Hinduism – Moral Decisions

Learning Objectives

To understand how Hindus make moral decisions.

To understand the key Hindu concepts of dharma and ahimsa.

How do Hindus make moral decisions?

Hindus use the word dharma to mean beliefs, teachings, actions and behaviours that keep the world running smoothly.

It refers to the duty a person has to do the right thing.

How do Hindus make moral decisions?

If you believe something, then it influences your decisions and your actions.

In Hinduism, there are some key beliefs and teachings that affect the ways that Hindus make decisions.

Put them all together, and you have a jigsaw for moral behaviour: dharma.

Dharma

Hindus can follow the examples set by the deities in some of the stories built up around them, and by seeking guidance from Hindu teachers.

Hindus believe that all our thoughts, words and actions generate positive and negative energies. This karma builds up to shape our next lifetime. Harming other beings creates bad karma.

Dharma

To create good karma, it is not enough just to do good: a person should try to be good. This means that, when you do a good deed, you should do it from a real desire to make life better.

Dharmasastras are Hindu texts that provide guidance on putting the dharma into practice. They provide teachings on how to live properly in the world.

Dharma

Hindus believe all life is sacred – human, animal and plant. All are created from God, and each is part of God.

Souls seek moksha – an end to rebirth and spiritual union with God. The creation of good karma leads a soul to moksha.

Hindus are prepared to learn from the wisdoms of their elders and put their advice into action.

Dharma

Hindus believe that prayer helps make wise decisions.

Hindus believe that everything is interlinked and interdependent.

Because all beings are interlinked and are part of God, Hinduism teaches ahimsa (non-violence) – the idea that harming any form of life harms life itself.

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian leader during the time Indians were trying to free themselves from British rule. He taught ahimsa to his followers.

He said, “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.”

Task

Watch these clips on Gandhi following ahimsa:

Gandhi's first protest (in South Africa) (4 mins)

Gandhi's salt march (History Channel) (4 mins)

Gandhi's salt march (Gandhi the film)(5 mins)

Task

Gandhi - “There are many causes that I am prepared to die for, but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.”

1. Do you agree with the idea of ahimsa? (in a general sense) Why?

2. Do you agree with Gandhi’s view on ahimsa? Give reasons to support your answer. Refer to the identification protest in South Africa and the Salt March in India