advaitin implications for ethics

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Earlier I had attempted to post this note as an attachment but it did

not attach, therefore I am including the text below... I was interested

in a response from those who are interested in the issue of the

implications of advaita for ethics.

 

Below Swami Sivananda sees the source of misery in "dualism" believing

that how we perceive the universe determines largely how we behave in

it... he makes some good points I think. If we regard ourselves as

apart and or better than the other, then we tend to behave accordingly,

thus reaping the fruits of our actions... seeing the other as truly

ourselves we can then "do unto others we would have them do unto us..."

So the Golden Rule is itself the result of identifying ourselves with

the other. The ethical teachings involve are also part of the Yamas in

the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali... Practise Ahimsa, non injury... Do not

hoard things... etc.

 

Swami Sivananda:

 

Man sees his own reflection in all people but foolishly imagines that

they

are different from him and he fights with them. He fights on account of

feelings of jealousy and hatred.

 

Spiritual discernment is what is most needed. Where there is duality,

by

virtue of ignorance, one sees all things as distinct from the self, the

atman. When everything is seen as the self, then there is not even an

atom

other than self. Duality is the root of misery. Realise non-dual

consciousness and you will attain bliss everlasting.

 

Your attitude to the universe should be the same as your attitude to

your

self. Man is a member of a great fraternity. Woman is the counterpart

of

man. Without self-control the new world order can have no lasting

strength

of character. He who is pure and self-controlled is always peaceful.

His

life is always successful.

 

 

 

 

 

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