PHILOSOPHY OF HINDUISM 83
individual recognizes the right or chooses the good, and freely devotes himself heartily to its fulfilment. He does not merely accept what is inevitable or follow what is approved by society. He values and chooses the end and becomes personally responsible. His is reflective morality.
On what level does Hindu morality stand ? Obviously it is not on the third level. This means that a Hindu is social but not moral in the strict sense of the term. A Hindu takes no responsibility for the ends he serves. He is a willing tool in the hands of his society, content to follow. He is not a free agent not afraid to differ. His notions of sin give remarkable proof of his unmoral character. Institutes of Vishnu gives a list of sins which are divided into nine classes:—
Deadly sins— atipataka. These are certain forms of incest, to be atoned for only by burning.
Great sins— mahapataka. These are killing a Brahman, drinking spirituous liquor, stealing the gold of a Brahman, connexion with a Guru’s wife; also social intercourse with those guilty of such sins.
Minor sins of a similar character— anupataka. These include the killing of certain other classes of persons, giving false evidence and killing a friend, stealing lands or deposits of a Brahman, certain forms of incest and adultery.
Minor sins— upapataka. Sins of false statement, neglect of certain religious duties, adultery, unlawful occupation, offences connected with marrying before an elder brother &c, not paying one’s debts to the Gods, and manes, atheism & c.
Sins effecting loss of caste— jatibramsakara. Causing bodily pain to a Brahman, smelling things which should not be smelt, dishonest dealing, certain unnatural crimes.
Sins which degrade to a mixed caste— samkarikarana. Killing domestic or wild animals.
Sins which render one unworthy to receive alms— apatrikarana. Receiving presents and alms from despicable persons, trade, money— lending, lying, serving a Shudra.
Sins causing defilment— malavaha. Killing birds, amphibious animals, and aquatic animals, worms and insects; eating nutmegs or other plants similar in their effects to intoxicating liquors.
Miscellaneous sins— prakirnaka. Those not already mentioned.
This list of sins is not exhaustive but it, is long enough and illustrative enough to give us the idea which underlies the Hindu notion of Sin. In the first place it connotes the fall of man from a prescribed form of conduct. In the second place it means to be defiled, to become unclean. This is the root meaning of the term Patak. It