The Value of Values

by Swami Dayananda

"The expression of my life is just the expression of my well - assimilated value structure. What I do is but no expression of what is valuable to me." For comforts to be enjoyed I must be there to enjoy them. When i am split with guilt, I am rarely anywhere but with my anxieties, regrets and guilt. When I clearly see this fact, I will see the value of applying universal ethical standards to myself. Therefore, a value, universal or situational, is a value for me only when I see the value of the value as valuable to me." - Swami Dayananda Saraswati

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ed Akehurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The clarity which which Swamiji unfolds the values put forth by Krsna in the Bhagavad Gita is astounding. It shines a bright light on a subject matter that many do not fully appreciate. It teaches to learn the value of developing the values in the Gita. A truly inspirational text.

[Anantha Narayanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last completed the book. The language is tough, completed only because I read with a colleague.

The book is so valuable in understanding the values one must process to understand vedanta.

[Dan Dumitrescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

All human purposefulness can be classified under four headings: Dharma (ethical standards), Artha (security), Kãma (pleasures) and Mokşa (liberation)

Adhyãtma-jñãna-nityatvam means constant application of the knowledge of the Self in order to conform behaviour to values.
See the things as they are and do not give them any extra subjective value. When objects are stripped of the subjective values projected upon them by me (which they seem to have when I look at them as a source of happiness), I am objective about them. I am dispassionate. This is the mental state of vairāgya.

Therefore, the purpose of Self-knowledge is not to serve scriptural or commonsense ethics (dharma). Moreover, Self-knowledge does not result in the gain of either securities (artha) or pleasures (kãma). Self-knowledge serves the purpose of mokşa.

Then Dayanada explains calmly the Twenty Values of Jnanam from chapter 13 fromThe Bhagavad Gita

[Nandini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing, insightful, practical, wise, very wise.

[Shweta Ramdas · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not that we don't know what fundamental values are, but that we do not place enough value on these values. We are conflicted individuals, and the book offers us pointers to look at ourselves before reacting to situations (respond, don't react.) One of those books I'd like to keep around me and keep going back to from time to time as a wake-up call.

[S. Anuradha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Highlights the importance of having the value for a value system (in this case the 20 values mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita). Although these values are more apt for those who want to pursue a spiritual life, even a cursory cultivation of some of them can be beneficial to persons from all walks of life.

[Gilberto Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Um livro incrível que te leva a compreender a importância prática dos valores éticos, de maneira que eles deixam de ser apenas um assunto filosófico, social ou religioso e assumem uma posição de relevância real nas nossas vidas.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must and although there’s Sanskrit language it’s worth taking the time to understand it’s inherent teachings. Whether studying Vedanta Or whether you wish to be a good student of life this book guides and Illuminates how to cultivate a value driven life. I keep it close by my bedside.

[Cindy Costa]

Para quem quer começar o estudo do Vedanta é um livro maravilhoso e simples!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concepts, but talks in circles and too repetitive for my liking.