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Significance of Right conduct

Right conduct is a fundamental concept across various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and others. It encompasses ethical and moral behaviors that facilitate personal development, societal respect, and the pursuit of enlightenment or liberation. Right conduct guides individuals to act in harmony with established ethical principles, promoting well-being and moral integrity. Actions aligned with right conduct not only foster self-control and consideration for others but also form essential components of spiritual paths and teachings across these traditions.1
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Synonyms: Moral conduct, Ethical behavior, Proper conduct, Ethics, Morality, Integrity, Virtue, Righteousness, Rectitude, Uprightness, Honor, Moral behavior

In Dutch: Juist gedrag; In Finnish: Oikea käytös; In Spanish: Conducta correcta; In German: Richtiges Verhalten; In Swedish: Rätt beteende; In Malay: Kelakuan yang betul; In French: Bonne conduite; In Swedish: Rätt uppförande

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Right conduct'

Buddhism Books

Right conduct in Buddhism emphasizes adhering to ethical behavior and moral precepts, guiding individuals, especially Bhikkhus, towards virtuous living and spiritual development, ultimately aiding in the pursuit of enlightenment and societal harmony.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga

(1) Behavior that is deemed proper and correct for Bhikkhus on probation according to the Buddha's teachings.[1] (2) The appropriate behavior that a Bhikkhu should exhibit after the Tajjaniya-kamma has been carried out.[2] (3) The appropriate and ethical behavior that is expected from a Bhikkhu, especially in the context of undergoing the Tassapapiyyasika-kamma.[3] (4) The correct or proper behavior expected from a Bhikkhu within the context of the Tajjaniya-kamma.[4] (5) The proper behavior or actions a Bhikkhu must adhere to after the Ukkhepaniyakamma has been applied, ensuring compliance with the rules and respect for the monastic community.[5]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The moral actions that align with ethical and virtuous living, a key theme in the debate between Uddalaka and the chaplain.[6] (2) The principles of ethical behavior that the wise individuals understand and exemplify in their lives.[7]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara

(1) Behaviour that aligns with moral principles and ethical guidelines.[8]

From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka

(1) The expected behaviors and practices for monks as outlined by the Lord.[9]

From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)

(1) Adhering to ethical behavior and moral precepts as outlined in Buddhist teachings.[10]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) Behaviors that align with moral and ethical principles, crucial for both spiritual development and societal harmony.[11] (2) Actions and behaviors that are morally sound and virtuous.[12]

From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra

(1) Moral actions that align with the precepts of the Dharma, leading individuals towards enlightenment.[13]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) The moral behavior and ethical practices that one must follow to achieve true religion and enlightenment.[14] (2) Actions taken in accordance with ethical and moral principles, which aid in leading a fulfilling life and attaining enlightenment.[15]

Hindu concept of 'Right conduct'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Right conduct encompasses ethical guidelines for righteous behavior, particularly emphasized in Brahmanas. It includes adherence to moral principles from the Vedas, promoting personal welfare, societal respect, and alignment with dharma for positive outcomes.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Ordinary acts of courtesy, such as offering worship to persons coming to one’s house.[16] (2) A moral and ethical behavior that leads to various positive outcomes, including longevity, desirable children, and inexhaustible wealth, while also destroying negativity or inauspicious elements.[17] (3) The moral and ethical behavior expected of individuals, particularly Brahmanas, whose neglect is viewed as a contributor to death.[18] (4) Following moral principles and righteous behavior, which, along with faith and absence of jealousy, can lead to a long life.[19] (5) The conduct of good men, which reflects a cultured and morally correct course of action.[20]

From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra

(1) A required quality in Brahmanas, emphasizing appropriate and righteous behavior.[21]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) Behavior that aligns with moral and ethical standards, which is essential for personal development.[22]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) Ethical actions and behaviors that lead to personal welfare and societal respect, as prescribed in the Shastras.[23]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Ayurveda (science of life):
Ayurveda Books

From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)

(1) The set of behaviors and practices deemed appropriate for preserving one's well-being, mental state, and spiritual integrity.[24]

From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)

(1) An ethical guideline that includes smoking as an essential item.[25]

Ayurveda is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ayurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: The Sarva-Darsana-Samgraha

(1) The disciplined behavior that arises from possessing right faith and knowledge, guiding one away from harmful actions.[26]

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)

(1) The ethical framework that guides actions and intentions, considered as synonymous with 'good' in this context.[27]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Jain concept of 'Right conduct'

Jainism Books

Right conduct in Jainism encompasses ethical behavior that aligns with right belief and knowledge. It promotes moral actions, such as non-injury and truthfulness, essential for spiritual progress and liberation from karmic influence.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) Right-conduct (caritra) involves the abandonment of censurable activities and encompasses vows such as non-injury, truthfulness, honesty, chastity, and poverty, leading to moksha.[28] (2) A form of behavior that aligns with ethical and spiritual principles, which is instrumental in the attainment of enlightenment.[29] (3) Living according to ethical principles and moral values, established by the Master in alignment with the five vows.[30] (4) The ethical and moral behavior expected of individuals, which Nandishena’s karma was obstructing due to the fruit of pleasure.[31] (5) Desistence from censurable activities, regarded as a crucial path for ascetics and householders.[32]

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Behavior characterized by the absence of passions like attachment, which prevents the commission of injury (himsa) even in situations where injury could occur.[33] (2) The third component of the ratnatraya, important for the practice of the teachings in daily life.[34] (3) Behavior that is consistent with the path to liberation.[35] (4) Behavior that aligns with right belief and is essential for progressing on the spiritual path.[36] (5) Behavior and actions that are based on correct knowledge, leading to the shedding of karmic influence. This includes avoiding activities that cause attachment and worldly existence.[37]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) Moral behavior that is expected but absent in both humans and animals during the duhsama phase.[38] (2) Actions that are aligned with correct understanding and knowledge, leading to positive outcomes.[39]

From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)

(1) A moral and ethical behavior that aligns with the teachings of the Law and is characterized by discipline and self-control.[40] (2) The behavior or actions deemed appropriate or virtuous within the context of ascetic living.[41]

From: Naladiyar

(1) The correct way of behaving, associated with virtue and moral actions.[42] (2) The proper behavior that is expected from those born into a high-status family.[43]

From: Acaranga-sutra

(1) The adherence to moral principles that guide one's actions towards self-control and consideration for the wellbeing of others.[44] (2) The appropriate or moral behavior one should adhere to in life, as suggested by the sage.[45]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) The actions stemming from right belief and knowledge, which lead to the liberation of the soul from Karman.[46]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Right conduct in local and regional sources

History Books

Right conduct encompasses ethical behavior rooted in Buddha's teachings, promoting societal welfare through integrity, moral principles, and respect for life. It emphasizes alignment with divine wisdom, natural laws, and the fundamental principles of Dharma-Vijaya.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Behaving according to moral principles; synonymous with Dharmam, or ethical actions guided by truth.[47] (2) Ethical behavior that aligns with Buddha's teachings and contributes to the welfare of society.[48] (3) A fundamental principle of Dharma-Vijaya emphasizing moral behavior.[49] (4) Behavior in alignment with principles and rules prescribed by nature, viewed as morally good.[50] (5) An ethical principle urging individuals to practice what they preach and maintain integrity between belief and action.[51]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is a concept that involves doing good and being good, representing a focus on ethical behavior and moral actions, as emphasized in Gautama's teachings, to guide individuals.[52]