The Bloomsbury Handbook of Hindu Ethics

Presenting diverse responses to important ethical questions, contestations and debates, this book offers a critical appraisal of Hindu ethics by engaging with classical and contemporary perspectives. With the plurality of Hinduism in mind, this book focuses on the human, sociological and situational ethical framework underpinning Hindu ethics. Chapters go beyond the traditional classical sources—such as the Vedas, epics, mythological narratives and Dharmasastra texts—to include lesser known vernacular based moral texts, as well as contemporary sources from organizations, intellectuals and movements of religious, social and political nature. Going beyond only theological and philosophical discussions, this handbook presents a truly multidisciplinary approach to Hindu ethics. This book will benefit not only scholars and students within religious studies and philosophy, but also those from sociology, history, theology, law, anthropology and literature.