Ethics in Indian Philosophy For Civil Service Exam
Ethics has been a core concern of Indian philosophy for thousands of years. Unlike Western philosophy, which often separates religion, morality, and logic, Indian philosophy views ethics as an inseparable part of life and spirituality.
👉 For Indians, ethics is not just about “right or wrong” but about how to live a good life, achieve harmony in society, and move towards moksha (liberation).
🔹 Central idea: In Indian thought, ethics = Dharma (righteous duty).
Meaning of Ethics in Indian Philosophy
- Ethics = guiding principles for a good life.
- In Sanskrit, the term closest is Nīti (moral conduct) and Dharma (duty, righteousness, law of the cosmos).
- Ethical life is about:
- Self-control (Indriya-nigraha)
- Duty towards others (Seva, Ahimsa)
- Spiritual progress (Moksha)
👉 Thus, Indian ethics is duty-based (Deontological), not merely pleasure-based.
Ethical Foundations in Indian Philosophy
1. Concept of Dharma
- Dharma = righteousness, duty, moral law.
- It varies according to age, stage of life, and role in society.
Example:
- For a student (Brahmacharya), dharma = learning, discipline.
- For a householder (Grihastha), dharma = earning honestly, raising family.
- For rulers (Kshatriyas), dharma = protection of people, justice.
2. Purusharthas – Four Goals of Life
Indian philosophy defines four goals (Purusharthas):
- Dharma – righteousness, duty
- Artha – wealth, prosperity
- Kama – desires, pleasures
- Moksha – liberation
👉 Ethics means balancing these four.
- If Artha and Kama are pursued without Dharma, corruption arises.
- If only Dharma is pursued without Kama/Artha, life becomes incomplete.
Flowchart: Purusharthas (Four Goals of Life)
(Insert Flowchart Here: Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha → Balance = Ethical Life)
3. Law of Karma
- Every action has consequences (moral cause-effect law).
- Good deeds → punya (merit).
- Bad deeds → paap (sin).
- Karma teaches responsibility and self-accountability.
Example:
- Speaking truth leads to trust and respect.
- Dishonesty creates suffering in present and future.
4. Ahimsa (Non-Violence)
- A central principle in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
- Not harming any living being in thought, word, or deed.
Example: Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent movement for freedom was rooted in Ahimsa ethics.
Ethics in Major Indian Philosophical Schools
1. Hindu Philosophy
- Emphasis on Dharma, Karma, Moksha.
- Bhagavad Gita: Teaches “Nishkama Karma” (selfless action without desire for reward).
👉 Example: Arjuna’s dilemma in Mahabharata = Should he fight his relatives? Krishna guided him that duty (dharma) is higher than personal emotion.
2. Buddhist Ethics
- Focus on compassion (Karuna) and non-attachment.
- The Noble Eightfold Path: Right view, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
👉 Example: A Buddhist monk practices simplicity, avoids harm to any being, and speaks truth.
3. Jain Ethics
- Strictest form of Ahimsa (even avoid killing insects).
- Five great vows (Mahavratas):
- Ahimsa (non-violence)
- Satya (truth)
- Asteya (non-stealing)
- Brahmacharya (celibacy)
- Aparigraha (non-possession)
👉 Example: Jain monks sweep the path before walking to avoid killing tiny insects.
4. Charvaka Ethics (Materialist School)
- Rejected dharma, karma, and moksha.
- Believed in “live happily, even if you have to borrow”.
- Ethics here = pleasure-based.
👉 Example: Enjoy life through food, wealth, and relationships since no afterlife exists.
5. Nyaya and Vaisheshika Ethics
- Emphasis on truth, logic, justice.
- Wrong actions lead to suffering, right actions lead to liberation.
6. Vedanta Ethics
- Based on Upanishads.
- Teaches that all beings are one (Advaita – “Tat Tvam Asi” = You are That).
- Ethics = seeing unity of life → compassion for all.
👉 Example: Feeding the hungry is equal to serving God.
Comparison of Ethical Systems in Indian Schools
| School | Ethical Focus | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hindu | Dharma, Karma, Moksha | Arjuna’s duty in Gita |
| Buddhist | Compassion, Middle Path | Noble Eightfold Path |
| Jain | Ahimsa, Non-possession | Jain monks’ vows |
| Charvaka | Pleasure, materialism | Borrow & live happily |
| Vedanta | Oneness of soul | Service to others as service to God |
Ethical Concepts Highlighted in Indian Philosophy
🔹 Truth (Satya) – foundation of Dharma.
🔹 Ahimsa – highest virtue.
🔹 Self-restraint – control of desires.
🔹 Compassion (Karuna) – welfare of all beings.
🔹 Seva (Service) – serving others selflessly.
Modern Relevance of Indian Ethical Thought
Even today, Indian ethics guides governance and personal life.
- In Politics – Gandhiji’s Ahimsa inspires peace movements worldwide.
- In Administration – Dharma reminds civil servants to act in public interest.
- In Business – Aparigraha (non-greed) inspires corporate social responsibility.
- In Personal Life – Karma encourages us to act responsibly.
Case Studies
Case 1: Gandhiji and Ahimsa
Gandhi applied ancient Indian principle of Ahimsa to fight colonialism. His success proved ethics can be a political weapon.
Case 2: Buddhist Compassion in Healthcare
Modern hospitals inspired by Buddhist ethics focus on palliative care and empathy.
Case 3: Jain Ethics and Environment
Jain principle of Aparigraha promotes sustainability and minimalism in today’s consumer-driven world.
Key Takeaways
🔹 Ethics in Indian philosophy is duty-based (Dharma) rather than rights-based.
🔹 Central principles: Dharma, Karma, Ahimsa, Moksha.
🔹 Different schools give different paths, but goal is welfare of all and liberation of self.
🔹 Modern governance, law, and personal life still reflect these timeless ideas.
Conclusion
Ethics in Indian philosophy is not abstract theory – it is practical wisdom for life. It combines spiritual discipline, social responsibility, and personal morality.
👉 For Civil Service aspirants:
- Ethics in Indian thought teaches integrity, compassion, and duty – values essential for civil services.
- By following Dharma and practicing selfless action, a civil servant becomes not only an efficient officer but also a moral leader in society.
Thus, Indian philosophy reminds us:
“A good life is not just about success, but about righteousness (Dharma).”