Buddha's Non-violence

People define non-violence in their own definite terms keeping the reality aside and it does not mean sitting idle like a coward.

A king has ordered his army commander to retaliate the attacks of neighboring king who violated the boundaries of his kingdom with the intention of occupying some of the villages.

The commander of the king was peace-loving one who does not want any kind blood-shed or the war. But this was an order of his king for which he is bound to oblige.

To clear this confusion the commander approached Buddha for help. Speaking to Buddha, commander asked “In war, we will be compelled to kill many thousands of soldiers, don't you think it is non-violent act?”

Buddha immediately replied to commander, “Yes, it is definitely a non-violent act, but will the enemy retreat from our lands without fighting?”

Commander said “no, they won't go without fighting”

Then Buddha said “it means they will kill all the innocent people and plunder the villages”. Commander agreed by nodding his head.

Then Buddha explained “Don’t' you think that is non-violence, if you sit idle the citizens of the kingdom will be killed, and for all innocent deaths you will be accountable”, Commander hanged his head in shame.

Buddha inquired the commander “Is your army capable in stopping the enemy?”

Commander said “Yes, our troops can manage that with a single order, they will kick the enemy out of our boundaries.”

So Buddha said “order your soldiers to stop the enemy invasion and send their soldiers back to their places.”

By this commander realized the difference between non-violence and violence and acted wisely since then.