The Concept of Dharma, Justice, Virtue, and Ethics in Ancient Indian Texts: A Moral Philosophy of Harmonious Living

DOI

https://www.doi.org/10.59256/ijrtmr.20260605010

Published In

Volume 6, Issue 5 (2026)

Published Online

September-October 2026

Pages

78-82

Article Type

Original Article

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The ancient Indian intellectual tradition presents a comprehensive ethical framework centered on the interconnected concepts of Dharma, justice, virtue, and ethics. These concepts are deeply rooted in foundational texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Dharmashastras. Dharma functions not only as religious duty but as a universal moral principle that sustains cosmic order, social harmony, and individual conduct. Justice in ancient Indian thought is closely linked with Dharma and emphasizes moral responsibility, fairness, and protection of social order rather than merely legal enforcement. Virtue is understood as the cultivation of moral qualities such as truthfulness, compassion, non-violence, and self-discipline, while ethics provides the practical framework guiding righteous behavior. This study examines how these classical texts integrate law, morality, and spirituality into a unified ethical system. It also explores the relevance of these principles in contemporary contexts such as ethical governance, social responsibility, and moral education. By analyzing key philosophical and literary sources, the paper highlights the enduring significance of ancient Indian ethical thought as a holistic model for personal conduct and societal harmony in the modern world.