CHAPTER 1

INDIAN ETHOS – INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Evolution of Ethos- Definition of Ethos- Evolution of Ethos in India- Common Ethos in India, their characteristics – Glimpses of various religions.

1.0 Evolution of Ethos

Since time immemorial, philosophers have attempted to study human behaviour and to evolve a system of judging the right or wrong conduct of human beings. In the earlier period of history, cave men, as they were called, lived in groups and the group head decided the principles of right or wrong behaviour. As the civilization improved, people moved to different areas, and each group decided their own views on right or wrong behaviour. Nobody questioned whether right or wrong is really right or really wrong. Various customs, traditions or habits, developed over a period of time, were labeled as Ethos.

1.1 Definition of Ethos

The word Ethos is a Greek word, which means both an individual character so also a community culture. According to Webster dictionary, Ethos denotes “the characteristic spirit of culture, era or community”.

a) It is a part of the psyche of the community.b) It is related to the behaviour that is normal, spontaneous and

unplanned.c) It is something, which if imbibed in the workplace, will make it

stress-free and more productive.

d) Ethos are based on customs and traditions.e) They are neither judged right nor wrong.

1.2 Evolution of Ethos in india

India is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Therefore, in India, there are many Ethos, which may appear to be wrong to members of the other community in India as well as outside India. For example, the dowry system — the gifts given by the father of bride to the father of bridegroom out of love and affection, has recently been considered as illegal but still it is a part of Indian traditions and customs. Sati system is another tradition, wherein, after the death of the husband, the wife of the deceased is also burnt along with her husband. In some of the tribal communities, killing of the female child just after her birth was common. Though these customs were not good, they were a part of Indian Ethos; of course, the Government of India made laws against these customs and abolished them.

Also, people from Brahmin and Vaishya communities will not engage themselves in the leather business, as it is against the Ethos of their communities. In the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP), initiated by Government of India for eradication of rural poverty, many projects like leather tanning, poultry, etc., were conceived in villages where people from Brahmin and Vaishya communities lived. According to their Ethos, they cannot engage themselves in such professions, howsoever profitable they may be. The planners failed to understand these customs, traditions and psyche of the villagers. These projects violated local sentiments. Consequently, these projects faile

India is a land of many religions, which have different customs and traditions. They have different cultural norms, yet they co-exist harmoniously with each other. For example, Muslims are against idol worshiping, while Hindus worship idols. Even among Hindus, a sect of Jain community does not believe in idol worshiping. Also among

Hindus, their various deities have different temples. For each deity, form of worshiping is different. For example, some Hindus worship goddess Kali, to whom meat and wine are offered. Some Hindus believe in slaughtering animals as an offering to the god, while others totally detest it. With such diversity of customs and traditions, Indians have developed a sense of tolerance, respect, forbearance, humility, integrity, sacrifice and self-less service.

1.3 COMMON ETHOS IN INDIA

In spite of different outlooks developed by Indian communities, the following traits are common throughout India:

1) It is still generally a taboo in India for lovers or spouses to kiss or embrace each other in public.

2) Guests are always welcome, though to limited extent.3) Showing respects to parents, elders, teachers, etc.4) Offering alms to poor.5) God fearing - whatever may be the name of god.6) Marriage is considered to be a lifelong affair not only

between two individuals but also between two families.7) Children are well taken care of until they are married or

even after that.8) Relationship is considered to be of permanent nature.

Indians believe in “Sarva Dharma Sambhavana” - Equal Respect for Every Religion, whether Hindu, Christian, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, etc. These religions co-exist like seven colours in white colour. Additionally, Indian Ethos absorbed numerous enriching points from various religions. Indians believe in “Unity in Diversity”.

(Briefs of some religions are appended at Appendix- 1)

Indian ethos, basically, are based on Vedas, Upanishads, Shrutis and Puranas, which include Bhagwat Gita, Ramayana, etc. These epics were written thousands years back when there was no religion. Thus, Indian Ethos does not belong to any religion, but they represent the way of human life. They have universal appeal and are applicable to all the people of different religions, places, time, etc. According to Swami Vivekananda, “Indian Ethos serve ideas of honesty, integrity morality, etc”.

1.4 Characteristics of Indian Ethos

1) Know One self : In Indian Ethos, a great emphasis is placed on knowing oneself. It is emphasized that self is a part of supreme self “PARAM BRAHMA” or Supreme conscience. Supreme self is also known as Divine. It is also believed that divine qualities like integrity, honesty, patience, loyalty, forgiveness, compassion, self-less service are within us. Only these latent qualities in human beings are to be aroused through inner purification. This also indicates that every human being has immense potential for development and therefore, he must strive for excellence in the field of his choice. This results in inner motivation, and increases the productivity, not only in personal life but also in the society and the organization he serves.

2) Self Realization : Indian Ethos believe in individual development. Though all human beings are part of Supreme Self, they have to tap their dormant potential. They have to act accordingly and inculcate the divine qualities within themselves. Apart from higher productivity, it results in better effectiveness, peace, balance and harmonious growth in all spheres of life.

An individual has different role to play in life : (i) for self- good mental and physical health, to acquire power and prestige, to earn money, (ii) as father / mother, brother / sister, wife / husband, as a friend, relative, (iii) in office, as peer, junior, boss, etc. Indian ethos emphasize that each individual must have a balanced growth. An individual has to act to realise all the goals which an individual has set for himself.

CHARACTERSTICS OF A SELF- REALISED PERSON

Once Self is realized, it is believed that :

a) Self is constant delight (Anand)b) Self is eternal perfectionc) Self is entire self-sufficient (Poorna)d) Self is universal lovee) Self is importable and silent

The inward journey transforms a person from being ego-centric to socio-centric and finally to Cosmo-centric. According to Mahatma Gandhi, such a person believes in the concept of trusteeship. If such a person acquires millions of rupees, he will not spend all the money on himself like a ego-centric person. He will think that he is a trustee of the money sent by the God, and this is Cosmo-centric approach. A self-realized person may also keep a minimum sum for his basic needs and the rest of money he may use for the services of society, following socio- centric approach.

3) Self Management : Swami Vivekananda said : “If you cannot manage self, you cannot manage others”. Once self realization

comes, then self management is easily achieved, because it is said that once issues are identified, it is easier to find solutions to them. Self management also stresses not only on developing and managing skills, but also on all the inner divine qualities lying dormant within us. It also emphasizes self discipline and control. Accordingly, the individual thinks last about himself. Self management also implies to act voluntarily accordingly to ethics and not by force or by circumstances.

4) Holistic Approach : Indian Ethos also emphasize holistic

approach to life. It states that all living beings – humans and other living objects, like animals, insects, etc., are part of Supreme Soul. We must, therefore, live in harmony with each other.

5) Team Spirit : The Verse “ Om Sahana Vavatu, Sahnau Bhunaktu, Sahviryam Karvavahe, Tejasvina Vadhitamastu, Maa Vidvisha Wahe” gives the essence of Indian Ethos for team spirit. The Verse means : “may He protect us, may He help us to enjoy, may we work together, may our efforts be thorough and faithful, and may we never misunderstand each other”. The emphasis here is on team spirit. It suppresses I and believes in “We approach”.

6) Service Attitude : Indian Ethos believe in giving with humility. Service without ego is basic to Indian Ethos. Indians believe that we are only means, actual giver is Supreme Soul and we are grateful to the one who receives from us. Because he has given us a chance to have inner peace. Giving itself gives us peace and we should not expect anything in return. This also embodies the spirit of sacrifice or “Yagna” attitude.

7) Spirit of Sacrifice : Indian Ethos believe in sacrifice for the sake of others. In the 21st century, a person wants to acquire more and more for himself without bothering about others. This results in unhealthy competition and people resort to unethical means to acquire wealth, fame, position, power, etc. Needs become greed and the persons start developing satanic qualities, like anger, jealousy, hatred, etc. Organizational goals, which include family and social goals, are not taken into consideration and are put at the back burner. Human technology is misused to serve human ego. Indian Ethos demand that we should look from others’ perspective before we start fulfilling our needs, because all human beings are part of Supreme Soul. Also, we must be responsible for our action. If failure comes to us, we must internalize it and find out why we failed. If we succeed, we should give the credit to others, including God. This is a part of our responsibility and it builds team spirit. The Spirit of Sacrifice is also in the rituals of “Yagna”, wherein we offer our choicest material and prayers to God and offer “Prasad” to all the members of the community.

8) Chitta Shuddhi (Purification of Mind) : Indian Ethos believe in developing a pure mind, which implies purifying emotions, feelings, impulses, etc., the things which are related to heart. Christ has also said : “Blessed are those who are pure by heart”. Medical mystic Thomas Kepis states that a pure heart penetrates heaven and hell. Swami Vivekananda said that begin your work with pure body and mind. Mind purification should be given preference over body.

9) Unity in Diversity : In India, people from different religions have different rituals, customs and beliefs. They have different

life styles, yet they co-exist in India because of holistic approach that all human being are part of Infinite Self .

10) Tolerance : Indian listen and understand others’ point of view. They have respect for each other. It is a common sight to see Church, Mosque, Temple, Gurudwara, etc in the same neighbourhood. Also, people from different religions take part in various functions and festivals. Indians believe in “Live and Let Live”.

11) Peace : Basically, Indians are peace loving. Great Indian, like, Gautama Buddha, Mahavir Swami, Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda, etc have advocated peace for human beings. For many centuries, our scriptures have recommended Yoga (including Meditation and Contemplation) for peace of mind. Peace is tolerance based and stems from love for all and the idea of mutual coexistence.

12) Humanity : On the basis of belief that all living beings are part of Supreme Self. Indians have developed a humane approach to life.

13) Cooperation and Mutual Trust : God has designed human being on the principle of cooperation and thus, cooperation has become a way of life for a human being. If we look to a man, his all the organs (namely, ears, eyes, mouth, nose, lungs, nerves, etc) are designed to be cooperative with each other and sub-serve the main purpose of keeping the human body healthy and working properly. Each organ works on the basis of mutual trust and believes in giving. Cooperation is working

together, sharing the resources together, and getting the peace and happiness. The benefits of cooperation are as follow:

a) Promotes team work.b) Enables a person to view things from other’s viewpoint .c) Makes one less self centered by widening his area of

concern.d) Brings in concept of ‘US’ and ‘WE’ in our mind and dissolve

‘I’ and THEM’.e) Cooperation gives in happiness, everlasting peace,

friendship, lots of love and relationship.

14) Adopt and Adapt : Indian Ethos, right from earlier days, have adopted and adapted various traditions and customs from various civilizations. Through this process of absorption and assimilation, Indian culture has become rich and survived many turmoils.

ANNEXURE – 1

GLIMPSES OF VARIOUS RELIGIONS

BUDDHISM

Lord Buddha was born around 550 BC in Lumbini, in Nepal, as a prince named Siddhartha. Seeing the sorrow and despair of human being due to starvation, old age, diseases, death, etc., prince Siddhartha left his wife and son, and spent several weeks under Bodhi tree. Finally, he attained enlightenment and propagated a religion, called Buddhism. His followers were called Bhikshoos. They left their homes and established Sangha, an institution governed by the highest democratic principles. Buddhist philosophy preaches to avoid two extremes - life of self torture and life of luxurious living. It advocates middle path of self discipline through an eight-fold endeavour, consisting of the following:

Right understanding; Right aspiration; Right speech; Right conduct; Right vocation; Right effort; Right mindfulness; and Right concentration

Buddhism preaches to shed desires for pleasure, because desires for pleasure are the root cause of sorrow. Buddhism has laid down the following five concepts:

1. Ahimsa – Abstaining from any injury or harm to others, either through action, utterance, or inner thoughts.

2. Refraining from taking what does not belong to you. 3. Abstinence excessive indulgence in sense pleasures. 4. Refraining from falsehood and encouraging mutual trust and

understanding. 5. Abstinence from intoxicants

Buddha also stressed on the following:

(a)Universal love and friendliness(b) Compassion(c)Empathy and joy in giving happiness to others(d) Being impartial and having an equanimity of mind

JAINISM

Mahavir (Vardhamana) was the founder of Jainism. He was born around 540 BC. He was contemporary of Lord Buddha. He left his home in his twenties and gained enlightenment or “Jina”. Hence, the religion propagated by him is called JAIN. He was called 24th Tirthanker. Trithanker is one who guides the disciples along the right path. Jains believe that theirs is the earliest religion and Vedas contain reference of Thirthankers. Jains have two sects – “Shwetambers (white clothed)” and “Digambers (naked)”.

The principles of Jainism are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satyam (truthfulness), Astiya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy) and Aparigraha (non-covetousness). It teaches universal brotherhood and equality of all beings. The doctrines of Jainism can be summed up in the maxim “Ahimsa Paramo Dharam” (that is, non violence is the highest religion). All rules of conduct are based on the mercy, which has the following four forms:

1) To perform kind acts without expecting any reward.2) To rejoice at the well being of others.3) To sympathize with the distressed people.4) To pity the criminals.

Additionally, five gateways of knowledge are as follows:

i) Mati : That which comes through five sense organs. ii) Shruti : That which comes through listening from the

learned. iii) Avadhi : Recognition of the events of the past. iv)Mana Paryaya : Through what is in others’ thoughts.v) Keval : Pure, transcending all knowledge and precedes attainment of “Nirvana”.

Jains believe in the theory of “Papa” and “Punya”. Untruthfulness, unchastity, anger, attachment, hatred, envy, back-biting, hypocracy, etc, result in “Papa”; while doing service with sincerity results in “Punya”. Monks’ duties include forgiveness, humility, avoidance of intrigues and deceit in speech and action, simplicity, austerities, celibacy and being truthful.

The path of “Nirvana” is the attainment through right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, as indicated in the scriptures.

SIKHISM

Sikhism is a monoetheistic religion founded in 15th century in Punjab on the basis of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and ten successive Gurus. It is the fifth largest organized religion in the world. The system of religious philosophy and expressions has been traditionally known as ‘Gurmat’(Counsel of Gurus.) The teachings of ten Sikh Gurus and selected works of many devotees from diverse socio-economic and

religious backgrounds have been included in the holy scripture entitled ’Guru Granth Sahib Ji’.

1) The principle belief of Sikhism is faith in ‘Wahe Guru’-represented by the phrase ‘IK ONKAR’-meaning one god.

2) The essence of Sikh teachings is summed by Guru Nanak Ji in these words’ Realisation of truth is higher than everything in the world. Higher still is truthful living.

3) It emphasizes the principle of equality of all humans and rejects discrimination on the basis of caste, creed and gender.

4) It does not attach any importance to asceticism as a means of achieving salvation, but stresses on the need of leading life as a householder.

5) It emphasizes that god is shapeless timeless and sightless.

6) It believes in universality of God.7) It states that God is omnipresent and is infinite.8) It believes that God created the entire cosmos.9) It stresses thet God can be seen only from the ‘Inward

Eye’ or through the ‘Heart’10) Devotees must meditate to progress towards

enlightenment and reaching the ‘Supreme Soul’-The God

ISLAM

Mohammed, the founder of Islam was born in 570 AD in Mecca. At that time, Arabs were following a variety of religions, worshiped stone idols and sacrificed human being and animals to appease God. Mohammed

believed in one God – Allah and laid the foundation of Islam – submission to the will of God. It is a religion of self-surrender and following the commands of God. It believes in Universal Brotherhood of Man. The cardinal tenet of Islam is : “Except Allah, there is no other God and Mohammed is the Prophet. Some of the teachings of Islam are as follows :

(i) The true believer desires for others that he desires for himself.(ii) God will not be affectionate to those who are not affectionate

to God’s creatures.(iii) He is among the most favourites of God from whom, the

greatest good comes to His creatures.

(iv) The best of man is the one from whom, good accrues to all humanity.

(v) Feed the hungry, visit the sick and free the captive if he is unjustly confined to jail.

(vi) Assist any oppressed person.(vii) Love thy fellow beings first.(viii) Abuse no one and despise not anything good.(ix) Speak to thy brothers of good acts and kindness.(x) If a man reproaches you for what he knows in you, do not do

the same for what you know of him.(xi) He, who masters himself when angry, is the strongest person.(xii) Do not take up arms except in self-defence.

Islam is a religion of sacrifice. It strongly prohibits application of force for its observance. Abuse, anger, back-biting, blood shedding, bribery, dishonesty, drinking, envy, flattery, greed, hypocracy, lying, violence, wickedness, etc., are not appreciated. Virtues like, brotherhood,

charity, chastity, forgiveness, friendship, gratitude, humility, justice, love, modesty, truth, trust, etc., are appreciated.

These doctrines are well scripted in Quran, the Sonna, the Ijma, and the Qias. The true Muslim believes in the following:

God and his angels. Scriptures and the apostles. Resurrection and the day of judgement. God’s absolute decree.

Other duties of Muslims are as follows:

i) Praying (offer Namaaz).ii) Giving alms.iii) Keeping fast of Ramadan.iv) Haj-performance (pilgrimage to Mecca).

CHRISTIANITY

Christianity was founded by Jesus Christ. He was a Jew, born in Nazareth, a small town of Galiliee. Psalms of Old Testament inspired him. Initially, he learnt in the preaching of John, the Baptist at Jerusalem. Idea which he propagated was that “kingdom of God is within all of us”, similar to the one in Vedas. He was called “The Son of God” by his followers. Christians believe that, after his death, Jesus Christ was bodily resurrected after three days; this day is known as Easter Sunday. Jesus taught the following percepts:

1) Love of God.

2) Charity with mind and heart.3) Forgiveness.

3) No Covetousness4) Light of god dwells in every heart and therefore love thy

neighbour and love your enemy.5) Service to others-Devote your life in serving others at

the same time do your work with devotion,

BAHAIBahai faith was founded around 150 years ago by the saint Baha’u’llah. It has now spread all over the world because of its universal approach. It brings in new spiritual and social teachings in this modern age of materialism. It teaches oneness of all human being and all religion. The basic teachings of Bahai faith are as follows:1) All humanity is one family. 2) All man and women are equal.3) All divisive tendencies on the basis of race, religion,

caste, economics, etc., is destructive and must be overcome.

4) We must investigate truth for ourselves with open mind without any preconception.

5) Science and religion are in harmony with each other.6) Our economic problems are linked with spiritual

problem.7) The family and its unity are very important for eternal

peace and happiness.8) There is only one God.9) All major religions have come from one God.10) World peace is the crying need of our time.

JUDAISM

This is the religion of Jews. The Judaism was Started by Abraham, who lived in 2200 BC in Palestine. After the invasion of Palestine by Egyptians, the Jews went to Egypt and lived there miserably in poverty. Moses was born to Jewish parents. Seeing the sufferings of captivated Jews, he had a dream to unite all the Jews, give them a free nation of their own and their own God. To fulfill his dream, he brought all the Jews out of Egypt. At Mount Simai, he preached the following TEN COMMANDMENTS, which are the golden principles to lead a righteous life:

1) I am The Lord, Thy Lord, who has brought thee out of the land of Egypt and out of bondage. Thou shall not have any other God.

2) Six days thus shall labour and do all thy work.

3) Remember the Sabbath (the seventh day) and keep it holy.

4) What is hateful to thee, do not do it to thy fellowmen.

5) Thou shall not steal.

6) Thou shall not covet thy neighbour’s wife nor commit adultery.

7) Thou shall at all time show respect and reverence to your parents.

8) Thou shall not kill.

9) Thou shall not bear false witness.

10) Thou shall not take the name of the Lord- thy God, in vain.

………………….

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What do we mean by the following terms:

a) Ethos.

b) Ethics.

c) Self management.

d) Spirit of sacrifice.

e) Self – realization.

f) Chitt –Shuddhi.

g) Ultimate of human being

h) cooperation and its benefit.

2) What is Ethos. What are the common practices of Ethos in india.

3) What do we mean by Ethos. Describe their characteristics.

4) What are characteristic features of various religions practiced in India.