The Way of Righteousness

‘Righteousness sometimes will demand of you taking to arms and fighting a war to protect values and to establish righteousness. Such a battle can be termed a ‘Just War’. It is termed ‘Dharma Yudh’ in our Indian socio-cultural tradition.’ Mataji told Atma Prakash.

She continued: ‘We also believe that whenever righteousness declines and evil forces oppress the righteous people and destroy righteousness, God Himself will take birth to protect the righteous and to destroy the evil. This faith is the central theme of Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharatha. Righteousness is the highest realm of our collective value system …

‘If the Pandavas were able to transcend their righteous claims, and let go of their rightful share of the kingdom, there would not have been a Kurukshetra war. But in our social and political lives, this is often impossible. Fighting a battle sometimes becomes a ‘necessary evil’. It can also become part of one’s duty to one’s own family, society, nation or religion …

‘Only individuals can transcend this collective value system. For example, if somebody attacks you and does personal harm to you, you can forgive him at your personal level. You can also consciously and willingly lay down your life for the values you uphold, or out of your love for others. Sadguru Jesus Christ did so. Gandhiji and many others tried to do so….

‘But suppose someone attacks your wife and children, or another country attacks your country, then you will have to protect the life and honour of your wife and children, and the freedom and sovereignty of your country. This may mean a fight to the end. You are no more fighting for your life, but you are fighting to protect the life, freedom and dignity of others. This is a virtuous act. One cannot and should not shirk the responsibility to fight under such circumstances.……

‘I remember the words of Guru Gobind Singh ji. This great 10th Guru of Sikhism had said, ‘When all has been tried, yet justice is not in sight; it is then right to pick up the sword, it is then right to fight.’ This is ‘just fight’ that one should not run away from… 

‘Thus, forgiveness based on love is an individual option when one can give up one’s rightful claims because of one’s value system or because of the love one has for the others involved. This is the highest level to which an individual can rise and grow. Whereas, righteousness is the highest level of collective growth….

‘But there can also be loving and forgiving communities and religions. The early Christian communities were such communities of love and self-sacrifice. This was possible only because of the living Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit of God, that had actively inspired and strengthened them from within to make such self-sacrifices with courage of conviction, and without ill will or malice towards anyone. ….

‘Thus, forgivness can come only from love that is motivated by the indwelling Spirit of God. Whereas righteousness is exercised in collectivity based on the faith and values existing in the community or taught by the religion concerned. Have you understood this, my son?’ Mataji asked.

‘The tragedy of the present world is the absence of true love. This was what Mother Teresa had pointed out. True love as you have said, Mataji, has to be forgiving, enduring and self-sacrificing. This is the divine love that comes from God. I understand and accept these truths fully today, Mataji.’ Atma Prakash told Mataji.

Excerpts from Integral revolution