Ethical concerns

Karma and Dharma

Karma is the moral law of cause and effect. In Hinduism, it is believed that the consequences of one’s actions, good or bad, have an impact on their current life and future lives.
As a part of karma, Hindus have a strong sense of moral duty or dharma. This involves performing their roles in life correctly and responsibly, without selfish desires.
Dharma varies depending on the individual’s caste, gender, occupation, and age. By fulfilling their dharma, Hindus hope to gain good karma and progressively improve their situations in future lives.
The ethical implications of karma and dharma dictate how Hindus behave. As such, actions that lead to harm for others and disrupt social and cosmic order are considered unethical.

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

Ahimsa, or non-violence, is a fundamental ethical concern in Hinduism. It refers to an attitude of compassion and respect for all living beings.
The principle of ahimsa influences many aspects of Hindu life, such as a preference for vegetarianism, as eating meat is seen as inflicting harm on animals.
Ahimsa also informs ethical considerations on issues like war, capital punishment, and animal rights.

Varnashrama Dharma (Caste and Duty)

In Hindu society, the Varna system, often referred to as caste, is traditionally connected to one’s varnashrama dharma or roles and responsibilities.
The system includes four varnas: the Brahmins (priests and academics), the Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), the Vaishyas (farmers, merchants, and businessmen), and the Shudras (labourers).
Despite its historical and religious significance, the caste system has been subject to criticism and calls for reform, regarding it as discriminatory and unfair.
The concept of caste and the attached duties raise ethical questions around equality, rights, and social justice.

Practices and Rituals

Hindu ethical guidelines also inform religious rituals and practices, such as the rites of passage (samskaras), pilgrimage (yatra), and view towards sacred texts (shrutis and smritis).
Proper conduct during these practices is paramount and unethical behaviours or attitudes are believed to affect the efficacy of the ritual and the spiritual progress of the individual.
The care taken to ensure ethical conduct during religious practices underlines the importance of morality in everyday Hindu life.