Light of Peace

The Vedas are the main sources of Hinduism. Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda, all teach peace and universal brotherhood. Truth is the basic element of peace. Vedas converse peace not only for the human society, but for the whole universe. “Let there be peace in Heaven; let there be peace in the atmosphere; May peace fill the four quarters; May the waters and medical herbs bring peace; May planets give peace to all beings; May enlightened persons disseminate peace to all beings; May the Vedas spread peace everywhere; May all the objects give us peace everywhere; And may that peace come to us and remain with us forever.” (Yajur Veda 36/37). Vedas emphasize in the global brotherhood.

“In whatever direction I turn my eyes; I look upon every one as my friend”. Personal attachment, selfish interest and ambition only cause sorrow and suffering. When one is for all, and all are for one, there can be nothing but peace. (Atharvana Veda pg. 23/24)

Rig Veda, considered the earliest of the four Vedas, contains some of the earliest writings of peace, which guides the Hindu towards a path leading to integral peace and pacification of the three realms (physical, Devine and internal).

“Come together, talk together; let our minds be in harmony. Common be our prayer, common be our end, common be our purpose, common be our deliberations, common be our desire, united be our desires, united be our hearts, united be our intentions. Perfect be our union among us. (Rig Veda 10 – 191:2)”

Gita is the culmination point of the Vedas and Upanishads. It is known as the conclusion of human knowledge. Gita focuses on self-realization.” When one realizes the truth, there will be no war & conflict in human world.”(Gita 3. 55-58)

In Hinduism, however, there is another tradition. The Hindu scripture called the 'Bhagavad-Gita' tells the story of Arjuna, who learns it, is his duty to fight as a member of the soldier caste. Arjuna is told by his chariot driver Krishna, who is really the god Vishnu in human form, that:

‘Even without you, all the soldiers standing armed for battle will not stay alive. Their death is foreordained.” Bhagavad-Gita 11:32-3

In the story, Arjuna overcomes his doubts and fights, even though he knows it means killing some of his own family. Strict rules, however, are laid down for war. Cavalry may only go into action against cavalry, infantry against infantry and so on. The wounded, runaways, and all civilians are to be respected. The idea of a ‘Just War’ is represented here.

How did Gandhi deal with this story in a scripture he loved? He thought of it as an allegory, and interpreted it as meaning that one should certainly engage in struggle, but only by means of non-violence. Certainly one should not kill anyone. However, not all Hindus interpret the story in Gandhi’s way.