Concept of morality in Mahabharat

Mahabharat is an epic, and Gita is a part of it. This chapter of the epic is also revered as an important Hindu scripture. Morality plays a very important part in it, but what is morality? Well, etymologically, the word 'morality' has been derived from the Latin term 'moralitas', meaning 'manner', 'character', 'proper behaviour', etc. In practice, morality means principles relating to the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behaviour. Though not always written, almost every society, community or group has some established concepts about morality. As it is a subjective as well as collective concept, many people have strong and stubborn beliefs about right and wrong. As a result, it can place them in direct contrast against the moral concepts of others. 

As narrated by Sri Krishna in Gita, those universal concepts of morality include truthfulness, nonviolence, cleanliness and austerity. These are a must for every human being and society for its welfare. Truthfulness normally means that facts should be presented as they are or were for the benefit of all. Facts should not be misrepresented or distorted. According to social conventions, it is said that one can speak the truth only when it is pleasant to others, but that is not truthfulness. Truth should be spoken in a straightforward way so that others can understand actually what the reality is or was.

In childhood we had to read Varnaparichay (Introduction to letters), an elementary textbook on education and morality by Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar published in two parts in 1855. This booklet contains many ethical quotes. If followed properly, these quotes can make life peaceful. One of those is always speak the truth. Very similar to the words of Sri Krishna in Gita, but in reality it is not always possible or safe to speak or uphold truth due to many reasons. In many cases speaking the truth may be dangerous and dreadful. Even the life of the speaker may be at risk. There are many such instances in different places of the world.

In practical life it is found frequently. For the sake of justice it is necessary for the court to know the actual facts of any case, but reality is different. If a witness speaks the truth in court, it certainly goes against someone – the plaintiff/complainant or accused. In many cases rich and influential defendants press the poor and helpless plaintiffs to withdraw the case or threaten the witness not to tell anything in court. Providing false statements in court happens frequently. It becomes difficult for the court to arrive at a proper judgement.

Gita teaches us the concept of truthfulness, but in Mahabharat there are instances of being untruthful. Judhistir, well-known for his truthfulness from childhood, told a lie in the Kurukshetra War. Under pressure from the Pandav side, he said, 'Ashwatthama is dead.' Actually an elephant named Ashwatthama had died. Hearing it, Dronacharya, father of Ashwatthama, became so upset that he laid down his arms, and Dhrishtadyumna killed him. This incident tarnished Judhisthir's character, and he had to witness hell. It is said that it was not a downright lie. Due to strategic reasons, he was forced to take resort to such a half-truth for wartime needs. Moreover, though a Kshatriya by caste, during one year of unknown living, Judhisthir introduced himself as Kanka, a Brahmin, to King Virat.

Karna, the heroic villain of Mahabharat, also told a lie. Calling Karna a charioteer’s son, Dronacharya refused to teach him arms. He then went to Parashuram, who taught weapon skills only to Brahmins. Though a Khsatriya by caste, introducing himself as a Brahmin, Karna acquired knowledge of arms. When Parshuram came to know that Karna was a Kshatriya, he cursed Karna that at the time of war he would forget the weapons that he had learnt. 

British essayist Francis Bacon (1561–1626) has written that truth is the highest gift from God. It shows things clearly, removes lies and confusion, and builds a good life. Truth may be hard, but it is honest. Truth is normally unpleasant. A Sanskrit proverb says true but pleasant words are rare in this universe. Rabindranath has written, 'Truth is tough; I have loved it hard; it never deprives.'

It has also been mentioned in scripture that telling lies is justified in war, love, and to protect life and property. Utilitarians claim that actions, including lying, are acceptable when the consequences maximise benefit or minimise harm. A lie, therefore, is not always immoral.

It is evident that Yudhisthir lied to win the war and to live safely and unnoticed. Karna lied to learn warfare. Whatever the reason, strategic or anything else, in the true sense of the term, those are not instances of truthfulness, though Sri Krishna has not said anything about it. Yet, truth is truth. As John Keats has written in his poem Ode on a Grecian Urn — "Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know." It should be adopted as a regular practice in life. 

_________________________________________
The writer is a former Commissioner of Taxes