Ethics And Morality In The Mahabharata

"This book on Ethics draws upon the words of wisdom found in the Mahabharata, following the spirit of Bernard Williams' proposal that we look for inspiration for the modern-day ethical understanding in the ideas of the past. In elucidating the literary and religious meaning of the Mahabharata, the author probes for the ethical and epistemological truth it contains, in the frame of reference of the uniquely Indian variety of existentialism. In the process he has not only come to an understanding of the principle of morality, along with the relation holding among Satya (Factual Truth), Rta (Truth as Value) and Dharma (Righteousness in Conduct), but has come up with observations that shed fresh light on the analysis of the epic itself."--BOOK JACKET.

Here the collected papers explore the whole question of the relation between the mythopoetic and the moral in the context of the Mahabharata. Here we have a story of extreme complexity, characters that are unforgettable, and a cosmic context in which gods and men alike grapple with destiny. The obligations of kinship and friendship jostle with each other. The women characters, as in everyday life, seem to bear a very heavy load of the burden of life and to stand in a key position in almost every conflict. We are presented with predicaments at every turn. At times these predicaments seem to be aggravated by social structure. At other times they are cushioned by it. Philosophical tangles tied up with karma and dharma are interwoven with the mythopoetic material. Perhaps philosophical issues are pinpointed rather more than they are in Greek epic literature. The essays in this book treat the Mahabharata from an unusual angle, fastening on the moral dilemmas it presents. How universal are the dilemmas faced by the characters in the story, and are the dilemmas in fact resolved? In dealing with these questions, the discussions range over the meaning of the purusarthas, the institutions of marriage and the family, the concept of action in the Gita and the special predicaments faced by Draupadi, Arjuna and others. These studies invite the scholar to reflect afresh on the text and encourage the general reader to find in epic literature much that is relevant to life today.

Dive into the Mahabharata: A Timeless Exploration of Ethics, Morality, and the Human Condition The Mahabharata, a sprawling Indian epic, is more than just a thrilling tale of war and heroes. It's a profound exploration of ethics, morality, and the complex choices we face in life. Embark on a journey through this ancient world and grapple with timeless questions alongside its characters. Unveiling the Dharma: Delve into the concept of dharma, the cornerstone of the Mahabharata's moral framework. Witness characters like Yudhishthira struggle to uphold righteousness in the face of war and betrayal. Explore the complexities of duty, loyalty, and the consequences of violating dharma. Beyond War and Duty: Discover how the Mahabharata's ethical dilemmas transcend its epic battles. Contemplate the justifications for war, the role of deception in achieving a noble goal, and the power of forgiveness in the aftermath of tragedy. These themes resonate across cultures and time, offering valuable insights into navigating our own moral quandaries. Decoding the Mahabharata: Unpack the multifaceted characters who drive the narrative. Analyze the leadership styles of Yudhishthira and Dhritarashtra, and the impact of their choices on the course of the war. Explore the moral complexities of characters like Karna, torn between loyalty and righteousness. A Look at History and Legacy: Explore the Mahabharata's influence on Indian culture, literature, and philosophy. Witness how this epic has shaped artistic expressions, religious beliefs, and philosophical inquiry for millennia. Delve into the ongoing debates surrounding its historical accuracy and its portrayal of social structures. The Mahabharata for the Modern Reader: Discover how the Mahabharata's ethical questions remain relevant in today's world. Examine its insights on leadership, social responsibility, and the pursuit of a just war in the face of contemporary challenges. Engage with this timeless epic and find inspiration for navigating your own moral compass in an ever-changing world. Whether you're a student of history, philosophy, or simply captivated by epic tales, the Mahabharata offers a wealth of knowledge and a captivating journey.

An Analysical Study Of The Problem Of Dharma-Adharma, God And Human Action, Humanism, Morals, Womanhood Set. A Scholarly Work And The Moral Philosophy Of Mahabharata. 9 Chapters And An Index.

A study of an ancient Indian epic.

The Mahabharata, one of the major epics of India, is a sourcebook complete by itself as well as an open text constantly under construction. This volume looks at transactions between its modern discourses and ancient vocabulary. Located amid conversations between these two conceptual worlds, the volume grapples with the epic’s problematisation of dharma or righteousness, and consequently, of the ideal person and the good life through a cluster of issues surrounding the concept of agency and action. Drawing on several interdisciplinary approaches, the essays reflect on a range of issues in the Mahabharata, including those of duty, motivation, freedom, selfhood, choice, autonomy, and justice, both in the context of philosophical debates and their ethical and political ramifications for contemporary times. This book will be of interest to scholars and researchers engaged with philosophy, literature, religion, history, politics, culture, gender, South Asian studies, and Indology. It will also appeal to the general reader interested in South Asian epics and the Mahabharata.

A scholar of eminence in the field of Indian philosophy, Bimal K. Matilal was one of the leading exponents of Indian logic and epistemology. Painstakingly compiled from Matilal's huge body of work, this collection of essays includes a set of previously unpublished essays and reveals the extraordinary depth of Matilal's philosophical interests.