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Upanishads-The Bedrock Of Indian Culture (Upanishads And Indian Value Systems)

By Super
Upanishads And Indian Value Systems

The Vedanta Kesari, p. 583-587, December 2007

Let us begin by referring to the well-known first verse from the Isha Upanishad:

'All this is for habitation by the Lord, whatsoever is individual universe of movement in the universal motion. By that renounced thou shouldst enjoy; lust not after any man's possession.'2

This verse is the quintessence of the Vedantic vision of the all-pervasive divinity hidden behind the apparent world of names and forms, out of which spring all cultural values such as the ones discussed above. This idea leads to treating everyone with a sense of respect. This explains the Hindu's respectful attitude for all life forms including plants and animals. This is a recognition of the divine spark hidden in everyone. Not only this respect for life but also all the values that have shaped the Hindu world view like Ahimsa (non-injury), Satyam (truthfulness), Brahmacharya (continence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) and Asteya (non-stealing) can be seen to originate from this vision.

Indeed, one cannot injure any other living being if one feels the spark of divinity trying to express itself through that life form. This is true basis of Ahimsa or non-violence. One cannot utter a falsehood if one understands the very nature of the Divine as Sat (Truth-Existence). Hence the insistence on Satya or truthfulness. One cannot steal because it violates the law of Dharma or mutual well-being and infringes on the rights of other living beings who also aspire for happiness.

In fact this verse from Isha Upanishad quoted above makes a special reference to this value—'lust not after any man's possession'. Similarly, since the Self transcends all duality, any distinction of sex is irrelevant, and there can be no carnal desire for one who moves in Brahman. A man of chastity or self-control is said to be following Brahmacharya (one who lives in Brahman').The Rishis perceived this all-pervading divinity as Ritam (cosmic order) and Dharma (social order). Ritam or cosmic order refers to the existence of certain laws and principles which govern the whole universe. And Dharma is the recognition of an eternal and divine law for the individual and social well-being.

Thus, the Upanishadic vision of the Ultimate Reality, and how it underlies all spiritual and moral values, forms the foundation of all value systems. These value systems permeate all the cultural forms and attitudes prevalent in India today. Indian culture and Upanishads are inseparable. The recent debate in London centered around the temple bull Shambo infected with bovine tuberculosis is an interesting example of the Indian world view born of the Upanishadic vision. Though there were many arguments against putting it to death, it had to be done after considering many medical reasons. It only highlights the Indian community's inherent piety for sacred animals which is a natural corollary of the value systems mentioned above.

It is unfortunate that some of the narrow evangelical and pseudo-scientific elements fail to appreciate this cross-cultural difference. While the Christian evangelists continue to trivialise these Indian attitudes, a section of the American scientific community levelled a shocking allegation attributing the origin and spread of mad-cow disease to the immersion of dead bodies in the Ganges! Indians need not feel apologetic or intimidated by such attempts for the Upanishads are an infallible source of support for our belief systems. Recognizing the Upanishadic idea of oneness of existence makes one truly considerate and kind.

It would not be an exaggeration to add that even many of the social and political institutions too have been influenced by the lofty thoughts of the Upanishads. Openness and acceptance is the hallmark of the Upanishads. This one sees reflected in many spheres of activities in India. Despite its many ups and downs, India owes its 60 years of democracy and free elections to the cultural ethos of debate and consensus born again of the Upanishads.

To be continued..


About the author

Pramod Kumar


His close association with the Ramakrishna Order (1997-2000) laid the foundation for his spiritual life. He has learnt Yoga, meditation and Vedanta systematically with the Vivekananda Study Circle IIT-Chennai. He has also done an introductory study of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a detailed study of the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads under Swami Brahmeshananda, a senior monk of the Ramakrishna order...

Story first published: Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 12:19 [IST]
Read more about: ahimsa dharma ritam