described the greatness of Rama and also the characterization of Bharat, Sita, Lakshman and Kaushalya superbly. Equally fascinating is the collection of poems in Vinaya Patrika and Kavitavalli.  When Tulsidas abandoned home and became an ascetic, he is said to have spent fourteen years visiting numerous sacred places of pilgrimage. One of the moving descriptions by Tulsidas in the Manas is that of Chitrakoot which Rama, Lakshman and Sita passed during their exile.

A most touching incident about Tulsidas and Chitrakoot tells us about his unfathomable love for Lord Rama.  It is said at this crowded Chitrakoot Ghat Tulsidas sat making the paste of sandalwood waiting for the ‘darshan’ of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman who were to visit there. But actually when the Trio came to his counter and stood in front of him, Tulsidas was so engrossed in his love for making the paste for his Rama that he doesn’t look up!


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Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with morality and the principles of right and wrong. It is a complex and multifaceted subject, and there is no single definition of ethics that is universally accepted. However, most people would agree that ethics is concerned with the study of what is good and bad, right and wrong, and how we should live our lives.

Ethical theories are different ways of thinking about what is right and wrong. There are many different ethical theories, but some of the most common include virtue ethics, deontology, and consequentialism.

Virtue ethics is a theory that emphasizes the importance of character and virtue. According to virtue ethics, the right thing to do is the thing that a virtuous person would do. A virtuous person is someone who has the right character traits, such as courage, honesty, and compassion.

Deontology is a theory that emphasizes the importance of duty and obligation. According to deontology, the right thing to do is the thing that is our duty or obligation. A duty is something that we are morally required to do, even if it is not in our own self-interest.

Consequentialism is a theory that emphasizes the consequences of actions. According to consequentialism, the right thing to do is the thing that will have the best consequences. Consequentialists believe that we should always act in the way that will produce the most good and the least harm.

Ethical dilemmas are situations in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. In an ethical dilemma, we are faced with two or more Options, each of which has both good and bad consequences. There is no easy way to resolve an ethical dilemma, and we must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.

Ethical decision-making is the process of making decisions that are in line with our ethical beliefs. There are a number of different steps involved in ethical decision-making, including identifying the problem, gathering information, considering the options, making a decision, and acting on the decision.

Ethical Leadership is the ability to lead others in a way that is ethical and responsible. Ethical leaders set a good example for others, and they make decisions that are in the best interests of all stakeholders.

Business ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide business behavior. Business ethics is important because it helps to ensure that businesses operate in a way that is fair and just.

Environmental ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide human interactions with the Environment. Environmental ethics is important because it helps to ensure that we protect the environment and live in a sustainable way.

Medical ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide medical practice. Medical ethics is important because it helps to ensure that doctors provide care that is in the best interests of their patients.

Legal ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide the practice of law. Legal ethics is important because it helps to ensure that lawyers provide legal Services that are in the best interests of their clients.

Professional ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide the practice of a profession. Professional ethics is important because it helps to ensure that professionals provide services that are in the best interests of their clients.

Research ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide research. Research ethics is important because it helps to ensure that research is conducted in a way that is ethical and responsible.

Social ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide social interactions. Social ethics is important because it helps to ensure that we interact with others in a way that is fair and just.

Global ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that guide interactions between people from different cultures and countries. Global ethics is important because it helps to ensure that we interact with people from other cultures in a way that is respectful and understanding.

Religious ethics is a branch of ethics that deals with the moral principles and standards that are found in religious texts and traditions. Religious ethics is important because it helps to guide people’s lives in a way that is consistent with their religious beliefs.

Ethics is a complex and important subject. It is important to understand the different ethical theories and how they can be applied to different situations. It is also important to be able to make ethical decisions in a way that is fair and just.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about ethical teachings:

  • What is ethics?
    Ethics is the study of morality and the principles of right and wrong. It is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of good and evil, and the rules and principles that govern human behavior.

  • What are the different types of ethics?
    There are many different types of ethics, but some of the most common include deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics. Deontology is based on the idea that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. Utilitarianism is based on the idea that the right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Virtue ethics is based on the idea that the right action is the one that is in accordance with the virtues of a good person.

  • What are some ethical principles?
    Some common ethical principles include honesty, Integrity, respect, fairness, and compassion. These principles are often used to guide our decisions and actions.

  • What are some ethical dilemmas?
    An ethical dilemma is a situation in which there is no clear right or wrong answer. In these situations, we must weigh the different options and choose the one that we believe is the most ethical.

  • What are some ethical codes?
    An ethical code is a set of rules or principles that guide the behavior of members of a particular group or profession. Ethical codes are often used to ensure that members of a group or profession behave in a way that is ethical and responsible.

  • What are some ethical issues in business?
    Some common ethical issues in business include bribery, discrimination, insider trading, and environmental pollution. These issues can have a significant impact on the businesses involved, as well as on the people and communities that they affect.

  • What are some ethical issues in healthcare?
    Some common ethical issues in healthcare include informed Consent, patient confidentiality, and euthanasia. These issues can be difficult to resolve, as they often involve competing values and interests.

  • What are some ethical issues in research?
    Some common ethical issues in research include the use of human subjects, animal testing, and the publication of research findings. These issues can be complex and controversial, and they require careful consideration.

  • What are some ethical issues in the environment?
    Some common ethical issues in the environment include Climate change, pollution, and deforestation. These issues can have a significant impact on the planet and its inhabitants, and they require urgent attention.

  • What are some ethical issues in technology?
    Some common ethical issues in technology include privacy, security, and Artificial Intelligence. These issues can have a significant impact on our lives, and they require careful consideration.

  • What are some ethical issues in Social Media?
    Some common ethical issues in social media include cyberbullying, privacy, and fake news. These issues can have a significant impact on our lives, and they require careful consideration.

  • What are some ethical issues in artificial intelligence?
    Some common ethical issues in artificial intelligence include bias, safety, and control. These issues can have a significant impact on our lives, and they require careful consideration.

  1. Which of the following is not a principle of ethical teaching?
    (A) Do not harm others.
    (B) Be honest.
    (C) Be fair.
    (D) Be kind.

  2. Which of the following is an example of a moral dilemma?
    (A) You are walking down the street and you see a man drop his wallet. Do you pick it up and return it to him, or do you keep it for yourself?
    (B) You are in a car accident and you are the only one who survives. Do you tell the police that you were driving drunk, or do you lie and say that the other driver was at fault?
    (C) You are offered a job that pays very well, but you know that the company is involved in unethical practices. Do you take the job, or do you look for another one?

  3. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a good person?
    (A) Honesty
    (B) Kindness
    (C) Compassion
    (D) Selfishness

  4. Which of the following is not a characteristic of a bad person?
    (A) Cruelty
    (B) Greed
    (C) Selfishness
    (D) Honesty

  5. Which of the following is the most important thing to remember when making a moral decision?
    (A) The consequences of your actions
    (B) The intentions behind your actions
    (C) The laws of your society
    (D) Your own personal beliefs

  6. Which of the following is not a way to improve your moral character?
    (A) Practice being honest.
    (B) Practice being kind.
    (C) Practice being compassionate.
    (D) Practice being selfish.

  7. Which of the following is the best way to resolve a moral dilemma?
    (A) Talk to someone you trust about it.
    (B) Think about the consequences of your actions.
    (C) Follow your conscience.
    (D) All of the above.

  8. Which of the following is not a way to help others?
    (A) Volunteer your time.
    (B) Donate to charity.
    (C) Be kind to others.
    (D) Hurt others.

  9. Which of the following is the most important thing to remember when helping others?
    (A) Do it without expecting anything in return.
    (B) Do it because you want to make a difference in the world.
    (C) Do it because it is the right thing to do.
    (D) All of the above.

  10. Which of the following is not a way to make the world a better place?
    (A) Be kind to others.
    (B) Volunteer your time.
    (C) Donate to charity.
    (D) Hurt others.