Martin Luther King Junior once said, “Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that”. He also went on to add, “Non-violence means avoiding not only external physical violence but also internal violence of spirit. You not only refuse to shoot a man, but you refuse to hate him”. He eventually became a victim of hate and violence.
Though the apostle of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice and violence, I would advise violence...”, his firm belief and philosophy was, “(But) I believe that non-violence is infinitely superior to violence, forgiveness is more manly than punishment. Forgiveness adorns a soldier... But abstinence is forgiveness only when there is the power to punish.” It is again hate and violence that took away his life.
In an emotionally charged atmosphere, such as we are currently facing in our country after the dastardly attack on the Army personnel in Pulwama, it is difficult for spiritual thinkers and writers to take a balanced view, especially one that is permeated with what spirituality is all about.
One has heard enough impulsive reactions of people, including the TV channels, to go after the enemy. That sounds logical and natural. But spirituality and the path to finding God and indeed to arrive at lasting peace is not about impulsive reactions, which can theoretically bring out the worst in the person. Nor is it about logic.
At this juncture it is worth reflecting on how a person defends himself or herself in the face of spiritual attacks on one’s soul from one who hates both goodness and God? A person can defend oneself only when he or she has been practicing the spiritual means to reinforce oneself against evil forces. And one does that, first of all, by placing greater trust in God who is the source of all goodness and love. With that unflinching trust, one prays to God asking Him to shower His graces to fight evil forces.
I am sure military establishments do follow defence strategies but one must admit that there was some slip somewhere. Though each situation is different and there are no easy answers or solutions to such serious situations as the Pulwama attack, seen from the spiritual perspective, one can with certainty say that violence for violence begets only more violence.
However inappropriate some readers might find it in the current context, as a pilgrim on a spiritual journey, I find Jesus’ teaching worth reflecting upon: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
