Hindu religion and scriptures contain numerous stories that illustrate the futility of war, emphasizing the importance of peace, righteousness, and the ultimate consequences of violence. Here are some notable examples:
1. The Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is perhaps the most significant source of stories that highlight the futility of war. The epic centers on the Kurukshetra War between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Several aspects of the story underscore the devastating consequences of conflict:
Bhagavad Gita: In this part of the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna, who is reluctant to fight in the war, about his duty as a warrior. While the Gita promotes righteous action and duty (dharma), it also emphasizes the tragic nature of war and the importance of seeking inner peace and spiritual wisdom.
Destruction and Aftermath: The Kurukshetra War results in the near-total destruction of the Kuru dynasty. Almost all the warriors on both sides are killed, leading to immense sorrow and suffering. The aftermath highlights the pointlessness of such extensive bloodshed.
Yudhishthira’s Lament: After the war, Yudhishthira, the eldest Pandava, is crowned king. However, he is filled with remorse and guilt over the loss of lives, questioning the value of the kingdom won through such destruction.
2. The Ramayana
While the Ramayana primarily focuses on the quest of Prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana, it also contains reflections on the futility of war:
Ravana’s Downfall: Ravana, despite being a learned and powerful king, falls due to his arrogance and refusal to make peace. His death serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of ego and conflict.
Rama’s Grief: After the battle, Lord Rama expresses sorrow over the loss of life, including that of Ravana and his own allies. This illustrates the heavy emotional toll of war.
3. Ashvamedha Yajna in Mahabharata
After the Kurukshetra War, Yudhishthira conducts the Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) to establish his sovereignty. During this yajna, Arjuna fights numerous battles to protect the sacrificial horse. However, these skirmishes further highlight the cycle of violence and the exhaustion it brings to the warriors.
4. Stories from the Puranas
The Puranas also contain stories that convey the futility of war:
The Story of King Harishchandra: In the Markandeya Purana, King Harishchandra undergoes immense suffering and loss due to his adherence to truth and righteousness. His story underscores the value of dharma over the pursuit of power and war.
Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu: In the Vishnu Purana, the demon king Hiranyakashipu’s relentless pursuit of power and his persecution of his son Prahlada, a devotee of Vishnu, lead to his downfall. The story emphasizes the victory of faith and righteousness over aggression and violence.
5. Teachings from the Upanishads
The Upanishads, while more philosophical, also offer insights into the futility of conflict:
- Isha Upanishad: This text emphasizes the importance of seeing the divine in all beings and living in harmony with the universe, which implicitly discourages war and violence.
6. The Story of Vali and Sugriva
In the Ramayana, the conflict between the monkey brothers Vali and Sugriva for the throne of Kishkindha results in Vali’s death. Rama’s intervention in this fraternal war and the subsequent grief of Vali’s widow, Tara, highlight the tragic consequences of power struggles.
7. The Pandava-Kaurava Conflict Before the War
The Mahabharata also details several attempts at peace before the Kurukshetra War, including Krishna’s peace mission to the Kaurava court. The refusal of the Kauravas to settle the dispute peacefully ultimately leads to war, underscoring the lost opportunities for peace and the dire results of stubbornness and pride.
These stories collectively emphasize the cyclical nature of violence, the transient victories in war, and the enduring value of peace, compassion, and righteousness.