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.,
Sri Aurobindo was a philosopher, yogi, and revolutionary who lived in India from 1872 to 1950. He is best known for his work on Integral Yoga, a system of spiritual practice that integrates the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the human being.
Aurobindo’s ethical values are based on his belief in the oneness of all life. He taught that all beings are interconnected and that we should treat others with love and compassion. He also believed that we should strive to live in harmony with nature and to work for the betterment of all.
Aurobindo’s ethical values are still relevant today. They can help us to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. They can also help us to create a more just and peaceful world.
Here are some of Sri Aurobindo’s ethical values in more detail:
- Truth: Aurobindo believed that truth is the highest value. He taught that we should always strive to speak the truth, even when it is difficult. He also believed that we should seek the truth in all things, both within ourselves and in the world around us.
- Non-violence: Aurobindo was a staunch advocate of non-violence. He believed that violence is never justified, and that it only leads to more violence. He taught that we should always strive to resolve conflict through peaceful means.
- Love: Aurobindo believed that love is the most powerful force in the universe. He taught that we should love all beings, regardless of their race, religion, or social status. He also believed that we should love ourselves unconditionally.
- Freedom: Aurobindo believed that freedom is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. He taught that we should always strive to be free from all forms of bondage, both physical and mental. He also believed that we should respect the freedom of others.
- Equality: Aurobindo believed that all beings are equal, regardless of their race, religion, gender, or social status. He taught that we should treat all beings with respect and dignity. He also believed that we should work to create a more just and equitable society.
- Justice: Aurobindo believed that justice is essential for a healthy and fulfilling society. He taught that we should always strive to uphold justice, both for ourselves and for others. He also believed that we should work to create a more just and equitable world.
- Peace: Aurobindo believed that peace is the highest goal of human existence. He taught that we should always strive to live in peace with ourselves, with others, and with nature. He also believed that we should work to create a more peaceful world.
- Beauty: Aurobindo believed that beauty is a reflection of the divine. He taught that we should appreciate beauty in all its forms, both in nature and in art. He also believed that we should strive to create beauty in our own lives.
- Harmony: Aurobindo believed that harmony is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. He taught that we should always strive to live in harmony with ourselves, with others, and with nature. He also believed that we should work to create a more harmonious world.
- Unity: Aurobindo believed that unity is the ultimate goal of human existence. He taught that we are all one, and that we should strive to live in unity with each other and with the universe. He also believed that we should work to create a more united world.
- Progress: Aurobindo believed that progress is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. He taught that we should always strive to improve ourselves, both individually and collectively. He also believed that we should work to create a more progressive world.
- Spirituality: Aurobindo believed that spirituality is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. He taught that we should always strive to connect with the divine within ourselves and in the world around us. He also believed that we should work to create a more spiritual world.
- Divinity: Aurobindo believed that divinity is the ultimate goal of human existence. He taught that we are all divine, and that we should strive to live in our divinity. He also believed that we should work to create a more divine world.
Aurobindo’s ethical values are a powerful guide for living a meaningful and fulfilling life. They can help us to create a more just and peaceful world.
Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about ethical values:
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What are ethical values?
Ethical values are principles that guide our behavior and help us make decisions about what is right and wrong. They are based on our beliefs about what is important in life and what we want to achieve. -
Why are ethical values important?
Ethical values are important because they help us live a good life. They provide us with a moral compass that helps us make choices that are in line with our beliefs and values. They also help us build strong relationships with others and contribute to a better society. -
What are some examples of ethical values?
Some examples of ethical values include honesty, Integrity, respect, compassion, and fairness. -
How can we develop ethical values?
We can develop ethical values by Learning about them, practicing them, and reflecting on our own behavior. We can also learn from the examples of others who live by strong ethical values. -
What are some challenges to living by ethical values?
One challenge to living by ethical values is that it can be difficult to know what is right and wrong in every situation. Another challenge is that it can be difficult to stand up for what we believe in when it is unpopular or difficult to do. -
What are some benefits of living by ethical values?
Some benefits of living by ethical values include a sense of inner peace, strong relationships with others, and a positive impact on the world. -
What are some Resources for learning more about ethical values?
Some resources for learning more about ethical values include books, articles, websites, and religious texts. We can also talk to people who we admire and who live by strong ethical values. -
What are some ways to promote ethical values in our society?
Some ways to promote ethical values in our society include teaching them in schools, talking about them in our communities, and modeling them in our own lives. We can also support organizations that are working to promote ethical values.
Sure, here are some MCQs on the topics of ethics, morality, and values:
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Which of the following is not a characteristic of ethical behavior?
(A) It is based on principles that are considered to be right or good.
(B) It is motivated by a desire to do what is right.
(C) It is consistent with the laws and norms of society.
(D) It is always easy to do. -
Which of the following is not a characteristic of moral behavior?
(A) It is based on a sense of right and wrong.
(B) It is motivated by a desire to do what is good.
(C) It is consistent with the laws and norms of society.
(D) It is always easy to do. -
Which of the following is not a characteristic of values?
(A) They are beliefs that guide our behavior.
(B) They are often shared by members of a group or society.
(C) They can be either positive or negative.
(D) They are always easy to follow. -
Which of the following is not a way to develop ethical behavior?
(A) Learn about different ethical theories.
(B) Reflect on your own values and beliefs.
(C) Make decisions based on what you think is right.
(D) Do what is easy, even if it is not right. -
Which of the following is not a way to develop moral behavior?
(A) Learn about different moral codes.
(B) Reflect on your own sense of right and wrong.
(C) Make decisions based on what you think is good.
(D) Do what is easy, even if it is not good. -
Which of the following is not a way to develop values?
(A) Learn about different value systems.
(B) Reflect on your own beliefs and priorities.
(C) Make decisions based on what you think is important.
(D) Do what is easy, even if it is not important. -
Which of the following is an example of ethical behavior?
(A) Telling the truth, even when it is difficult.
(B) Helping someone in need, even if it is inconvenient.
(C) Standing up for what you believe in, even if it is unpopular.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is an example of moral behavior?
(A) Being kind and compassionate to others.
(B) Being honest and trustworthy.
(C) Being responsible and reliable.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is an example of a value?
(A) Honesty.
(B) Compassion.
(C) Responsibility.
(D) All of the above. -
Which of the following is not a benefit of ethical behavior?
(A) It can help you to build trust and respect with others.
(B) It can help you to feel good about yourself.
(C) It can help you to live a more fulfilling life.
(D) It can help you to avoid legal problems. -
Which of the following is not a benefit of moral behavior?
(A) It can help you to build strong relationships with others.
(B) It can help you to feel good about yourself.
(C) It can help you to live a more meaningful life.
(D) It can help you to avoid social disapproval. -
Which of the following is not a benefit of having values?
(A) They can help you to make decisions in difficult situations.
(B) They can help you to stay on track when faced with temptation.
(C) They can help you to live a more consistent life.
(D) They can help you to feel good about yourself. -
Which of the following is not a way to promote ethical behavior?
(A) Set a good example for others.
(B) Talk about the importance of ethics.
(C) Encourage others to do the right thing.
(D) Reward people for ethical behavior. -
Which of the following is not a way to promote moral behavior?
(A) Set a good example for others.
(B) Talk about the importance of morality.
(C) Encourage others to do the right thing.
(D) Punish people for immoral behavior. -
Which of the following is not a way to promote values?
(A) Set a good example for others.
(B) Talk about the importance of values.
(C) Encourage others to live by their values.
(D) Force others to adopt your values.