Ethics of Brahminism

Three documents, namely the Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita and Brahma Sutra form the basis of Vedanta (called Prasthana-traya). From these scriptures are drawn Hindu ethics that help in guiding the Hindu through his daily as well as spiritual journey. Though Vedanta currently is the favorite of English-speaking Hindu intellectuals, it was from the wisdom of the Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita that the ancient Hindus set forth their ethics in a practical way, expected to be followed by all Hindus. The Laws of Manu (Dharmashastra or Manuva Shastra) gave details of societal rules and Artha-shastra of Kautilya detailed the politics and economics.