Originally Posted by
ThouArt
Namaste:
Lord Krishna tells Arjuna even the most evil men will reach him if they are resolute in their heart. As a "new" Hindu my western upbringing (areligious) has always said that evil men were punished for their sins unless they repented and committed evil no more.
How is "evil" or bad deeds dealt within Sanatana Dharma? How does this affect the karma of the evildoer? Arjuna's duty was to fight a battle, (spiritually speaking) not merely to kill...am I taking this too literally? Please help me understand this fundamental (to me) concept.
Thank you, ThouArt
Dear ThouArt,
The prescription is never a static one in Sanatana Dharma. That causes some confusion to neophytes. But one common knowledge is that the ego is evil. Ego is the sense that I am this body different from all other bodies that I see.
For Advaita, there is no evil per se. But as reaching Advaita means knowing the Self (God) -- the highest goal itself, it is an ideal prescription/knowledge.
For those who are on the path there are recommendations called Yamas and Niyamas.
The Ten Yamas, Restraints for
Proper Conduct from the Vedas
1. Noninjury, ahimsa: Not harming others by thought,
word, or deed.
2. Truthfulness, satya: Refraining from lying and
betraying promises.
3. Nonstealing, asteya: Neither stealing, nor coveting
nor entering into debt.
4. Divine conduct, brahmacharya: Controlling lust by remaining celibate when single, leading to faithfulness in marriage.
5. Patience, kshama: Restraining intolerance with
people and impatience with circumstances.
6. Steadfastness, dhriti: Overcoming nonperseverance,
fear, indecision and changeableness.
7. Compassion, daya: Conquering callous, cruel
and insensitive feelings toward all beings.
8. Honesty, straightforwardness, arjava:
Renouncing deception and wrongdoing.
9. Moderate appetite, mitahara: Neither eating too
much nor consuming meat, fish, fowl or eggs.
10. Purity, shaucha: Avoiding impurity in body,
mind and speech.
The Ten Niyamas, Observances
For Spiritual Life from the Vedas
1. Remorse, hri: Being modest and showing
shame for misdeeds.
2. Contentment, santosha: Seeking joy
and serenity in life.
3. Giving, dana: Tithing and giving generously
without thought of reward.
4. Faith, astikya: Believing firmly in God, Gods,
guru and the path to enlightenment.
5. Worship of the Lord, Ishvarapujana: The cultivation
of devotion through daily worship and meditation.
6. Scriptural listening, siddhanta shravana: Studying the
teachings and listening to the wise of one's lineage.
7. Cognition, mati: Developing a spiritual will
and intellect with the guru's guidance.
8. Sacred vows, vrata: Fulfilling religious vows,
rules and observances faithfully.
9. Recitation, japa: Chanting mantras daily.
10. Austerity, tapas: Performing sadhana, penance,
tapas and sacrifice.
Hope the above is of help to you. And Gita is the best source that you may read and re-read for understanding the right conduct etc.
Best Wishes
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