Why ethics matter in devotion? – Devotees sometimes believe that their devotion raises them above the jurisdiction of ethical accountability. Technically, the belief that one’s religion provides one moral exemption is called antinomianism. To support this belief, devotees sometimes quote the Bhagavad-gita (18.66), wherein Krishna declares that he protects the surrendered from all sinful reactions.
However, the same Gita lists over several verses (12.13-19) the many virtues that endear devotees to Krishna. But aren’t all devotees dear to Krishna just because they are devotees (12.20)? Yes, that’s true. It’s also true that all souls, including even the non-devoted, are dear to Krishna (05.29). The implication is that there are many levels of endearment: everyone is dear to him; devotees are more dear to him; and devotees with virtues are especially dear to him. Virtues are ornaments that attract Krishna.
How do we reconcile this emphasis on virtues with the concluding verse that licenses immoral behavior? By understanding that Gita 18.66 refers to those exceptional situations when devotional surrender requires the devoted to do things that may be considered morally transgressive – actions such as Arjuna’s attacking his relatives. Devotees always seek to act devotionally and don’t let ethics come in the way of their devotion. But that doesn’t mean ethics will always come in the way of devotion. Far from it; in most situations, ethics show the way to express devotion.
What differentiates devotees from others is not that they are transcendental to ethics in the sense they don’t care at all for ethics. What differentiates them is that they are motivated by transcendental ethics: they act ethically not so much because they fear the karmic consequences of unethical living, but because they seek to please Krishna through all their actions, and they know that ethical actions please Krishna.
One-sentence summary:
Bhakti is characterized not by transcendence of ethics but by transcendental ethics.
Think it over:
- How does the Gita emphasize importance of virtues for devotees?
- What does Gita 18.66 imply for ethical conduct?
- Regarding ethical conduct, what differentiates devotees from others?
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18.66: Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.
To know more about this verse, please click on the image
Excellent one-line summary:Bhakti is characterized not by transcendence of ethics but by transcendental ethics.
Transcendental ethics is practised not based on fear of karmic reactions but based on love – love for the Lord (devotion) and love for other living beings, is what I understood from reading this very relevant article for practising devotees.
Thanks, Muralidhara P, for your thoughtful comment with your well-articulated understanding.