Traditional Indian ethics are centered around religion, influencing interpersonal relationships and values, leading to resource waste and dependence on deities. Tagore criticized social issues through literature, social practice, and theoretical innovation, proposed the "religion of man" and "philosophy of love", integrated traditional ethics with modern morality, and formed an ethical view with Indian characteristics and universal values.

1、 The Content and Characteristics of Traditional Indian Ethics

Indian traditional ethics have uniqueness in the relationships between humans and nature, humans and society, and humans and themselves, with its core being the moral order of the universe and life. The caste system strictly divides social classes, affecting interpersonal relationships and family life, such as marriage arrangements and women's status. Religious ethics occupy a dominant position in Indian society, surpassing secular morality, reflected in the moral concern for animals and plants and the pursuit of the supernatural. The theory of 'Brahma as self' emphasizes the unity between humans and the universe, but may lead to the dilution of moral relationships between individuals. Hindus pursue spiritual liberation, and their life cycle includes the Brahman period, the home period, the forest dwelling period, and the reclusive period, reflecting their transcendence of the present world and their emphasis on religious obligations. Although the caste system and religious ethics have had their stability throughout history, they have also limited social progress and individual freedom.

2、 The Modern Choice of Tagore's Ethics

Tagore's ethical views are deeply rooted in his contemplation of the origin of the universe, the emergence of humanity, and the functioning of the world, emphasizing the role of individuals in the cosmic system. He realized that connection is the fundamental truth of the phenomenal world and believed that individuals should selflessly dedicate themselves to the universe in order to maintain the normal functioning of the world. Tagore's ethical thought has three characteristics: firstly, he combines the love of human ethics with the spirit of science, proposing the "religion of man" and the "philosophy of love", emphasizing that life is the result of biological evolution, and advocating for the manifestation of eternal human nature in the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. Secondly, Tagore's ethical views contain profound humanistic care. He enlightens the people through social reforms and literary works, reflects the lives of ordinary Indians, and exposes the irrationality of traditional ethics. Again, Tagore proposed a unique concept of "harmony", believing that an ideal society should have religious, moral, and scientific freedom, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Finally, Tagore emphasized the spiritual pursuit from "finite" to "infinite", adjusted the traditional Indian worship of gods, and regarded them as the spiritual state of a person after realizing their position in the universe, encouraging people to practice this ideal in their daily lives.

3、 Conclusion

Tagore's ethical views are based on rational thinking of natural law and social criticism, integrating humanitarianism, emphasizing the natural status and value of human beings, and inspiring self-awareness and social responsibility. He advocates selfless dedication, cultivates ethical consciousness, and places more emphasis on "nature" rather than "human". Tagore's ethical view combines rationality and sensibility, and although influenced by Indian religion, its core is the universal ethical order and human nature. He transcends modern social morality, explores the extraordinary aspects of human nature, endows secular life with sacredness, provides common ideals and pursuits for human behavior, avoids blind obedience, and has universal values that transcend time and culture.