What are moral codes and ethics for Hindus?
Hindus place greater emphasis on the attitude of the mind rather than on postulation of the elaborate theories of what is right and what is wrong. Hindu religion is very flexible and tolerant. It gives certain guidelines for moral behavior and expects that a good Hindu will follow them. Morality proceeds from the inner spirit of man. In Hindu view, one’s motive is as important in the performance of an action as the action itself. When the heart is pure and free from lust and greed, whatever one does to perform one’s duties has a high moral value. Harmlessness to all creatures is the highest morality. There are four sources of right conduct: 1) Vedas 2) The Smriti (secondary scriptures) 3) The conduct of wise persons 4) Individual’s own judgment. – In times of confusion and crisis regarding what is right and what is wrong, one’s own conscience is the sole guide. “In times of doubt, one must decide using one’s own good sense.” An individual is ultimately responsible for his own actions,
