Yes — saying Virtue Ethics is nothing but शीलं परमं भूषणम् (character is the highest ornament) is a powerful and culturally resonant summary.

Here’s why this statement holds up both philosophically and ethically:

🧭 What is Virtue Ethics?

Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the person rather than the consequences of actions (like in Utilitarianism) or the rules/laws (like in Deontological ethics). It asks:

"What kind of person should I be?"

Rather than:

"What action should I take?"

🔱 Meaning of शीलं परमं भूषणम्

• शीलम् (Sheelam) – good conduct, virtue, moral character
• परम् (Paramam) – highest, supreme
• भूषणम् (Bhūṣaṇam) – ornament, adornment

✅ So, it means: “Character is the highest ornament” — more valuable than physical beauty, wealth, or titles.

🎯 Why is this Equivalent to Virtue Ethics?

🌿 Examples Across Cultures

• Aristotle: "Happiness (eudaimonia) is the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue."