More on War

[Guest guest]

"When a country lies in the hands of a ruler who is the very

embodiment of unrighteousness, it could cause the destruction of the

world. Such people should be removed as soon as possible, by

whatever means necessary. That is showing compassion toward society.

When you cut down a poisonous tree, some small plants around it may

also be destroyed. When you plant a fruit tree, you will perhaps

uproot a few small plants to clear a space for the sapling. But

think of how beneficial the sapling will be for society after it

matures and becomes a tree. And many small plants will flourish in

its shade. Viewed in this light, the initial destruction of a few

small plants, while regrettable, is an acceptable loss; it isn't

violence as such. Had Duryodhana been allowed to live, he would have

invaded other kingdoms and killed a greater number of people than

died in the Mahabharata War. His actions would also have brought

even greater harm to society and civilization in the future. It is

far more desirable to protect dharma, even at the cost of a few

lives, than to allow adharmic people to rule indefinitely at the

cost of many more lives and the total degeneration of dharma. Ths is

what Sri Krishna did-He protected dharma. War was the only option

available if dharma was to survive. What the Lord did was completely

appropriate. Had He acted for His own personal benefit, one could

perhaps criticize Him; but none of His actions were selfish. He

didn't act for His own or His family's sake. The motive behind

everything He did was to protect and preserve dharma, to let people

live in joy and contentment."

 

Amma, Lead Us to the Light