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Indian Value SystemIndian Value System
Ancient Indian philosophers did not neglect the social,the economic, and the emotional aspects of life. Acareful study of ancient Indian history would reveal thatthis country was materially progressive and economically
sound. Speaking of prosperity of India in ancient times,Radhakrishnan says, She knew how to carve stone,draw pictures, burnish gold and weave rich fabrics.
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She developed all arts, fine and industries, which furnishthe conditions of civilized existence. Her ships crossedthe oceans and her wealth brimmed over Judea, Egyptand Rome.
Her conceptions of man and society, morals and religionwere remarkable for the time. We cannot reasonably saythat the Indian people reveled in poetry and mythology,and spurned science and philosophy,
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On the other hand Indian ethics, instead of
analyzing the nature of good, lays down
practical means of attaining a life ofperfection here and now.
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RigVeda as well as Atharva Veda mentionhonesty, non-violence, truthfulness, modesty,agreeable speech, Brahmacharya (celibacy),
religious conviction, and purity of heart as theimportant virtues that are praiseworthy. Thesevery virtues are mentioned in the Bhagavadgitaas divine qualities. Thus the Vedic philosophylays emphasis on right conduct as the means ofthe development of the personality of theindividual. Hence in a way the ethics of theVedas is the ethics of right action.
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The existence of four major divisions
(Varnas) of society, viz. (i) the Brahmana,
the priestly class; (ii) the Ksatriya, theruling class, (iii) the Vaisya, the
professional class; and (iv) the Sudra, the
labouring class, is clearly indicated in
Vedic literature. The Vedic hymns refers tothe metaphysical and social nature of the
four major classes.
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TheThe Purusarthas(a balanced andPurusarthas(a balanced and
integrated view of life)integrated view of life)..
Wealth (Artha)becomes evil only when it is
misused on account of lack of wisdom. The
Upanishads repeatedly point out that everything
that is desired is desired for the sake of the self.
The concept of duty orDharma in the
Upanishads is not negative but out and out
positive. It does not command us to give up ,but
to always aiming at the spiritual goal and
subordinating all other desires to the strongest
desire, or love for God.
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The Upanishadic notion of Kama(desire)
is described as follows: Kama, which we are
asked to renounce, is not desire as such,
Natural desires and inclinations are the spring
board of all human actions. Therefore it is an
important human value.
To sum up, we may say that Artha, Kama,Dharma and Moksa are at the same time
essential methods for leading a meaningful life.
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Neither the path of indulgence (Pravirtti
Marga) nor that of asceticism (Nivirti
Marga ) is desirable. Indulgence in the
enjoyment of the pluralistic world without
insight into its spiritual basis is as harmful,
as equating good with evil without
recognition of pluralistic nature of theempirical world is disastrous.
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The highest goal, is not only the well being, ofhuman beings but of all the living creatures. Thefollowing Sanskrit verse sums up the Indianethical ideal.
Sarve bhabantu sukhinah sarve santuniramayah
Sarve bhadrani pasyantu makaschitdukhabhagabhavet.
May all be at ease; may all be sinless; may allexperience happiness; may none experiencesuffering.
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The Four Noble Truths (arya satya)
There is suffering (dukha)
There is cause of suffering (dukhasamudaya)
There is a cessation of suffering (dukha-nirodha)
There is a way leading to cessation ofsuffering (dukha-nirodha-gaminipratipat)
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The Eight-fold Path (Buddhism)
1) Right Resolve (sankalpa)
2) Right Intention (samyag drsti)
3) Right Speech (vak)
4) Right Action (karmanta)
5) Right Livelihood or right living (ajiva)
6)) Right Concentration (samadhi)
7) Right Effort (vyayama)
8) Right Mindedness or
Right Thought (smrti)
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Learning from GeetaLearning from Geeta
Chapter 1,2,3
One has to do his work only with selflessness.Doing no work is a sin
Chapter 4This says that while working dont bring egoism,impatience and greed. A person without self-respect can never do good job and remainunhappy.
Chapter 5This says that one should work withtransparency in work.
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Chapter 6
Lord Krishna has described complete yoga and its process of concentrationand happiness.
Chapter 8
In this chapter lord Krishna described three types of properties in a man or
his characterGuna
Satwik Guna(Pure)
Rajo guna ( Normal to live)
Tamo guna ( extra egoist)
Chapter 11
Emphasized on the YAGNA ,DAN and TAP means social responsibility.
Chapter 13
This chapter deals with factors required in a person to perform well i.e.Pardon,non-egoism,proudless and sweet speech,which is much needed inmanagemnet as a whole.
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Chapter-(14-16)
This chapter defines persons with proudness, egoismare said to the character of beast. Cruelty andgreediness has been described in such persons who live
for wealth .
Chapter 17
This chapter defines food habit in a person because foodintakes makes a difference in character of a person.
Chapter 18Deals with Karma that karta should remain neutral afterperforming his karm selflessly.
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The Teachings of JesusThe Teachings of Jesus
Violence
Jesus says:"You have heard that it was said,'eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell
you, do not resist an evil person. If someonestrikes youon the right cheek, turn to himthe other also."
Jesus says "Love your enemies." Some people
interpret this to mean that you should try to helpthem rather than harm them. Others say that anyneeded punishments should be left to God.
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WealthWealth
Jesus says:
"It is easier for a rope to go through the eye of aneedle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom
of God." It indicates that the only way a richperson can go to heaven is, in Jesus' words, to"sell everything you have and give to the poor."he says "do not store up for yourselvestreasures on earth",
He says "You cannot serve both God andMoney"
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NonNon--Marital RelationshipsMarital Relationships
Jesus says:
"ButI tell you that anyone who looks at a
woman lus
tfully ha
salready committedadultery with her in his heart.If your right
eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and
throw it away.It is better for you to lose
one part of your body than for your wholebody to be thrown into hell.
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Compassion and ForgivenessCompassion and Forgiveness
Jesus also had a very strong willingness toforgive. He believed that everyonedeserves another chance. A good
example of this is his teaching aboutturning the other cheek: Not only shouldyou instantly forgive a man who strikesyou on one cheek, but you should also
turn your other cheek to give him a chanceto see his error and realize the need toreform himself.
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