Children, since the beginning of the world, there has been conflict. Saying that it’s impossible to totally eradicate it causes a lot of anxiety. But it’s the truth, isn’t it? The reason being that good and evil will always exist in the world. In our struggle to accept the good and reject the bad, the possibility of conflict cannot be completely ruled out. Such conflict has manifested in nearly all countries in forms such as strikes, internal strife, and war. Although most wars are generally aimed at protecting vested interests, there have been rare circumstances where the needs of the people were taken into consideration and a greater good was achieved.
Unfortunately, the majority of wars have not been fought to uphold truth and justice, but have been motivated by selfishness. There was in time in human history when even wars were fought for dharmic causes while observing set dharmic rules. This was thousands of years ago—perhaps in a period where truth and dharma played a major role in almost all areas of life. Then, fairness, compassion, patience, understanding, friendship, and a spiritual outlook were considered signs of real courage. Even powerful emperors, warriors, and rulers practised these values which made them unique. Whether someone is a king, politician, businessman, ruler of a country or so forth, a truly courageous person will also be a repository of these virtues.
If we evaluate the outcome of any war, fought at any given period of history, we will see that the end result boils down to the destruction of the enemy country in every possible manner. Not only is the country defeated, but the people also suffer tremendously. The conquerors plunder and monopolise the land, the natural resources, and the wealth of the defeated country and use them for their own selfish gain. The culture and traditions that have been passed down for generations are uprooted, and innocent people are mercilessly killed. Furthermore, we cannot begin to fathom the amount of toxic fumes emitted by bombs and other weapons, filling the atmosphere and polluting the soil. How many generations are forced to suffer physically and mentally as a consequence! In the wake of war, all that is left is death, poverty, starvation, and epidemics. Such are war’s gifts to humanity. Today, some wealthy countries instigate wars simply to promote the sale of their latest weapons.
No matter what action we perform, even if it be war, the goal should be the protection of truth and dharma. Not that war is totally unavoidable. In principle, there is never a time when war is necessary. But will we ever be able to completely eradicate war from the external world as long as conflict remains in the minds of man? This is something we really should contemplate.
These days, to prevent terrorist attacks, strict security measures are implemented in airports and other establishments. While such measures are necessary for our physical safety, they are not the ultimate solution. In fact, there is one explosive, in particular, that is the most destructive of all. No machine can detect it. It is the hatred, loathing, and vengeance found in the human mind. If we don’t eradicate our destructive emotions, there will be no end to war and violence.
No power-hungry, self-centred leader bent on protecting his own interests has ever attained peace and happiness by conquering the world and persecuting people. Their deaths and the days leading up to them were hell on earth. History has proven this great truth. We should accept with gratitude this precious opportunity and move forward along the path of peace and compassion.
Anyone who has wealth, weaponry and know-how can wage a war. But no one can defeat the power of love and heartfelt oneness.
If only our minds, eyes, ears, and hands could genuinely understand and feel the sorrow and pain of others! How many suicides could have been avoided? How many people could have received food, clothing, and shelter? How many children could have been kept from becoming orphans? How many women who sell their bodies for a living could have been helped? How many sick people suffering from unbearable pain could have been provided medicine and treatment? How many conflicts in the name of money, fame, and position could have been avoided?
Through our effort and God’s grace, may humanity emerge from the darkness facing the world—the war, hatred, and other forms of violence—and into the light of peace, harmony, and unity. Children, this is something for which we should all pray.
Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) is a spiritual leader, guru and humanitarian who is revered as the hugging saint by her followers.
No matter what action we perform, even if it be war, the goal should be the protection of truth and dharma.
In principle, there is never a time when war is necessary. But will we ever be able to completely eradicate war from the external world as long as conflict remains in the minds of man? This is something we really should contemplate.