Virtues to Acquire Higher Level of Spirituality in Hinduism

Sadachar (Critical Virtues)

      Hinduism provides great importance to some core virtues that every follower is expected to practice at all times. The scriptures are full with instances where the importance of these virtues has been established as practices for appropriate social behaviour. These are like sanskaras that are interpolated from very childhood so that these are ingrained as second nature for all Hindus. The following are some of the most important qualities listed in Hindu scriptures. There is no prioritization or grading for these virtues as these as without any compromise in behaviour for all Hindus irrespective of differences in their social status or stage of life or age, caste, class, gender variations, etc. A true follower of this great tradition is generally expected to conduct his life founded in these virtues.

Compassion

Ahimsa (Non-violence)

      In addition to incurring physical injury to all living being, it refers to each and every action or thought which, directly or indirectly, results in harm to others. Besides actions, speaking unkindly to any other human being or even getting a strong thought in the mind aimed at any type of harm to someone, qualifies as Himsa. As commonly understood, non-violence, is only but a very narrow meaning of Ahimsa. This concept is further explained in much greater details under the chapter on Yoga.

Sanyam (Mind and Sense Control)

      Sanyam will apply to outer and inner self-control of all the sense organs, all the action organs, the subtle organs of mind and intellect. The word 'Sanyam' is composed of the two Sanskrit roots zsam' and 'yam'. Sam means total and Yam is an important part of Yoga Sutras and is explained in detail under the chapter on Yoga. In short, it will mean exercising restraints on desires so that the mind remains pure to cultivate and develop positivity. Thus Sanyam will cover the total personality, expression, behaviour; all the dimensions of human nature. Sanyam works at various levels: first the sensorial level, second the mental level, and then at the psychic and spiritual levels. Sanyam, or the process of transformation, applies to each and every expression in life, including behaviour, attitude, speech and thought.

Sahishnuta (Tolerance)

      The core meaning of this virtue applies to readiness to bear or to deal with inconveniences in discharging swadharma (individual's own righteous obligation which changes with age and stage in life etc.). It is expected that human life will pose many situations where a person has to go through the hardships. Tolerance provides the strength to be unmindful of all difficulties coming in the way of discharging one's own responsibilities. Of late, this virtue is expanded to mean "sarvadharma sambhavna" the feeling of extending equal respect to the religious faiths of others. The other important phrase clubbed under this virtue is "Vasudheva kutumbkam" which literally means the whole earth is our own family. It arises out of our ability to exercise full tolerance for the peace and harmony among the societies in the world. Hinduism believes about the truth that somehow the whole world has to live together like a family. This is the reason why Hindus think that any power in the world, big or small cannot have its way imposed on others.

Atithi Satkar (Hospitality)

      The very word 'Atithi' means some one who is without any date, who is expected at any time without prior announcement. Offering hospitality to each and every guest is fundamental to Hindu culture and providing food and shelter to a needy stranger was a traditional duty of the householder. The key mantra of this virtue is "Atithi Devobhav" meaning that a guest is to be treated as God. It was especially important to extend hospitality towards Brahmins and Sanyasis. Our scriptures are full with stories regarding the benefits of offering a suitable reception even to an unannounced guest and the sins that accrue from neglecting one's guests. Tradition teaches that, no matter how poor one is, one should always offer three items: sweet words, a sitting place, and refreshments which may be only a glass of water. The flower garland is offered to special guests and dignitaries, as a symbol of welcome and regards.

Karuna (Compassion)

      The words used to convey this virtue include Daya, Karuna, Anukampa, Kripa, etc. Each of these may be explained to have meanings wider than each other's but in totality these all indicate a concerted effort by a person to extend his shoulder to mitigate the sorrows and difficulties of others. Focus is on treating the sorrows of others at par as one's own misfortune and then helping by taking as much efforts as possible to help the other person to overcome the same. Hinduism looks at compassion both as a value and as an essential attribute present in each human. The virtue of compassion is greatly helpful in creation of an all-inclusive society as it help in appreciating the pains of others and helps them find relief.

Sanrakshan (Protection)

      Extending full support to some one who comes calling on you in his hour of despair or extending support for some one who is weak to stand for his own rights is considered an essential obligation under Hinduism. This also extends to providing shelter to less fortunate people or even animals that are unable to arrange the same for them. It is under this virtue that one finds Hindu devotees providing or contributing for providing Goshalas or Dharmashalas or Raenbaseras.

Samman (Respect)

      Here a Hindu is expected to extend his mark of respect to every other living human being depending on the situation. The first of this mark is to greet each other with folded hands. Then it applies for children to bow and touch feet of their elders. Basic idea here is to show dignity, honour, esteem, reverence, deference or submission to the person coming in contact be it elders, be it due to gender, be it due to class, be it due to the person appearing a holy man, be it due to the profession of the person. Special attention is given to a teacher, learned person and elders of the family. The token of respect extends to other living beings like revering cow as mother provider. Respect is also given to things like a book which is not be touched by any portion of feet and always to be handled with respect. The core purpose is to signify uniqueness of the entity in front.

Brahmacharya (Celibacy)

      Hinduism provides great importance to following celibacy in all spheres of thoughts, words and deeds to attain higher level of spirituality. The definition of celibacy does not remain limited only sexual activity alone. While celibacy of thoughts and deeds is recommended all through the life, the sexual activity is permitted, only in Grihastha Ashram. In case of Grihastha Ashram also, the sex is advised for reproduction rather than gratification. The sexual conduct of any person even during Grihastha ashram must be well within the boundary of marriage.

Santosha (Contentment)

      Contentment is a virtue of remaining happy and satisfied with gratefully accepting whatever material abundance one is bestowed with. On one level, this gets connected to the virtue of doing one's job without expecting any thing in return but on the more important part this feeling gets linked to the happiness in one's life. Contrary to normal belief that money is synonymous with happiness, Hinduism, since the time immemorial, preached the virtue of Santosha as the key to happiness. It strongly provides that contentment leads to relaxation and positivity of attitude. Even scientifically it is proven now that money and happiness are only marginally related while positive attitude and satisfaction are substantially related with overall happiness. The key message here is "santosham param sukham" means satisfaction with what you have been given is the foremost pleasure. It is said that Goddess Laxmi of material abundance prefers to stay at the place of the satisfied person.

Swachhata (Cleanliness)

      In Hinduism, cleanliness is yet another important virtue. Swachhata include abstract state of mind being clean together with a dirt free space. Cleanliness has always been compared next to Godliness and that is why all Hindus must take a bath before entering temples for seeking blessings from their Gods. Puranas have included many stories asking for cleaning body before entering the temple. Taking bath is not limited to physical dust alone, for example taking a bath is also practised after visiting a funeral so that the thought process is purified.

      It is also linked to social living where all household, work place or public place is to be kept clean all the time. From ancient times, Hindus living in villages can be seen cleaning their open floors with pious cow dung. Cleaning of their homes, particularly well in preparing to celebrate Diwali each year, is believed by Hindus necessary for expecting good luck. Stories also link arrival of Goddess Lakshmi to their abode to stay with clean environment being considered as a precondition.

Sadhana (Meditation)

      Sadhana means daily spiritual practice. It is the foundation of all spiritual endeavours. Sadhana is personal and individual spiritual effort. It is the main tool one uses to work on self to seek ways and means to achieve the ultimate purpose of life, Moksha. It can be done alone or in a group. Sadhana is whatever you do consistently to clear your own consciousness so you can relate to the infinity within you. Recommended on daily basis, meditation helps in tuning up our nervous system.

      There are many practices to choose from and each individual is encouraged to find out his or her best suitable way by experimenting with alternatives available. Best advised time is Brahma muhurta, which basically means well before sunrise as the general environment is expected to be quiet, body rested after a good night’s sleep and mind comparatively free as the day's pressures of real life issues are still away. But if some one cannot rise early in the morning, any other time of the day may also be selected. Besides being a tool for spirituality seekers, many people are going for it even for instant results of energizing their daily schedule and maintaining positive attitude during tough conditions. Daily meditation goes a long way for enabling the person to remain in charge of his life on all planes and its regular practice is the key to achieving one's own spiritual objectives.

      Besides above eleven Virtues, there are few others which also are taken by various schools as main virtues. These will include Curiosity; Diligence, Flexibility, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Honesty Integrity, Modesty, Simplicity, Tranquility, Truthfulness and Wisdom. These all get mentioned in all Hindu scriptures specially Puranas and all Hindu followers are drawn to follow these in their day to day life situation to remain firm in Dharma.

      Every Hindu is expected to work on acquiring these virtues until such time that these become their second nature. Hinduism requires proficiency in all of these virtues as indispensable for the spiritual seeker. Knowledge and practice of the truthful and righteous way of living, will lead to the purity and fearlessness that is a prerequisite to the absolute bliss of Self Realization which is the ultimate purpose of every individual soul.