Sramana Tradation

Author(s): G C Pandey
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 41

28
Šramana Tradition
outward behaviour, thus seeking to realize the ideal and idealize the real. At the social level this becomes a dialectical process between the moral ideas perceived and expressed by great minds and the concrete norms of institutional life. The development of the concept of Dharma shows a simultaneous development of both these aspects. On the one hand, the definition of ideal personality in terms of virtues becomes clearer and, on the other, the institutional regulation of behaviour is increasingly systematized and codified.
Early Vedic literature contains the first expression of Indian moral consciousness. Here we find much emphasis placed on will, choice and action and the necessity of directing them in accordance with the Cosmic Law or Rta. Rta is uncreated and eternal, the ground of all order in the created world. Gods themselves exercise their will in accordance with Rta, which is natural and spontaneous for them. The gods are the protectors of Řta in the created world. The human will must seek to follow this ultimate law which is discoverable through reason (dhi) since Rta or order is inseparable from Satya or Truth. Gods are wise and good and inspire the truth-seeking mind in accordance with Řta. Untruth (ansta), insincerity and treachery (droha), disorder (Nistti), these constitute the prime evil.
Rta is, to use mediaeval European terminology, not only the eternal law', it is also the principle of social ethics and the law of religious observances and ritual. Just as man owes a debt to the gods, has an obligation to serve them through religious rites and observances, similarly he has an obligation to serve his ancestors and the sages. Gods regulate life and nature and give inspiration and guidance. The sages intuit and reveal the truth and the Law and thus educate mankind. Man, thus, has a duty to acquire learning and maintain the educational tradition. Similarly the family tradition must be maintained so that the lineage of the ancestors continues. As a young Brahmacärin one must study the scriptures. As a mature householder one must bring up one's family, fulfil obligations to men and gods, indeed, to all creation. Here economic activity, social activity and religious activity, are all fused into one moral activity. As an old man one must
1. Rg. 10.85.1 -- Satyenottabhitā bhūmiḥ sūryenottabhita dyauḥ|