By Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)
When it comes to the issue of defending ourselves, most devotees would rather skip the topic. However, if we simply look at India, or its surrounding countries, it becomes obvious that there are elements in society that would like to see the diminishment of Vedic culture, or even its complete extermination. So, if we are attacked, do we simply depend on Krishna? Do we prepare ourselves for defensive action? Or do we use some of both? What does Srila Prabhupada say about protecting ourselves?
For the most part Srila Prabhupada emphasized surrender to Lord Krishna and honest preaching, and establishing varnashrama as the means to defend ourselves and protect the Vedic traditions. For example, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.8.5. purport), he taught that protecting Vedic culture over the long-term requires re-establishing the spiritual and social system of varṇasrama-dharma, practicing simple living with high thinking, and providing proper protection to vulnerable members of society and the cows. This is also emphasized in the Mahabharata (Harivamsa Parva, 55.31), as well as in Light of the Bhagavat, 27. However, Srila Prabhupada also mentioned that varnasrama-dharma includes the development of brahmanas and kshatriyas in society, without which there is no varnasrama-dharma.
Prabhupada also points out that the real purpose of Vedic culture is not only to bring everyone up to their highest potential spiritually, but to train everyone in a way wherein they could become free from the repeated cycles of birth and death, rather than just living like animals. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 4.12-13, New York 7/29/1966, and Lecture on Bg. 1.40, London 7/2/1973)
It was through this means of spiritual education, as supplied by the activities and traditions as found in the temple, and through the study of the ancient texts that people could be spiritually educated. (Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.1.1, New York, 7/6/1972) In this way, the temples and the activities that go on within are a prime means of preserving and protecting the Vedic traditions.
PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE
One thing that Srila Prabhupada adhered to was the Vedic principle of actively protecting the vulnerable, which included the children, women, older adults, the brahmanas (who are the direct representatives of the Vedic tradition), and the cows. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 1.8.5, purport) Therefore, all such entities must be protected from harm and there should be no killing of such beings for any reason.
Prabhupada emphasized that protecting the cows is essential to maintain Vedic culture, its purity, and that milk provides the brain with the important nutrients by which a person could more easily understand the Vedic spiritual knowledge. (This premise can be found in many places, but includes the Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.8.16, purport, and Bhagavatam 8.8.11, purport)
In fact, to elaborate on this point, Srila Prabhupada says in that purport: “Pañca-gavya, the five products received from the cow, namely milk, yogurt, ghee, cow dung and cow urine, are required in all ritualistic ceremonies performed according to the Vedic directions. Cow urine and cow dung are uncontaminated, and since even the urine and dung of a cow are important, we can just imagine how important this animal is for human civilization. Therefore, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, directly advocates go-rakṣya, the protection of cows. Civilized men who follow the system of varṇasrama, especially those of the vaisya class, who engage in agriculture and trade, must give protection to the cows. Unfortunately, because people in Kali-yuga are mandaḥ, all bad, and sumanda-matayaḥ, misled by false conceptions of life, they are killing cows in the thousands. Therefore, they are unfortunate in spiritual consciousness, and nature disturbs them in so many ways, especially through incurable diseases like cancer and through frequent wars among nations. As long as human society continues to allow cows to be regularly killed in slaughterhouses, there cannot be any question of peace and prosperity.”
FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION
Srila Prabhupada mostly discussed the means for personal protection in regard to one’s development for continued success in spiritual life. This primarily evolved around surrendering to Lord Krishna through the process of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra which protects a devotee from danger and illusion. In this way, one should remember and never forget Krishna. This is considered full surrender to the Lord, and just depend on Krishna by which Krishna personally takes charge of the devotee’s protection. But also one should avoid offenses to devotees which leads one to fall down from spiritual life.
FOR PROTECTING THE VEDIC CULTURE
Srila Prabhupada also always advised to be dynamic in outreach, and to use modern conveniences such as dictation machines, printing presses, radios, televisions, musical recordings, and of course airplanes, etc., in whatever way is best for helping spread Krishna consciousness / Vedic culture. There is no need to remain static in our operations if it does not help in enhancing the way we are able to make the Vedic spiritual knowledge and Krishna consciousness more available to people in general
HOW TO DEFEND OURSELVES WHEN ATTACKED
However, Srila Prabhupada did, on many occasions, stress that the natural human fighting spirit and anger should not be suppressed, but instead redirected in Krishna consciousness to oppose and defeat the philosophical demons of atheism, materialism, and godless science. Of course, this was to be done primarily philosophically, to defeat these demons by the strength of our philosophy, and by preaching the benefit of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, yet this is a war nonetheless. But it is a war for the benefit of all humanity, not just a fight to defend our own little selves.
Prabhupada explained that living entities cannot stop having a fighting spirit, so anger must be properly utilized against those who are envious of God and His devotees. In fact, Srila Prabhupada was so focused on this that he urged his followers to actively attack and defeat godless mentalities, such as materialistic communism and secular Darwinian science. The following conversation illustrates this:
Prabhupada said, “Just as Krishna appears to protect the devotees and annihilate the demons, so this Hare Krishna movement has arisen to annihilate the two great demons of our age—Godless communism and Godless science. So, there must be a war to end it.”
Ramesvara: “In January of 1977 I was traveling with Srila Prabhupada as his personal secretary. I had a lot of opportunities to have intimate conversations with him, especially when we were traveling by train to the Kumbhamela.
“One particular conversation was about the topic of nuclear war. Prabhupada had spoken about this over the last two years predicting that America and Russia would start a nuclear war through their proxy states, India and Pakistan. This had been a topic of great concern, and katha (discussion) all over ISKCON for some years.
“I asked Srila Prabhupada if there was any chance of this war bring averted? At first he said, ‘No.’
“He said, ‘Communism is so evil, we must force this war to happen. Communism has to end.’
“In fact, Srila Prabhupada said, ‘Just as Krishna appears to protect the devotees and annihilate the demons, so this Hare Krishna movement has arisen to annihilate the two great demons of our age – Godless communism and Godless science. So there must be a war to end it.’
“Then Prabhupada sat back and thought for a moment.
“Then he said, ‘But there is a possibility that this war may be averted. It depends on your book distribution.’
“Prabhupada continued to say, ‘Your book distribution is creating a spiritual environment throughout the whole world. And that will awaken spiritual sentiments in everyone’s heart. And as that awakens, as you continue this book distribution, that spiritual sentiment may bring down communism from within.’
“Then Prabhupada said, ‘Yes, and future historians will note how communism failed because of your book distribution. They will note how a revolution, a spiritual revolution throughout human society took place.’
“…Srila Prabhupada said, ‘And after communism is defeated, we must attack and defeat Godless science, the demons of Godless science, Darwin. We must attack. We must defeat’”
—Ramesvara: Excerpt from “MEMORIES-ANECDOTES OF A MODERN-DAY SAINT” BY SIDDHANTA www.prabhupadamemories.com
Srila Prabhupada also explained that regarding the direct killing of demons, yes, Krishna has done it. Paritanaya sadhunam, vinasaya ca duskritam (Bg. 4.8) “But for us to kill like that, we first have to become first-class Krishna devotees like Arjuna or Hanuman, then we can fight with the Ravanas and demons. But that requires good strength, and we are not in that position now. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not kill the demons, but He converted them. So, this should be our example.”
In another statement, Srila Prabhupada emphasized peaceful means before taking any direct or violent actions. This is quoted as follows: Imported quote 20579:
“You are having difficulty with police-force, that is to be expected. This material world is so full of danger, even from our so-called ‘protectors.’ But we have got the best Protector, Krishna, so do not worry about anything, police or other envious persons. In one stroke Krishna can finish them all. But you may get some relief in this connection if you can approach very carefully some leading members of the city government, or big, big men of the town, and convince them by your words and behavior that our devotees are not in any way unworthy persons, that in fact they have left their lives of criminals to try to turn others away from being criminals, and that if simply we get a little facility, we can render immense service to the cause of law and order. Like that, if you are sincere and cool-headed, they will appreciate after some time—and if only one of such big, big leaders understands the real fact, that is sufficient to stop all further cases of police attacks. But one thing is, we have not got anything to gain by ‘fighting the demons in the streets and courts.’ No, our process of solving the matter is simple, why should we unnecessarily take botheration for fighting? Only after exhausting every possibility of peaceful solution shall we fight anyone. Just like Krishna. He did not call for fighting until after every chance for settlement failed. So, we shall try to overcome our opponents by, first, our words and our behavior, and all means of friendly approach we shall attempt by sober planning, and only later, [after] all else failing, shall we actually fight. That is our philosophy. And if we stick to these lines of politics and diplomacy as set out for us by Krishna, we shall expect always victory, without any doubt”:
From: https://prabhupadabooks.com/d.php?qg=4573
So, this is how Srila Prabhupada encouraged the devotees for the most part, to engage in peaceful preaching through book distribution, verbal discussion, and chanting Hare Krishna through the spiritual means of sankirtana, and by developing varnasrama-dharma. However, there are still times when we must take direct action to stand up for ourselves from vicious attacks and defend those who are the most vulnerable, like old men, ladies, children, brahmanas, and cows. There must be the will power to defend Vedic culture. We cannot simply think that now I am surrendered to Krishna, so I will do nothing but sit idly and only depend on His mercy. This is not how Krishna taught Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita, that he could simply sit casually and expect mercy to do the rest. No. He was expected to take up arms and fight. Not for himself alone, but for the Vedic Dharma, and for protecting those who were following the Dharma, and all those who are the most vulnerable.
To justify this point, I had heard a story from one devotee who told me that one time Srila Prabhupada had said that “If someone attacks me, I may tolerate. But if someone attacks my godbrother, then big trouble.” This indicates that under certain circumstances, Srila Prabhupada would take a stand to protect those who deserve it. However, this does not indicate how he might do that, but certainly there are times when it would be necessary.
Another time I heard where Srila Prabhupada was asked what to do about the terrorists who invade Kashmir from Pakistan. I was told that Prabhupada said that these terrorists were simply demons, so they should be smashed. Again, this does not say what Prabhupada would recommend doing, but, obviously, at times there is a need for protection from such entities.
Srila Prabhupada did, however, note that if a demon attacks a devotee, the devotee has every right to defend themselves and fight back. To illustrate this is the following conversation:
Disciple: If we look back over this century, Srila Prabhupada, we can’t find many years of peace. The Russo-Japanese War, the First World War, the Second World War. the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and hundreds of what they call “low-intensity conflicts.” But always some kind of war going on. Whether in the Middle East or Latin America or Africa, people are always fighting over land and industrial resources. It seems some kind of war always has to be going on.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes, always some war. “Cold war” or “hot war,” as they say. When there is the fire of physical combat, that is a hot war. And when there are diplomacy and politics, that is a cold war. So war is going on. Sometimes it is hot; sometimes it is cold. There is no peace.
Disciple: And what’s more, Srila Prabhupada, we even see that among the so-called God conscious communities [in various religions], still there are such horrible activities going on. Fighting.
Srila Prabhupada: No, no. We don’t say that all fighting has to stop. We are drawing a distinction between fighting by demons and fighting by demigods. If you are a demon and you come to attack me, then I must defend myself. What can I do? If you start a war, you are a demon. Shall I decline from fighting you? [What if I say] “No, no. I am a demigod – I shall not fight. You can kill me.” Is that intelligent? I’ll have to fight.
But war starts by the instigation of the demoniac. The Kurukshetra war – it was not started by Arjuna. It was started by Duryodhana.”
From: https://btg.krishna.com/janfeb2021-srila-prabhupada-speaks-out/
This is the point that many overlook, that in times of certain and violent attacks, we have to protect ourselves. The body itself is sacred because of the soul within, but we have to utilize ourselves to protect the vulnerable, along with Vedic Dharma, and our freedom to continue our participation in the Vedic traditions, against those who want to dimmish or even exterminate any sign or remnants of Vedic Dharma. This was the point of the Kurukshetra war. It was a fight with those who refused to follow or uphold Vedic Dharma. If we remain inactive, we will simply be viewed as easy targets. Then with time not only we will lose our freedoms to engage in our own Vedic traditions, but we will lose our temples to such attacks, and the Hindu, Vedic or devotee community itself will come under attack with the destruction of Hindu homes, businesses, shops, farms, cows, etc. As Srila Prabhupada says, “Is this intelligent? I’ll have to fight.” This is what we have to keep in mind.
Furthermore, when an unprovoked attacker charges at us with a weapon, there is no sin that we incur when protecting ourselves. Srila Prabhupada clearly explains this, based on the Vedic literature.
Srila Prabhupada explains that “According to Vedic injunctions there are six kinds of aggressors: (1) a poison giver, (2) one who sets fire to the house, (3) one who attacks with deadly weapons, (4) one who plunders riches, (5) one who occupies another’s land, and (6) one who kidnaps a wife. [And let’s remember that the kidnapper of girls or women usually means they intend to rape her.] Such aggressors are at once to be killed, and no sin is incurred by killing such aggressors.” (Bhagavad-gita 1.36, purport) This emphasizes the need for immediate action. This means we do not pose a liberal mindset and sit around to think about it while the damage is being done, but we must defend ourselves with direct and quick action.
Srila Prabhupada explains the reason for this: “Violence also has its utility, and how to apply violence rests with the person in knowledge. Although the justice of the peace awards capital punishment to a person condemned for murder, the justice of the peace cannot be blamed, because he orders violence to another person according to the codes of justice. In Manu-samhita, the lawbook for mankind, it is supported that a murderer should be condemned to death so that in his next life he will not have to suffer for the great sin he has committed. Therefore, the king’s punishment of hanging a murderer is actually beneficial.” (Bhagavad-gita 2.21, purport)
The conclusion of this is outlined in Srila Prabhupada’s purport to the Srimad-Bhagavatam (5.9.17) where he explicitly reiterated that if a person comes with the explicit intent to kill, taking immediate defensive action and killing the attacker is justified and free of sin according to Vedic injunctions. “According to the Vedic injunctions, only an aggressor [as codified under the six classifications listed above] can be killed. If a person comes with an intent to kill, one can immediately take action and kill in self-defense. It is also stated that one can be killed if he comes to set fire to the home or to pollute or kidnap one’s wife. Lord Rāmacandra killed the entire family of Rāvaṇa because Rāvaṇa kidnapped His wife, Sītādevī. However, killing is not sanctioned in the śāstras for other purposes.” [From https://prabhupadabooks.com/sb/5/9/17]
So, in this way, by understanding these instructions as set by Srila Prabhupada [and many more could be provided] we should understand that there may be times when we will need to defend ourselves with the proper actions, but only after we have tried with all diplomatic endeavors to avoid a fight. But when all such fails, or when we are attacked suddenly, then we should be clear on what we may need to do to defend ourselves, our family, the devotee community, the vulnerable, and Vedic Dharma.
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=119501
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