The question of why there are no fixed absolutes in Hindu schools of thought touches on some of the deepest currents of Indian spiritual and philosophical tradition. At its heart lies the recognition that reality, ethics and even ultimate truth reveal themselves differently according to context, time and the individual’s own state of consciousness.
Dharma as Dynamic Principle
In the West we often seek moral absolutes—fixed rules that never change. Hindu thought, however, revolves around the concept of dharma, a term that connotes duty, right conduct, the fabric of cosmic order. Far from being a rigid code, dharma is described as adapting itself to time, place and circumstance. As Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita:
“yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata,
abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srjamy aham.”
(Whenever there is a decline of righteousness and a rise of unrighteousness, O descendant of Bharata, then I manifest Myself.)
Here, Krishna affirms that dharma itself waxes and wanes, and that the divine response is ever‑new, never locked into one pattern.
Maya and Levels of Truth
Advaita Vedanta, famously expounded by Adi Shankara, distinguishes between two levels of reality: paramartha satya (absolute truth) and vyavahara satya (empirical truth). What seems real at one level—name, form and moral code—proves insubstantial at the other. This framework invites us to see moral rules as provisional tools for spiritual growth rather than inviolable laws etched in stone.
Shiva Purana on the Cosmic Play
The Shiva Purana describes the universe as lila, the divine play of Shiva’s consciousness. In one hymn Shiva says:
“All things emerge from my own nature, sustain in my being, and dissolve back into me.”
This image of creation as a spontaneous, rhythmic dance reveals reality as ever‑changing. If the cosmos itself is not static, why expect moral codes or philosophical schools to be frozen?
Dr S Radhakrishnan on Synthesis and Pluralism
Dr S Radhakrishnan, India’s second President and a towering philosopher, wrote:
“Hinduism does not offer a closed system. It is a living synthesis of countless experiences rather than a rigid creed.”
For Radhakrishnan, the strength of Hinduism lies in its ability to absorb and integrate diverse viewpoints—rituals, philosophies, arts—without collapsing into dogmatism. He argued that human comprehension of the Absolute grows over time and across cultures, so moral imperatives must evolve too.
Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Vision
Sri Aurobindo extended this dynamic view into an evolutionary framework. In his Integral Yoga he speaks of consciousness evolving from matter through life to mind and beyond:
“The supreme delight is to behold in all things the workings of the divine.”
If the cosmos itself is ascending, then the codes that guide humanity must also ascend—from external obedience (karma yoga) to inward transformation (jnana and bhakti yoga). Each stage brings fresh insights, never fixed once and for all.
Scientific Resonances
Modern science—from quantum physics to neuroscience—offers striking parallels:
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Observer Effect in Quantum Mechanics
In quantum experiments the act of observation alters the observed phenomenon. There is no “view from nowhere.” Likewise, moral judgments change when we shift perspective—circumstance and intention alter what is “right.” -
Neuroplasticity and Moral Development
Neuroscience shows that our brains rewire throughout life in response to experience. Moral reasoning matures from black‑and‑white rules in childhood to nuanced understanding in adulthood. Absolute moral rules may work for children but must adapt as consciousness evolves. -
Systems Theory and Non‑Linearity
Complex systems (ecosystems, economies, even societies) behave unpredictably; small causes can have large effects (the butterfly effect). A rigid ethical absolute often fails to account for such complexity; a flexible, context‑sensitive approach is more resilient.
Benefits of Embracing No Absolutes
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Greater Tolerance and Pluralism
Recognizing that others may rightly see things differently fosters respect across cultures, religions and personal circumstances. -
Ethical Adaptability
In novel situations (emerging technologies, global crises) rigid rules can be paralyzing. A dharmic approach encourages thoughtful adaptation. -
Inner Freedom and Responsibility
When one’s moral compass is not externally imposed but internally discerned, the sense of responsibility deepens. One acts not out of fear of punishment but from genuine insight. -
Psychological Well‑Being
Clinging to black‑and‑white rules often creates anxiety when life inevitably presents grey areas. Embracing fluidity reduces inner conflict and fosters equanimity—the hallmark of yoga.
Lesser‑Known Insights
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Mimamsa’s Principle of Anumana: The school of ritual hermeneutics (Purva Mimamsa) insists that interpretation (anumana) of sacred texts must consider context—time, region, purpose—so injunctions are never one‑size‑fits‑all.
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Nyaya’s Dialectical Method: Nyaya logic teaches that truth emerges through debate and evidence, not through decree. Its five‑step syllogism leaves room for revising conclusions in light of new data.
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Kashmir Shaivism’s Spanda: This tradition speaks of spanda, the subtle vibration of divine consciousness. It suggests that moral and metaphysical structures emerge, resonate and dissolve—like a musical note—inviting practitioners to attune rather than fix.
Applying the Insight in Daily Life
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Mindful Decision‑Making
Before acting, pause to examine context—who, what, when, where and why. This prevents unthinking application of “always” or “never.” -
Graduated Response
Mirror the dharmic principle of yukti (skillful means): choose the most fitting action from a spectrum rather than a binary choice. -
Self‑Inquiry
Employ the Gita’s injunction “tatas tatah ca shastra pranipatya viniyoga” (study diligently and apply). Reflect on whether a rule is serving truth or mere habit. -
Embrace Paradox
Allow life to teach you through contradictions. The Rishi Yajnavalkya said: “In the Unmanifest the manifested rests, and in the manifested the Unmanifest.” Learn to hold seeming opposites without forcing a premature resolution.
Final Reflections
The absence of fixed absolutes in Hindu schools of thought is not moral relativism but a profound realism: life and consciousness are ever‑moving, and our understanding of right and wrong must flow with them. From the Gita’s dynamic dharma to Shiva’s cosmic dance, from Radhakrishnan’s pluralism to Aurobindo’s integral evolution, the tradition offers a compass, not a cage. Scientific insights from neuroscience and quantum physics further underscore that fixed absolutes often fail to capture the fluid, context‑sensitive nature of reality. In practical terms, adopting this vision brings greater tolerance, inner freedom and ethical adaptability—qualities we need now more than ever in a rapidly changing world.
