{"id":214,"date":"2018-01-31T12:22:31","date_gmt":"2018-01-31T12:22:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iskconeducationalservices.org\/HoH\/?page_id=214"},"modified":"2018-02-14T15:54:15","modified_gmt":"2018-02-14T15:54:15","slug":"important-virtues","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iskconeducationalservices.org\/HoH\/concepts\/core-values\/important-virtues\/","title":{"rendered":"Important Virtues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Important Virtues<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The following are twelve of the most important qualities listed in scripture. Naturally this list, and the priority given to each virtue, will vary from one tradition to another.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Ahimsa<\/em> (non-violence) \u2013 based on the concepts of atman and reincarnation.<\/li>\n
  • Mind and sense control \u2013 considered essential for any form of morality.<\/li>\n
  • Tolerance \u2013 necessary in order to deal with inconveniences in the performance of one’s dharma<\/em>.<\/li>\n
  • Hospitality \u2013 demonstrating magnanimity, and the value of service (seva<\/em>).<\/li>\n
  • Compassion \u2013 based on notions of atman<\/em>, and the ability to feel for others as we feel for ourselves.<\/li>\n
  • Protection \u2013 an essential duty is to give shelter to others, especially those less fortunate.<\/li>\n
  • Respect \u2013 for all living beings and for the sanctity of all life.<\/li>\n
  • Wisdom \u2013 knowledge is contrasted with ignorance, the Hindu equivalent of the “good -evil” paradigm.<\/li>\n
  • Austerity \u2013 essential to gain wisdom in addition to mere theoretical knowledge.<\/li>\n
  • Celibacy \u2013 important for spiritual life. Only one of the four ashrams<\/em> is permitted sexual gratification.<\/li>\n
  • Honesty \u2013 essential to build legitimate trust within relationships and to avoid self-deception.<\/li>\n
  • Cleanliness \u2013 includes external hygiene and inner purity; essential for brahmanas<\/em>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Personal Reflection<\/strong><\/h4>\n
      \n
    • What do we value in life? How much are our values determined by our own likes and dislikes \u2013 or even prejudices?<\/li>\n
    • Do we inordinately try to rationalise and justify our opinions, in order to defend them?<\/li>\n
    • Can we stand up for our values, but at the same time be prepared to re-evaluate them?<\/li>\n
    • How do we know what are worthy values? What are the criteria? Who do we think should determine them?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Related Practices<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      Most important for developing both knowledge and character are various moral restraints, such as sexual chastity and restraint from meat-eating, gambling, and intoxication. Such apparent needs are either given up completely or, especially in the lower varnas<\/em>, met in a regulated way.<\/p>\n

      Related Stories<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      Many, but especially from:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • The Mahabharata<\/em><\/li>\n
      • The Ramayana<\/em><\/li>\n
      • The Puranas<\/em><\/li>\n
      • The Panchatantra<\/em> and Hitopadesh<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Common Misunderstandings<\/strong><\/h4>\n

        The only Hindu value of note is ahimsa<\/em> (non-violence) and all moral issues can be effectively explored though it<\/strong>
        \nThere are hundreds of values and virtues listed in sacred texts. Many should be considered if we are to understand Hindu responses to a wide range of issues.<\/p>\n

        Scriptural Passages<\/strong><\/h4>\n

        “Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness \u2013 these are the natural qualities by which the brahmanas<\/em> work”<\/p>\n

        “Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the kshatriyas<\/em>.”<\/p>\n

        Bhagavad-gita<\/em> 18.42\u20133<\/p>\n

        See also: Bhagavad-gita<\/em> 13.8\u201312, 16.1\u20133.<\/p>\n

        Quote<\/strong><\/h4>\n

        “Allocating different standards to different people does not contradict the notion of common virtues, but is a means of ensuring that they are obtainable by everyone. Additionally, individuals may express the same values, such as selfless service, in quite different ways.”<\/p>\n

        lndriyesha Das<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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