The Evolution of Moral Codes Across History

  The Evolution of Moral Codes Across History

Morality, which encompasses the rules and principles guiding acceptable behavior within a society, has always been a cornerstone of social order. These moral codes, however, are not static; they evolve with changing historical and environmental conditions. The standards of right and wrong that once held firm in one era may shift dramatically in another. The reasons for such changes can be traced back to different modes of survival and the demands of society at different stages of development.

In early human history, during the hunting and gathering stage, survival was the primary concern. Traits like pugnacity, brutality, and greed were considered advantageous as they enabled individuals to hunt, defend territory, and ensure the group's survival. Sexual readiness was also seen as a valuable trait to promote the continuation of the population. The moral code of this era was thus aligned with behaviors that facilitated these needs, rewarding those who could best navigate the harsh demands of life.

As human society transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, a significant shift in moral values occurred. The agricultural lifestyle, which involved growing crops and domesticating animals, required different qualities from its members. Traits such as industriousness, regularity, and thrift became more valuable, as the ability to maintain steady work patterns and accumulate resources was critical to survival. War and violence, once necessities in the hunting stage, became less desirable, as peace and stability were needed for the cultivation of land.

With agriculture, the family unit also underwent a transformation. The importance of raising children increased, as they were vital contributors to farming labor and the continuation of family wealth. This shift in priorities led to a new set of moral expectations centered around early marriage, monogamy, and large families. In Europe, for approximately fifteen hundred years, the agricultural moral code promoted divorceless monogamy, encouraging couples to stay together and raise multiple children within a single marriage.

However, the advent of the Industrial Revolution brought another major change in society's economic and social systems. The shift from agrarian economies to industrial production altered not only the ways people worked but also the underlying values that guided behavior. New moral philosophies emerged in response to urbanization, the growth of factories, and changes in the social structure. The traditional virtues associated with rural life, such as thrift and industriousness, began to evolve to fit the needs of a rapidly developing industrial society.

In an industrialized world, where mass production and consumerism became central, values like efficiency, individualism, and material success gained prominence. The role of the family also shifted, with the nuclear family model becoming more common in urban settings. These new conditions necessitated different moral standards to address the realities of industrial life, as traditional agricultural values were no longer sufficient to navigate the complexities of modern society.

Overall, the evolution of moral codes illustrates how human values are intricately tied to the social and economic circumstances of the time. As societies progress and transform, their moral frameworks must adapt accordingly to remain relevant and effective in promoting social cohesion.

 

 India's View of 'Mother as the First Guru' and the True Purpose of Education: Cultivating Duty and Reverence for All Beings

 
The concept of existence is deeply rooted in the belief that nothing which exists can cease to exist, and that which does not exist cannot suddenly come into being. This scientific and philosophical truth underscores the idea that our existence as individuals is owed to our mothers, while our existence as living beings is linked to Mother Earth. Although our physical forms and identities may change over time, the essence of existence itself is eternal. This unchanging reality is what ancient wisdom refers to as "Swaroopa," defined as "Sad-chid-ananda" – existence, consciousness, and bliss.

Swaroopa represents our eternal and unchanging reality, while our attachment to the body and mind leads us to mistakenly identify with a changing existence. This fundamental misunderstanding is often referred to as ignorance. True education should help us recognize this ignorance, and instead cultivate a deeper awareness of our interconnectedness. The concept that "the whole world is our family" emerges from the realization that, at the level of existence, we are all one.

 

According to Indian wisdom, the process of education, religion, and upbringing should aim at self-development, enabling individuals to discover their Swaroopa through virtuous living, righteous actions, and fulfilling one’s duties (kartavya). The goal is to recognize and realize our true nature as "Sad-chid-ananda." From an early age, individuals should be taught to respect this subtle yet profound reality – the oneness of all existence. Reverence towards our mothers, Mother Earth, and the entire creation as manifestations of the divine helps to expand the mind and develop an understanding of our shared essence.

In exploring the true nature of Swaroopa, it is essential to differentiate between the temporary forms we take on and our inherent nature. The body, mind, and intellect (BMI) are ever-changing and therefore cannot represent our true Swaroopa, which remains eternal and unchanging. Consciousness, or spirit, is the essence that enlivens the body and mind, while the body and mind themselves undergo cycles of birth, existence, and death. As such, the temporary identity associated with the body and mind is not our real self.

To illustrate Swaroopa, one can consider the nature of substances such as sugar, salt, or water. Despite their different forms and appearances, their intrinsic qualities – sweetness, saltiness, and being H2O, respectively – remain unchanged. Similarly, our true essence as consciousness is unchanging, even though we may manifest through various forms and identities. Ancient Indian philosophy has long recognized this reality, arguing that while our physical forms are temporary, our underlying existence is eternal.

Indian traditions propose that education should be a journey of self-reflection and purification of the mind, encouraging practices like righteous living, selflessness, and the recognition of divinity in all forms of life. Such self-development aims to help individuals rediscover their Swaroopa through consistent practices and actions that align with higher truths. By integrating work as worship, seeing divinity in parents, teachers, and guests, and embracing life as a process of spiritual growth, individuals can purify the mind and come closer to understanding the concept of Swaroopa.

 

The practice of self-awareness is key to liberating oneself from the mind's habitual patterns and biases. It enables individuals to go beyond their limited ego and experience a deeper connection with the true Self. As one learns to recognize this unchanging inner essence, it becomes possible to perceive the same consciousness in others, fostering love and unity. The recognition that we are all one at the level of awareness reinforces the timeless truth that existence itself never ceases, even if its forms and expressions may vary.

IF HE EXIST

 I drive joy there was a doctor in Benaras who spent 7 minutes in the morning and evening for mediation on God. Knowing this, his colleagues and friends laughed at him. One day they argued that he was wasting 7 precious minutes on something, which he had been misled into believing. The doctor replied, “Well, if God does not exist, I agree that I am wasting 7 minutes a day. But, if He exists? I am afraid you are wasting your entire lifetime. I prefer to waste 7 minutes rather than a lifetime. Why should you grudge me the 7minutes joy that I derive 4m.-

ILLUSTRATED REVIEW :7^th heaven moment of the week England women t20 team won by 7 wk England beat Pakistan scoring 802/7 and india beat Bangladesh in 3^rd odi scoring 297