Fighting for the Truth
There was a General who was a disciple of the Jain religion. Nevertheless, he
had heard so much about the merits of the Buddha that he had hoped to see the
Buddha.
This day, the General finally had his wish
fulfilled. When he saw the Buddha, he asked:" I am a General under order
to protect the borders from invasion. I have heard that the Buddha teaches
equality and fairness in treating all the afflicted. May I know if the Buddha
allows the punishment of criminals? Besides, do you think it is right to fight
to protect the country? In accordance to your teaching of selflessness, should
I tolerate vicious attacks and insidious plots and just let them happen without
resistence?"
The Buddha replied:" Although the Buddha
teaches no harm or aggression on all sentient beings, it does not contradict
with the teaching of punishing the evil doers and commending those who do good. In fact, punishment is for the crime done. Verdict on
the crime is the result of the criminal's own doing in the first place. Therefore,
those who are punished for what they have done should not have resentment for
it, but rather take it as the price to pay for what they did. They should
accept the punishment readily. If they can have such a realisation, their minds
will be purified."
The Buddha continued:" I have always
warned people of this world that fighting to kill each other is most tragic,
but I never said that fighting for a right cause or to protect peace should be
reproved. To fight for a selfish cause may bring riches, fame and victory. Yet,
the eventual effect will never be good. On the other hand, if it is for
righteousness and Truth, even a defeat will mean glory and honour and boundless
merits will be accrued!
"A successful general is great man. But it is greater to be able to
subdue the ego and selfishness. To be able to do this and use selfless love for
others to win over the enemies will bring a lasting victory which could act as
the foundation of peace for generations to come. Therefore General,
you can surely fight in the battlefields, but be a fighter for the Truth, and
the Buddha will look on you with approval."
On hearing this revelation of the Buddha, the
General's doubts were alleviated. Full of joy, he exalted:" Buddha! You
are the teacher of mankind. You have revealed to us the way to liberation. Those
who follow you will never lose the light of awakening on the journey of life,
and they will find happiness and peace. Buddha! Kindly accept my praise and
veneration, and allow me to be your follower for as long as I live."
The General took refuge in the Buddha, and this
piece of news quickly spread throughout the city.
[The Buddha objected to cruelty and
aggression on others for an unhonourable cause. But he endorsed and approved of
a battle of righteousness to counter a vicious attack or invasion. This conversation
between the Buddha and the General clearly reflected the Buddha's general
viewpoint on fights and war.]