By Swami Harshananda
Virtues of Śiśta[edit]
A Śiśta is the one who is well-trained in moral and ethical behavior, as described in the śāstras or scriptures. The code of conduct prescribed for him is Śiṣṭācāra. It comprises the following virtues:
- Satya - truth
- Tapas - austerity
- Dāna - giving gifts to the needy
- Alobha - absence of greed
- Vidyā - learning
- Ijyā - performing sacrifices
- Pujana - worshiping gods and elders
- Dama - self-control
Virtues as per Dharma[edit]
Other virtues mentioned in the works on dharma are:
- Absence of jealousy and egoism
- Freedom from hypocrisy, arrogance, delusion and anger
- Acquisition of Vedic wisdom as per the norms set by tradition
Source of Śiṣṭācāra[edit]
Śiṣṭācāra is also a source of dharma.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore