What is pacifism?
"Pacifism is where a person believes that war and violence is unjustifiable therefore this means a person who supports peace."
"Absolute Pacifism is absolute rejection of war and fighting."
"Conditional Pacifism is against war in principles which is where war is only right under certain circumstances."
Oxford Dictionary
"Absolute Pacifism is absolute rejection of war and fighting."
"Conditional Pacifism is against war in principles which is where war is only right under certain circumstances."
Oxford Dictionary
What is a 'conscientious objector'?
"A conscientious objector is a person who decides not to be a soldier in military forces. There are many reasons for this decision such as religious beliefs, ethical and moral beliefs to not kill human beings."
Countries treat COs in various ways. They have also been treated differently throughout history. COs have been arrested or had to pay a fine. Some countries punished them by killing them. After World War II, many Western countries created alternative non-military services as alternative form for pacifists. Often there were charges to decide if someone really did not want to do armed service because of his beliefs or because of their fear of war.
Countries treat COs in various ways. They have also been treated differently throughout history. COs have been arrested or had to pay a fine. Some countries punished them by killing them. After World War II, many Western countries created alternative non-military services as alternative form for pacifists. Often there were charges to decide if someone really did not want to do armed service because of his beliefs or because of their fear of war.
In support of pacifism:
Mahatma Gandhi was a pacifist where he rejected war and intended that the ways to fight battles could never be violent. Due to his hard work and involvement in many events he was reward with freedom by using peaceful methods. Gandhi used practices and methods of Ahimsa this was showing his courage of how much pain he would take to get his point across by performing demonstrations. So in conclusion many Hindus can unlock strength without the use of a weapon. Another reason why some people may agree that pacifism is right is because it has been proved that it is easier to resolve a situation through non-violent ways than to rather use violence. This has been shown by the Civil Rights movement in America. This event was kind of like the process of ahimsa where non-violent methods were used.
What does Hinduism say about pacifism:
The Mahabharata teaches about ahimsa and it says that this is the highest dharma. The Bhagavad Gita on the other hand says that it is okay to use violence in the face of evil. The story of Arjuna and Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita portrays this. Krishna tells Arjuna to fight as it’s part of karma and that he should not make fighting a part of his fear. Many of the Hindu gods in ancient days were seen as warriors and had to fight against evil spirits. This is also shown in the Ramayana, where Rama has to battle his way against evil villains who had kidnapped Sita and therefore he managed to rescue her by using violence.
In Hinduism, war is justified when fighting evil or injustice, but war is not justifiable when trying to harm or threaten people into their leadership.
In Hinduism, war is justified when fighting evil or injustice, but war is not justifiable when trying to harm or threaten people into their leadership.