Ancient Hindu Texts Predate Biblical Ethical Principles, Social Media Post Highlights

A recent social media post by user Āryā_Anvikṣā has sparked discussion by asserting that fundamental ethical values, often attributed solely to the Bible, have deep roots in Hindu Dharma predating Christianity. The user directly challenged the notion that principles such as not lying, not stealing, and not killing innocents are exclusively biblical tenets. This claim points to the historical depth of moral philosophy within ancient Indian traditions.

“‘Don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t kill innocents...etc’ is only in the Bible.” FACTUALLY WRONG!," Āryā_Anvikṣā stated in the tweet. "These values existed in Hindu Dharma long before Christianity existed." The post specifically cited Satya (Truth), Ahimsa (Non-violence), Asteya (Non-stealing), and Brahmacharya (fidelity) as four of the five Yamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, foundational texts of Hindu ethics.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a collection of 196 Sanskrit aphorisms on yoga theory and practice, are widely believed to have been compiled between 500 BCE and 400 CE. This timeline places the formalization of these ethical guidelines centuries before the emergence and widespread establishment of Christianity. The Yamas serve as universal moral commandments guiding an individual's interaction with the world.

Historical and academic research consistently shows that core ethical principles are not exclusive to any single religious or cultural tradition. Prohibitions against murder, theft, and lying, alongside injunctions to treat others with respect, appear in various forms across ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Chinese, Greek, and Roman philosophies. The "Golden Rule," for instance, is a maxim found in nearly all major religions and ethical systems globally.

The social media post further highlighted a distinction in the motivation for adherence to these values, noting that "Hindu Dharma taught the same values without fear of hell, but through self-realization and dharma." This perspective emphasizes an internal, spiritual journey as the impetus for ethical conduct, contrasting with external motivations. The ongoing discourse underscores the shared human pursuit of moral frameworks across diverse civilizations.