Warrior

Warrior

13th century CE, Bhopal Museum

           Warriors are an important class in every community and country. It is they who keep us safe from external invasions and internal disturbances. They have been praised in literature; they have inspired generations; they have adorned the pages of world history-- from Ramses II of Egypt to Alexander the Great, from Julius Ceaser to Samudragupta of India, from Neapoleon to General McCarther of USA. 

           Dronacharya, in Mahabharata, was not only a great teacher, but was also a great warrior and strategist. Yet he was killed. Lord Krishna was asked as to why Dronacharya had to be killed when he did no wrong. Lord Krishna says Dronacharya did many things wrong : although a Brahmin, he learned the use of arms; instead of teaching his students about diplomacy, about love and compassion, he taught them about war and only war; when the war began, although he was under no compulsion, he choose to side with the Kauravs. He had to be killed. 

           It is good to be a warrior, but a true warrior should also know the art of diplomacy.  Today war is raging all around us. Yet no one speaks of diplomacy.  People invade, kill, rape and butcher, blow up cities and spread terror. But the UNO,  the best agency for maintaining world peace has become a mute  spectator. Within our country polarisation is taking place, but no one speaks of fusion, of synthesis,  of peaceful cooperation and co - existence.  The ways of the warrior may be good, but too many wars annihilate civilisations.