Krishna's counsel in time of war

November 6, 2004

In The Bhagavad-Gita, given the emphasis in Hindu ethics on non-violence, how does Krishna make the case that to kill is the morally right thing to do?

November 7, 2004

Krsna simply states that all those to be killed are already dead. He also affirms that the self cannot be slain, nor can anyone be a slayer of the self.

He also notes the six reasons that do have exceptions to the standard of morality, i.e. capital crimes requiring capital punishment. The Pandavas were victims of all six crimes, therefore, they had a moral right to justice.

It is also a fact that all avenues to a peaceful settlement were thoroughly exhausted. Even Lord Krsna nor Lord Balarama were albe to make a settlement, which was to restore for the Pandavas, a kingdom to rule. This was the promise if they successfully kept the bargain of the requirements of the thirteen year exile. The amount of land that King Yudhisthira wanted was land that could fit on the tip of a pin, but the Kurus would not abide by a righteous treaty.

All death is a sort of suicide. Each person who dies is fully responsible for such death. Mankind gets war because of dishonesty, mankind gets fatal disease because of uncleanliness. Mankind suffers death of the body not by any other hand than by the results of their own karma.

Ahimsa (non-violence)still stands despite the apparent cruelty of mahabharata. No one has any authority to take a life without Krsna's permission and sanction. In other words, Bhagavad Gita confirms that Arjuna did not kill anyone, he merely, as servant of Krsna, performs duty of ksatriya dharma and takes credit for killing those whom Krsna already decided to leave this realm.

Hare Krsna, ys, mahaksadasa

xxvvii · November 8, 2004

Krsna simply states that all those to be killed are already dead. He also affirms that the self cannot be slain, nor can anyone be a slayer of the self.

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This is only the surface meaning. In this world countless creatures are being born & dying all the time. It's wrong & absurd to attach to either life or death for there's no eternal life or death, & no eternal saving or killing. Eth. is changing. There's more important thing to do than such attachment.

Ahimsa is a means to cultivate mercy instead of a goal to save life eternally.