In the modern intellectual academic world, moral and ethical values are highly appreciated. We see so many motivational seminars pop up for training individuals with moral values i.e. honesty, Integrity etc. and there is a surge of motivational speakers offering practical tips in this field.
However, Vedic scriptures and especially Bhagavad Gita teaches that spirituality is the foundation of morality. Unless morality and other ethics are not founded on spiritual principles, they are considered hollow.
Essentially selfishness is the quality that erodes all ethics in this world. Most people are driven by the mentality that they should get all happiness even at the cost of throwing others in the pool of suffering. This selfishness is the root of evils in this world. Spiritual culture systematically teaches us to take care of others as we take care of ourselves and to show sensitivity and compassion for the upliftment of others. This selfless attitude of sacrificing for others form the basis of good behavior, social balance, and spiritual upliftment of the society. When every member of society is trying to serve others selflessly keeping God in the center then eventually situation of the world will be much better.
This service attitude and love for all living beings can be developed only by having a common connection. That connection is Supreme Lord Krishna. We all are parts and parcels of Lord Krishna and he is our supreme father. So we are connected to each other through our connection with Supreme Father Krishna. The root of spirituality is to serve Lord and serve his devotees and all living entities.
It is mentioned in Bhagavad Gita 18.78 that Wherever there is Krishna, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.
Its also mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam 5.18.12 that One who has unflinching devotion for the Personality of Godhead has all the good qualities of the demigods. But one who is not a devotee of the Lord has only material qualifications that are of little value. This is because he is hovering on the mental plane and is certain to be attracted by the glaring material energy.”
By this final conclusion of Vedic teachings that Morality and all other values follow like a shadow where Lord Krishna and his devotee Arjuna is present.
So unless we keep Lord Krishna in the center, moral principles will be tinged with insensitivity for others and selfishness which will in turn make these principles impure. If we follow spiritual principles, then we can selflessly serve each other, benefit the whole society, and attain the divine destination.
So experience the real joy by purifying the heart and glorifying the Lord and by wholeheartedly accepting spiritual principles of chanting his holy names, reading Bhagavad Gita as it is, associating with his devotees and making our lives successful.