युद्ध : परम-विजय के लिए
By नारायण मोरेश्वर खरे
Summary
The text discusses the concept of ultimate victory (param-vijay) as described in Mahavir's teachings, emphasizing that true victory comes from conquering one's own self rather than others. It contrasts this with worldly conquests like Alexander's, which involve violence, bloodshed, and suffering, making such victories meaningless. Self-conquest is portrayed as far more difficult than fighting external enemies, as it requires overcoming mental restlessness, emotional instability, and sensory desires. Those who achieve this inner victory, like the Arhats who subdued their karmic enemies, are considered truly victorious. The text then describes the pervasive violence in contemporary society, including murders, rapes, accidents, and conflicts within families, between spouses, teachers and students, and communities. It notes that internal warfare has become a daily reality, with relationships deteriorating and crime rising. To counter this, it advocates following the teachings of Mahavir (non-violence), Buddha (compassion), Jesus (brotherhood), Muhammad (love), and Krishna (karma yoga), which can foster harmony and eliminate enmity. It clarifies that war can be righteous if it is an inner battle against one's own negative tendencies, leading to karmic purification. Citing scriptures, it explains that conquering the self leads to mastery over the senses. The text presents Acharya Bhikshu as an exemplar of this inner warrior, who fought against indiscipline and adversity throughout his life without external violence, achieving unparalleled victory. His life story is described as a revolutionary and glorious tale of self-conquest, which is the true war and ultimate victory. Finally, it references the principle that while God is one, devotees worship in different forms, and those who realize this truth must cultivate interfaith harmony and universal brotherhood.
Conclusion
The document’s core implication is that true victory lies not in conquering others, but in mastering oneself through inner spiritual warfare. It reframes conflict as an internal struggle against one’s own passions, senses, and karmic attachments, drawing on Mahavira’s teachings to argue that self-conquest constitutes the only genuine “param-vijay” (supreme victory). The text directly contrasts this with worldly conquests, exemplified by Alexander, which produce only violence and suffering. The outcome advocated is a shift from external aggression to inner purification, leading to universal friendship and the dissolution of enmity. By citing figures like Acharya Bhikshu who lived this principle, the document presents self-mastery as the path to peace, suggesting that adopting such a philosophy could resolve modern societal conflicts rooted in hatred and violence.