The Gita’s Ethics (A Critical Study)
by Arpita Chakraborty | 2017 | 59,351 words
This essay studies the Ethical Teachings of the Gita, as presented in the Mahabharata in the form of a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. Ancient Indian ethics as evolved from the Vedas developed through the Upanisads, the Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana and finally reached the Dharma-Shastras such as the Manusmriti. As the means to liberation, the e...
11. Six Philosophical Systems
The most important period and age of flowering of Indian ethics was the period known as that of philosophical systems. Indian philosophical systems can be classified as astika, or those following the prescriptions of the Vedas and nastika or those which are against Vedic philosophy. The former class includes the six systems of philosophy such as Nyaya and Vaishesika, Samkhya and Yoga, Uttar Mimamsa and Purva Mimamsa. The six systems accept the ethics of the Upanisads and the Gita in toto and add some more means for the attainment for the realization of the ultimate end of self realization or God realization. Every system of Indian philosophic thought gives us a practical way of reaching the Supreme ideal. Though we begin with thought, our aim is to go beyond thought to the decisive experience.