Morality often carries associations with religious moralizing, conjuring stereotypical images of outdated codes of conduct dictated long ago. These are frequently dismissed as being regressive and repressive in today’s context. Critics may argue that moral injunctions aim to turn the clock back to a distant time, depriving humanity of the progress it has made. Furthermore, such rules are seen as obstructing the expression of desires natural to us, thereby depriving us of happiness that is rightfully ours.
While this argument has some merit, given that every tradition accumulates elements over time that may lack scriptural or logical foundations, it is important to recognize a deeper truth: morality is integral to our very sense of being and well-being. When we act in ways we believe to be right, we feel a sense of meaning in our actions. Conversely, rejecting the moral dimension of our choices can strip our lives of meaning.
The consequences of rejecting morality
Consider a person solely driven by the pursuit of wealth, with no regard for the morality of their actions. Initially, such a person may ruthlessly eliminate competitors, treating them as enemies to destroy rather than rivals to outdo through better performance. Over time, their greed may render them suspicious, perceiving even friends and family as threats.
If this behavior continues, they may find themselves in a magnificent mansion filled with wealth but devoid of meaningful relationships or fulfillment. Their immorality, which they initially embraced to gain wealth, will leave them with riches but no sense of meaning in life. This trajectory illustrates how ignoring morality leads not to liberation but to isolation and emptiness.
Morality and meaning in the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita highlights the intrinsic connection between morality and meaning. In 2.8, Arjuna expresses that conventional definitions of success hold no meaning for him unless he can determine the right or moral course of action—his dharma. This declaration follows his heartfelt plea in 2.7 to understand what is right, underscoring how moral clarity is essential for meaningful living.
When we view morality not as an imposed burden but as a pathway to infuse our lives with meaning, we can approach moral choices positively and creatively. This perspective transforms morality from something reluctantly accepted or outright rejected into a tool for personal and collective growth.
Summary:
- While some cultural rules labeled as morality may appear regressive or repressive, morality itself is essential to our sense of being and well-being.
- Neglecting or rejecting moral considerations in our actions can lead to a life bereft of meaning, despite material success.
- By viewing morality as a means to infuse life with meaning, we can embrace it positively and creatively.
Think it over:
- What stereotypes about morality do many people hold?
- Reflect on an incident in your life or someone else’s where neglecting morality resulted in a life devoid of meaning.
- How can you approach morality with positivity and creativity to deepen your sense of meaning?
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02.08 I can find no means to drive away this grief which is drying up my senses. I will not be able to dispel it even if I win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty like the demigods in heaven.
Morality has no meaning in present era