Hindu ethics

Questions of right and wrong considered according to Hinduism. Hindu ethics are taught by guidance from leaders and teachers (see guru), wandering holy men (sadhus), and sages (rishis). Some gurus are venerated, and may work miracles. Sacred scriptures also give guidance. Morality is taught through Hindu scriptures, for example the Ramayana. The scriptures prohibit murder, theft, adultery, and consuming alcohol, and promote kindness to others, respect for all life (ahimsa), vegetarianism, and respect for elders. There is no centralized religious authority, and the religion is held together by the duties of family and caste.

For Hindus, there are four goals in life: love or pleasure (kama), material wealth (artha), the path (dharma), and release from reincarnation (moksha). Dharma is based on sympathy, fairness, and restraint. Sin is to act selfishly instead of following dharma. Hindus aspire to equanimity and a sense of calmness (shama). Asceticism, the renunciation of physical pleasure, is a path taken by only a very small minority of Hindus. Some Hindus make daily worship and offerings to humankind, the needy, and to guests. Unexpected guests must be welcomed and fed.

Caste system The caste system in Hindu society dates from ancient times, and privileges those of a higher social class over others. Although the Hindu concept of dharma teaches fairness, the caste system can sometimes be used in ways that legitimize discrimination. Those at the bottom of the caste system (untouchables) often are unable to afford to take up their legal rights. For example, despite reserved places in schools for children of this caste, the children have to work to help maintain the family economy. The caste system also provides a social focus, and loyalties may be shown mainly towards one's own class and extended family. In cities and among westernized Hindus, caste divisions are breaking down because people from different castes are placed together in jobs.

Relations with others There is tolerance and acceptance of other religions in that pictures of figures from religions other than Hinduism (for example, Jesus, Guru Nanak, or Buddha) may be found on shrines. Leaving the religion, however, is considered not only to bring disgrace on the family, but to be impossible, as one is born a Hindu. Sikhism was a sect of Hinduism for 200 years, and Hindus may use Sikh scriptures, and Sikhs may worship in a mandir (Hindu temple). Tensions between the two religions are political rather than religious.

Family life Hindus are born into a network of relationships in which everyone protects and aids each other. Personal goals, such as individualism and self-expression, are considered less important than family goals. Money may be shared communally by all the relatives, and the whole family may help to run the family business. The four goals of life are balanced between earthly responsibilities and inner spiritual life. Once a man is married, he can perform certain religious rituals only permitted to married men, and becomes responsible for all other members of the family, young and old. Other members of the family have prescribed religious duties. Grandparents will study the scriptures and instruct grandchildren, while parents will perform the daily rites of worship, support, and provide for the children. Children must respect their elders, study, act without selfishness, and avoid disgracing their family. The Hindu concept of dharma teaches responsibility to one's caste and extended family.

Marriage and sexuality The 1955 Hindu Marriage and Divorce Act meant that women as well as men could initiate divorce, but it is rare for this to happen. Many Hindu women endure difficult circumstances to remain married, and can be considered to be subordinate to their husbands. Widows can legally remarry, but this may be discouraged. All jobs are legally open to both men and women, and women can own property. Weddings can incur great debts, because the bride's parents are obliged to provide a large dowry and pay for the celebrations. In 1985, a law in India prohibited the paying of dowries, but some form of giving still exists. Sexual relationships are regarded as acceptable only within marriage. Homosexuality is considered unacceptable for Hindus. Celibacy is an accepted part of the lives of those who choose it for religious reasons, but it is not an end in itself, or necessary for the fulfilment of Hindu goals.

Indian civil law legalized abortion in 1972. Traditionally it was considered a sin but has become widespread. The termination of female fetuses has become common, stemming from the belief that the practice alleviates the suffering caused later on by a society hostile to women. The system of paying a dowry has also influenced people to choose not to have daughters. Contraception is accepted, as is sterilization.

The body and physical care Some traditional drugs and alcohol have always been used for Hindu religious purposes, as part of ceremonies, to achieve particular religious states of consciousness. The recreational or immoderate use of drugs or alcohol is strongly frowned upon. Smoking tobacco in the presence of elders is considered to be extremely disrespectful, and smoking in public areas or on public services is banned in India. Tapas (extreme ascetic practices such as standing continuously for several years) are practised by a very small minority of Hindus to achieve renunciation of the physical world. The practice is not supported by the scriptures because it involves torture of the body, and is therefore an insult to God. The concept of ritual pollution is an important aspect of the practice of Hinduism. Things that might cause ritual impurity (as opposed to physical impurity) include contact with people of a lower caste, or contact with menstrual blood, childbirth, or death. Those people whose work brings them into contact with these things will become ritually impure; the impure state can be remedied, which usually involves a ritual immersion in water at a specified time after the event.

Suicide and euthanasia Because Hinduism teaches ahimsa (respect for all life), killing can only be used to defend a just cause. All life is seen to be sacred, but balancing this is the idea of one's dharma or path. If one belonged to the warrior class, for example, it would be one's duty to fight. Euthanasia is not acceptable to Hindus, although it is important to alleviate suffering as much as possible. Suicide to escape from suffering, however, is contrary to Hindu teaching. The concepts of dharma and karma make it important to accept and work through what life offers. However, Hindus have been known to fast to death or drown themselves for religious reasons.

Charity and wealth Hinduism teaches that giving (dana) should be done with no expectation of return. The possession of wealth is acceptable if it is used to help others, and not for the gain of power. Everything, including pleasure (kama), is to be enjoyed in moderation. Hindus are encouraged to earn material wealth through honest effort (artha). Dana brings good karma for the giver. Hindus feel they have a duty to care for the parents who brought them up, instructed, and provided for them, and elderly parents are usually cared for at home.

Suffering and evil Hindus believe that it is important to do good because ultimately all life is connected, and that by leading a proper life, one will achieve moksha (release from reincarnation). Although one cannot alter the karma of other people, Hinduism teaches a compassionate response to all suffering. The Bhagavad-Gita emphasizes the performing of actions without attachment to maya (the illusion that the physical world is important). Ignorance of the belief that the world is maya is considered to be at the root of evil. Hinduism distinguishes between natural evils such as death, illness, and disaster, and moral evils such as adultery or lying. Natural evils may be sent to punish people as part of their karma. Some Hindus believe that people who have had tragic deaths may become ghosts (bhuts) that cause evil to others. Suffering is seen as the result of sinful human action in this life or previous lives, but Hindus are responsible for relieving suffering, and it is bad for their karma if they ignore the suffering of others.

Animal rights and the environment The concept of ahimsa informs the Hindu attitude to environmental issues, which is worshipful rather than exploitative, and the world is regarded as a bountiful provider. The earth and life upon it is regarded almost as God's body. Many plants are considered sacred by Hindus. The banyan (bodhi) tree, part of the fig family, is thought to aid enlightenment. Other plants sometimes have special days on which they are worshipped. Some Hindus say prayers of respect to the goddess Earth every morning. Animals are sacred because many are vehicles of the gods. The concept of reincarnation (or the transmigration of souls) means that animals are thought to contain souls, just as people do. Cows are particularly sacred. They are looked on as the generous providers of milk, cream, and butter, and are symbols of the provision of the gods. They are also associated with Krishna. It is illegal in India to kill cows, and they wander the streets freely. Other aspects of the natural environment such as rivers, lakes, mountains, caves, and forests are considered to be sacred environments where people can be relieved of some of their sins.

Creation story There are many different Hindu creation stories, from the different Hindu scriptures. One of these is a tale of the primal man, Prajapati, who is sacrificed by the gods. The sky is made from his head, air from his navel, and the earth from his feet. His eyes become the sun and his mind the moon. From his mouth, Agni (the personification of fire) and Indra (god of the sky) appear. His breath is the sacred chants of the scriptures, and the four castes come from different parts of his body.