Week 2-Introduction to Indian Ethics.pptx

This Powerpoint presentation introduces learners to the foundational principles of ethics in the Indian philosophical tradition.

1. 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 1 "Introduction to Indian Ethics"  by  Rajshree Beneymadoo  is licensed under  CC BY-SA 4.0

2. Meaning and Nature of Ethics Ethics: study of right and wrong conduct In Indian thought, ethics is harmony with the cosmic order ( Ṛta ) Focus on self-discipline, social harmony, and Mokṣa (liberation) 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 2

3. Distinctive Features of Indian Ethics Rooted in spiritual and cosmic order ( Ṛta ) Integration of individual and social duties (Dharma) Teleological – aimed at Mokṣa (ultimate goal) Emphasis on Karma (moral causation) and personal responsibility 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 3

4. Sources of Indian Ethics Vedas and Upaniṣads – earliest moral foundations Bhagavad Gītā – synthesis of duty, action, and devotion Dharmaśāstras and Smṛtis – social and moral codes Epics ( Rāmāyaṇa , Mahābhārata ) – narrative ethics through role models 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 4

5. Key Ethical Concepts Ṛta – Cosmic Order ensuring harmony in universe Dharma – Moral duty and righteousness Karma – Law of moral causation (actions and consequences) Mokṣa – Liberation as the ultimate ethical aim 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 5

6. Individual and Social Ethics Individual ethics: moral purity, truth, compassion, self-control Social ethics: justice, cooperation, service ( Sevā ) Harmony between personal and societal duties sustains Dharma 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 6

7. Cardinal Virtues (Sadācāra) • Truth (Satya), Non-violence (Ahimsā), Purity (Śauca), Self-restraint (Dama) • Compassion (Dayā), Charity (Dāna), Forgiveness (Kṣamā) • Virtues guide conduct towards spiritual growth 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 7

8. Indian Ethical Ideal: Mokṣa Mokṣa is the Summum Bonum – highest good of life Ethical living purifies the mind for liberation All actions aligned with Dharma lead towards Mokṣa 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 8

9. Reflection and Discussion How does Indian ethics differ from Western moral philosophy? In what ways can Ṛta , Dharma, and Karma be applied today? 'Right action' as inner harmony – Discuss. 10/22/2025 Week 2 Ms Rajshree Beneymadoo Introduction to Indian Ethics 9