Significance of Moral conduct
Moral conduct encompasses the principles and behaviors expected from individuals to align with ethical standards across various traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, and Buddhism. It involves interactions rooted in compassion, righteousness, and adherence to duty (dharma). Different texts highlight moral conduct as crucial for personal integrity, social harmony, and spiritual development. This concept guides actions in diverse contexts, from religious practices to everyday life, ensuring that individuals contribute positively to themselves and society while seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Synonyms: Ethical behavior, Moral behavior, Virtuous conduct, Righteous conduct, Ethics, Integrity, Virtue, Righteousness, Rectitude
In Dutch: Moreel gedrag; In Finnish: Moraalinen käytös; In Spanish: Conducta moral; In German: Moralisches Verhalten; In Swedish: Moraliskt uppförande; In Malay: Kelakuan bermoral; In French: Conduite morale
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Moral conduct'
Moral conduct in Buddhism encompasses ethical behaviors essential for spiritual development, aligning with Dhamma teachings, guiding personal actions, and adhering to principles of compassion and virtue, crucial for practitioners, particularly monks, on their path to nirvana.
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) Adherence to ethical behaviors, which made Citta a suitable candidate for the devas' wish to be a Universal Monarch.[1] (2) The ethical behaviors and practices that bhikkhus should adhere to, reflecting their commitment to the Buddhist path.[2] (3) The ethical behaviors reinforced by the Buddha to secure a flourishing mental environment, compared to securing a field against threats to crops.[3] (4) The ethical behaviors prescribed by the Buddha that must be adhered to by a noble bhikkhu.[4] (5) The adherence to ethical precepts that allows bhikkhus to undertake the Saraniya Practice successfully.[5]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) A fundamental quality emphasized in the verses, relating to the ethical behavior praised by the wise.[6] (2) The ethical behavior and principles that guide actions in accordance with Dhamma.[7] (3) Behavior aligned with ethical principles as taught in the Dhamma, significant to the teachings of the Buddha.[8] (4) Behaviors and actions that adhere to ethical principles, which are crucial for one being worthy of the stained cloth.[9] (5) The adherence to ethical behavior; it is founded on love and compassion (metta and karuna) and aims to cultivate fearlessness and security among living beings.[10]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The behavior aligned with ethical principles that the Bodhisatta seeks to enforce among his subjects to prevent harm and promote virtue.[11] (2) The ethical behavior and adherence to spiritual principles that are emphasized in the teachings received by Mittavindaka's parents.[12] (3) The ethical behavior practiced by those on a spiritual path, emphasized by the Bodhisatta as essential for personal development and guidance of others.[13] (4) Behavior that aligns with ethical standards and encourages virtue, central to the teachings in the story.[14]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks� rules)
(1) The ethical behavior expected of those on a spiritual path which includes the avoidance of harm to others.[15] (2) Behavior that aligns with the values and ethical guidelines set forth within the Patimokkha rules.[16]
From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga
(1) The behavior and ethical principles that govern a Bhikkhu's actions, regarded as essential for leadership and respect within the Samgha.[17] (2) A topic preached by the Blessed One that encompasses ethics and behaviors in accordance with Buddhist teachings.[18]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The ethical standards that guide the behavior of monks, as highlighted in the teachings and interactions between the Lord and his followers.[19]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) Adhering to ethical principles in one's behavior, especially relevant for monks in the context of community living.[20]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) Behavior that aligns with ethical and virtuous principles, emphasizing the importance of morality alongside knowledge.[21]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The ethical behaviors and responsibilities that are necessary to qualify as a brahmana, according to Vasettha.[22]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ethical principles (shila) that guide one's actions positively towards achieving nirvana, contrasted against the dangers of wealth and misdeeds.[23] (2) Moral conduct encompasses behaviors and actions that conform to ethical standards, which are influenced by one's understanding of the dharmas.[24] (3) Represented by the term 'shila', it is one of the foundational practices in Buddhist ethics.[25]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) The ethical behavior and practices that are emphasized throughout the story, especially concerning the lives of the characters.[26] (2) A set of rules and ethical guidelines that individuals, particularly in the context of Buddhism, are encouraged to follow.[27]
From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines
(1) The adherence to ethical principles and behaviors that guide the training of the bodhisattva and are essential for their spiritual progress.[28]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The ethical behavior expected of practitioners to align with the teachings of the Buddha, crucial for spiritual advancement.[29]
From: Lotus Sutra (Saddharma-Pundarika)
(1) The ethical behavior encouraged in followers of the Tathagata to lead a life aligned with spiritual development.[30]
Hindu concept of 'Moral conduct'
Moral conduct in Hinduism encompasses ethical behavior aligned with principles of righteousness and Dharma, guiding individuals in rituals, community interactions, and personal growth while emphasizing compassion, integrity, and adherence to sacred texts for spiritual advancement.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Behavior that adheres to ethical principles and guidelines as outlined in scriptures.[31] (2) Behavior that aligns with ethical standards, expected from the king.[32] (3) Behaviors and actions aligned with ethical principles and spiritual teachings.[33] (4) The behavior aligned with ethical principles and spiritual teachings that guide a person towards righteousness.[34] (5) The ethical behavior expected from individuals especially in the context of rituals and communal gatherings.[35]
From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)
(1) The ethical behavior that is maintained through adherence to duty (dharma) and the realization of higher knowledge and wisdom, central to the teachings found in the Gita.[36] (2) Rules and principles governing human behavior towards others and the duty to act with integrity, as discussed in the Gita and other scriptures.[37]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) Behavior that aligns with ethical principles and promotes righteousness.[38]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Guidelines and principles governing the ethical behavior and actions of an individual, particularly highlighted in the context of treating others.[39] (2) Refers to the ethical behavior and actions of corporeal beings as observed by celestial entities.[40] (3) Behavior that aligns with ethical standards, particularly concerning sexual relations as outlined in the provided text.[41] (4) The overarching theme that discusses ethical behaviors in the context of dietary practices and interactions with deities and ancestors.[42] (5) The ethical behavior expected of the student towards their teacher, emphasizing respect and absence of malice.[43]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The ethical behavior and values exhibited by a person, essential in choosing a marriage partner.[44]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Sadacara, or proper conduct that serves as an ethical guideline for one's actions and responsibilities.[45] (2) Refers to ethical behavior and proper actions expected within spiritual and social contexts.[46]
From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya
(1) Behavior based on established ethical standards, which Thakur Haridas stated falls short without reference to Krishna.[47]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Pertains to actions of body and speech that should be disciplined as part of pursuing health and well-being.[48]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The ethical behavior that guides actions, which, in Hindu societies, lacked a common codification like the Ten Commandments.[49]
From: Kamashastra Discourse (Life in Ancient India)
(1) The principles and guidelines about right and wrong actions that individuals must adhere to in their personal and social lives, particularly as outlined in the Dharma literature.[50]
Jain concept of 'Moral conduct'
In Jainism, moral conduct embodies ethical behavior in interpersonal interactions, guiding individuals to uphold principles of non-violence, truthfulness, and respect for all living beings, reflecting a profound commitment to spiritual development and social harmony.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) The behavior expected from individuals that aligns with ethical principles, especially in the context of interactions with others.[51]
The concept of Moral conduct in local and regional sources
Moral conduct encompasses the ethical standards influencing human behavior, emphasizing non-violence and peace in Indian thought, fostering unity and progress, and is shaped by cultural teachings and historical practices, reflecting ideals in Hinduism and Buddhism.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The standard of behavior that is linked to poetic experience and aesthetic sensibility in Indian thought.[52] (2) The ethical standards guiding human behavior, where non-violence and peace are held as the ideal in both Hinduism and Buddhism, yet differing in practical applications regarding war and aggression.[53] (3) Behavior guided by principles of right and wrong, rooted in ethical beliefs and cultural teachings.[54] (4) Behavior that promotes unity and progress, aligned with the principles of divine justice and the intrinsic values of humanity, forming the basis of true morality.[55]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A term referencing the lack of ethical behavior observed among the priests in Po-lu-lo.[56]