Geethartha Chinthane 146: Virtue and Sin acknowledged by all faiths except Charvaka

Team Udayavani, Jan 5, 2025, 10:12 AM IST

Virtue (punya) and sin (papa) are concepts accepted by all religions. Followers of various faiths believe in virtue and sin because their spiritual leaders emphasized these ideas. However, the question arises—where did these leaders derive this understanding? The answer lies in the Vedas, which serve as the ultimate source of this knowledge. Here too, the authority of the Vedas is affirmed.

Even before the establishment of formal governments, temples existed. Today, these temples are administered by the Muzrai Department. How did this happen? It implies that at some point in history, a government took control of them. Tracing back to the origin reveals the truth.

While most people agree on the concepts of virtue and sin, not everyone does. For instance, some may agree that stealing is wrong, while others might not. What happens then? In such cases, the police must enforce the law in their own language of authority. Similarly, the understanding of virtue and sin stems from the Vedas.

But what are virtue and sin, and why should they be accepted? Someone might reject the concept of virtue, claiming it is unnecessary. However, if one argues that the world cannot function without these principles, they may counter that sin alone can sustain the world.

Among various philosophies, only the Charvaka doctrine rejects the ideas of virtue and sin. All other faiths accept them. This highlights the need to contemplate the foundational authority of these concepts, which ultimately points back to the Vedas.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

Participate in the ‘Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna’
Gita Mandir, Udupi
Contact Number: 8055338811