War Vs. Peace

Earlier this month, a student wrote to me.

"I would like to know in what way Ahimsa (non-violence) can achieve better results than violence. I want to believe in the Mahatma's ideals, but I would like to know this since the USA achieved their freedom by violent fighting, and not by Ahimsa. Both of us achieved our goal. What is the difference?"

Very good question, at a very good time.

Summary of my answer:

• Ahimsa or Satyagraha has a much better after-effect than the aftermath of a violent conflict.
• Ahimsa doesn't require extensive money, or military training. It relies on the courage, bravery, and inner strength of humans than on the strength of the weaponry.
• Ahimsa is ideal for fighting a friend. You are not hurting him, only fighting against the injustice he is engaged in.
• You are talking about American Civil War right? (North Vs. South). There is really no reason to fight and destroy fellow countrymen (or fellow human being), if there are means to achieve the same goal without shedding of blood and destruction of pride.
• Even poor and the weak can fight with the weapon of Ahimsa.

See Also: Ahimsa in Ask Gandhi