Ten Virtues in Life by Manusmriti: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living

Even with all the tech stuff moving so fast these days, its kind of surprising how old ideas from way back can still help figure out a good way to live. I mean, things change constantly, but ancient wisdom sticks around for a reason, right. It provides that steady guidance when everything else feels shaky.

The Manusmriti is this big deal in Hindu Dharma Shastra, one of those key texts that goes beyond just one culture or time period. Its principles seem timeless, like they apply no matter where or when you are. Compiled into about 2700 verses over 12 chapters, and supposedly composed by Swayambhuva Manu, it lays out a whole setup for living righteously.

Understanding Dharma: The Foundation of Righteous Living 

Before delving into the ten virtues, it is necessary to comprehend the definition of Dharma in Manusmriti. The word Dharma can be translated as “righteous living” or “duty” but it is much more complex than that. It symbolizes the natural order of the world and the code of conduct that should be followed in accordance with this order.

Manusmriti describes three interrelated categories of Dharma:

1. Svadharma (Personal Duty)

This pertains to one’s personal duties according to natural talents, life situations, and individual level of development. It acknowledges that each individual has his/her own set of talents and duties to perform in life.

2. Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Spiritual Path)

This is the universal spiritual aim of all humanity-the attainment of divine love and spiritual awareness that goes beyond all social divisions.

3. Sadharana Dharma (Universal Moral Code)

These are the basic moral codes that apply to all individuals, irrespective of their background, status, or life situations. The ten virtues belong to this category.

The Ten Universal Virtues of Manusmriti

The sacred verse from Manusmriti 6:92 declares:

“Steadfastness, forgiveness, self-restraint, non-stealing, purity, control of sense-organs, application of intellect, self-knowledge, truthfulness, and freedom from anger-these constitute the tenfold aspects of virtue.”

Let’s explore each of these profound principles and their relevance to contemporary life:

1. Dhriti (धृति) – Steadfastness and Patience 

Dhriti represents unwavering determination and the ability to remain patient through challenges. In our fast-paced world where instant gratification is the norm, this virtue teaches us the power of persistence and long-term commitment.

Modern Application:

• Staying committed to your goals despite temporary setbacks

• Maintaining consistency in spiritual practices or personal development

• Building resilience in the face of adversity

• Trusting the process rather than demanding immediate results

True success in any endeavor-whether spiritual growth, professional achievement, or personal relationships-requires steadfastness. Great achievements are never accomplished overnight; they are the result of patient, consistent effort over time.

2. Kshama (क्षमा) – Forgiveness

Kshama is the profound ability to forgive-to release resentment and approach others with compassion. According to Manusmriti, forgiveness purifies the heart and prevents anger from festering into hatred.

Modern Application:

• Letting go of grudges that drain your emotional energy

• Understanding that forgiveness benefits the forgiver more than the forgiven

• Breaking cycles of revenge and retaliation in relationships

• Freeing yourself from karmic burden

Exotic India Art notes: “When we forgive, we free ourselves from karmic burden and allow peace to return within. To forgive is to heal; to hold on is to suffer.”

3. Dama (दम) – Self-Control

Dama refers to mastery over the mind and senses. It advocates for “simple living and high thinking”-using one’s higher intelligence to pursue spiritual and meaningful goals rather than becoming enslaved by sensory pleasures.

Modern Application:

• Practicing mindful consumption in an age of materialism

• Avoiding overindulgence in food, entertainment, or digital media

• Maintaining focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gratifications

• Developing discipline in thoughts, words, and actions

Self-control doesn’t mean suppression but rather intelligent direction of one’s energies toward what truly matters.

4. Asteyam (अस्तेयम्) – Non-Stealing

Asteyam goes beyond simply not taking what belongs to others. It encompasses a broader principle of non-greed and living within one’s means without coveting excessive material possessions.

Modern Application:

• Maintaining integrity in business and personal dealings

• Resisting the temptation to accumulate unnecessary possessions

• Respecting others’ intellectual property and ideas

• Not exploiting resources beyond what is rightfully yours

A dharmic person maintains integrity even when facing material struggles, understanding that honest living brings lasting prosperity and divine grace.

5. Shaucham (शौचम्) – Purity

Shaucham represents cleanliness of body, mind, and speech. This holistic concept of purity extends far beyond physical hygiene to encompass mental clarity and verbal integrity.

Modern Application:

• Maintaining physical health through cleanliness and proper habits

• Cultivating mental purity by controlling thoughts and focusing on positive goals

• Speaking truthfully and avoiding gossip, slander, or harmful speech

• Creating pure environments in your home and workplace

External purity reflects and reinforces internal purity, creating a harmonious existence.

6. Indriya Nigraha (इन्द्रिय निग्रह) – Sense Control

Indriya Nigraha means mastery over one’s senses. When the senses are controlled, the mind becomes a trusted ally; when uncontrolled, they lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.

Modern Application:

• Practicing digital detox in an overstimulated world

• Moderating consumption of media, food, and sensory experiences

• Developing mindfulness through meditation and conscious living

• Choosing quality experiences over quantity

The text teaches: “Master the senses before they master you.” Through disciplined practice, one gains clarity and freedom from compulsive behaviors.

7. Dhi (धी) – Spiritual Intelligence

Dhi signifies the ability to discern right from wrong using higher wisdom. The Bhagavad Gita uses the metaphor of a chariot where intelligence is the driver, the mind is the reins, and the senses are the horses.

Modern Application:

• Making ethical decisions based on wisdom rather than impulse

• Seeking guidance from mentors and sacred texts

• Reflecting deeply before taking important actions

• Developing critical thinking skills grounded in values

Corrupted intelligence leads to a weak mind vulnerable to illusion. Strengthening spiritual intelligence through study, reflection, and association with wise individuals is essential.

8. Vidya (विद्या) – True Knowledge

Vidya represents authentic knowledge-both material and spiritual. It comes from the systematic study of scriptures and the application of wisdom to life.

Modern Application:

• Pursuing education that serves both practical and spiritual goals

• Studying philosophical and spiritual texts alongside professional learning

• Seeking knowledge that answers life’s fundamental questions

• Applying learned wisdom to daily living

True knowledge dispels doubts, cuts through attachments, and reveals the ultimate purpose of human existence.

9. Satyam (सत्यम्) – Truthfulness

Satyam embodies honesty in thought, word, and deed. It is considered one of the pillars upon which the current age (Kaliyuga) rests.

Modern Application:

• Being honest in all communications and transactions

• Maintaining integrity even when dishonesty seems advantageous

• Speaking truth that is beneficial and kind, not harsh or harmful

• Aligning your actions with your words and beliefs

Truthfulness builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a solid foundation for spiritual advancement.

10. Akrodhah (अक्रोधः) – Freedom from Anger

Akrodhah is control over anger, described in the Bhagavad Gita as one of the three gates to hell (along with lust and greed). Anger destroys discernment and leads to poor decisions.

Modern Application:

• Developing emotional regulation techniques

• Practicing patience and tolerance when provoked

• Understanding the root causes of anger (often unmet expectations)

• Responding thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively

Even when faced with provocation, cultivating tolerance and remaining calm preserves your inner peace and wisdom.

The Relevance of These Virtues in Modern Times  

You might wonder: how can principles from an ancient text remain relevant in our complex, technologically advanced world? The answer lies in the timeless nature of human challenges.

While our circumstances have changed dramatically-from bullock carts to electric vehicles, from handwritten letters to instant messaging-the fundamental struggles of the human condition remain constant:

• Finding balance between ambition and contentment

• Managing emotions like anger, greed, and desire

• Maintaining integrity in the face of temptation

• Cultivating meaningful relationships built on trust and forgiveness

• Seeking purpose beyond material success

These ten virtues provide a moral compass for navigating modern challenges:

In Professional Life:  

• Leadership with integrity (Satyam and Asteyam)

• Resilience during setbacks (Dhriti)

• Ethical decision-making (Dhi and Vidya)

• Emotional intelligence (Akrodhah and Kshama)

In Personal Relationships:  

• Forgiveness and healing (Kshama)

• Self-control in conflicts (Dama and Indriya Nigraha)

• Honest communication (Satyam)

• Patience with loved ones (Dhriti)

In Spiritual Development:  

• Consistent practice (Dhriti)

• Mental purity (Shaucham)

• Wisdom seeking (Vidya)

• Self-mastery (Indriya Nigraha)

Living Dharma: A Practical Framework  

The Manusmriti warns: “Dharma verily destroys one who destroys it; it is dharma again, which protects one who protects it. Hence one should take care not to deviate from dharma; if not it is sure to destroy him.” (Manusmriti 8:15)

This is not meant as a threat but as a natural law-violating ethical principles inevitably leads to suffering, while living in harmony with them brings protection and peace.

How to Begin Cultivating These Virtues:  

1. Start with Self-Awareness

• Honestly assess which virtues you already embody

• Identify areas where you struggle most

• Observe patterns in your thoughts and behaviors

2. Focus on One Virtue at a Time

• Choose one virtue to work on for a month

• Set specific, measurable goals

• Journal your progress and challenges

3. Create Supporting Habits

• Meditation for sense control and mental purity

• Regular study of spiritual texts for wisdom

• Association with like-minded individuals

• Daily reflection on your actions

4. Be Patient with Yourself

• Character development is a lifelong journey

• Setbacks are opportunities for learning

• Celebrate small victories

• Remember: steadfastness (Dhriti) applies to self-improvement too

5. Integrate with Modern Tools

• Use apps for meditation and mindfulness

• Set digital boundaries for sense control

• Create accountability systems

• Apply these principles in your professional and personal life

The Universal Nature of These Teachings  

While rooted in Hindu philosophy, these ten virtues resonate with ethical teachings across cultures and religions:

• Buddhism emphasizes similar principles through the Noble Eightfold Path

• Christianity teaches virtues like forgiveness, truthfulness, and self-control

• Islam emphasizes patience (Sabr), truthfulness (Sidq), and self-purification

• Stoic philosophy advocates for self-control, wisdom, and emotional mastery

This universality suggests that these virtues tap into fundamental truths about human flourishing that transcend cultural boundaries.

Conclusion: Building a Life of Virtue  

The ten virtues of Manusmriti offer more than moral guidelines-they provide a comprehensive system for human development that addresses body, mind, and spirit. In a world characterized by rapid change, uncertainty, and information overload, these ancient principles serve as anchors of stability and sources of genuine fulfillment.

Dharma reminds us that true success isn’t measured solely by material accumulation or social status, but by the quality of our character and the depth of our wisdom. It teaches that happiness comes not from controlling external circumstances but from mastering our internal responses.

By cultivating these ten virtues-steadfastness, forgiveness, self-control, non-stealing, purity, sense mastery, intelligence, knowledge, truthfulness, and freedom from anger-we align ourselves with natural law and create the conditions for lasting peace, meaningful relationships, and spiritual growth.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Choose one virtue today. Study it deeply. Practice it consistently. Watch as your life gradually transforms from the inside out.

As the Manusmriti teaches, when we protect Dharma, Dharma protects us. The choice, as always, is ours.