Personal Virtues | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Introduction

Hindus believe they have a moral obligation to act righteously and in ways that benefit others. By adhering to their personal dharma and the broader principles of Hinduism, individuals can make morally sound decisions. Cultivating personal virtues is a key aspect of following the correct dharma. These virtues are qualities that Hindus should nurture within themselves, aligning with three core guiding principles and including values such as ahimsa (non-harming), respect, empathy, self-control, humility, and love.

Ahimsa

• A fundamental principle in Hinduism is ahimsa, which translates to non-violence or harmlessness and is a virtue all Hindus are expected to uphold. This involves showing compassion by living in a way that avoids causing harm to others. 
• For instance, Hindus may practice ahimsa by donating to charities to support those in need. Living compassionately helps Hindus accumulate good karma, bringing them closer to the ultimate goal of moksha, or liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
• For many Hindus, ahimsa is considered the highest virtue, essential for achieving freedom from samsara, the cycle of birth and death. Respect for others is equally significant, as all living beings are believed to carry a fragment of Brahman, known as the atman, within them. This respect extends beyond humans to all living creatures.
• Hindus regard cows as sacred animals deserving of protection and respect. This reverence stems from the cow’s vital role in sustaining life, historically providing labor for agriculture and nourishment through milk and butter.
• Hindus are encouraged to embody empathy, love, and humility in all actions to ensure they are acting rightly. Empathy involves understanding others’ feelings and imagining oneself in their circumstances. 
• Humility is crucial, meaning that assistance to others should be offered selflessly, not for personal pride or recognition. For example, helping someone should be motivated by their need, not by a desire for self-satisfaction. Acting with humility contributes to earning good karma, enhancing the prospects of a better rebirth or achieving moksha. Conversely, helping others for selfish reasons generates bad karma, hindering spiritual progress.
• Hindus also recognize the importance of mastering their minds and senses to focus on spiritual rather than material desires. By prioritizing spiritual thoughts over materialistic ones, they maintain clarity on what truly matters. Controlling the mind and senses prevents attachment to worldly possessions.

The Bhagavad Gita (18.42–43) outlines qualities such as peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, wisdom, knowledge, and religiousness as essential traits for brahmanas, reflecting the virtues that guide their actions.