What is a Just War?
A Just WarA war fought on certain philosophical and religious principles. means a war that is morally acceptable to most people. It must also satisfy conditions about the reasons for the war and how it is undertaken.
There is clear teaching about acceptable motives, and practice, for wars in Hindu scripture. The Rig VedaThe oldest and most sacred Hindu scripture. states that a warrior will go to Hell if he breaks any of the following rules.
- Do not poison the tip of your arrow.
- Do not attack the sick or old.
- Do not attack a child or a woman.
- Do not attack from behind.
The Laws of Manu
The Laws of Manu refer to the right way to behave during wartime. KshatriyaA social class that in traditional Hindu society had the duty of protecting and leading others, and which includes royalty, politicians and armed forces. should fight fairly and show honour, mercy and respect. They should fight according to the following rules.
- Only fight other soldiers.
- Do not hurt any women or children.
- Never attack people while they are sleeping.
- Never attack when the opposition has surrendered.
The rules from the Laws of Manu and from the Rig Veda are very similar to conditions laid out in the Christian Just War theory.