Mādhva Virtue Ethics and the Āptaguru
Keywords:
Mādhva Vedānta, virtue ethics, āptaguru, Deepak Sarma, Madhvācārya, epistemology, Dvaita, Hindu philosophyAbstract
The Article “Mādhva Virtue Ethics and the Āptaguru, or ‘Reliable Teacher’” by Deepak Sarma explores the ethics embedded in Mādhva Vedānta through the lens of virtue theory. Drawing from key texts, Sarma argues that Madhvācārya's concept of the āptaguru—a reliable, virtue-bearing teacher—mirrors Western ethical ideals. The piece frames epistemological authority and canon formation within Madhva’s dualist theology, ultimately highlighting how character and reliability underpin spiritual instruction.