What causes Conflicts and as a serious consequence, Wars to begin? Is it an inherent, unavoidable human tendency? When and how do Wars become a compelling proposition against Oneness or the lofty concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam?
It is interesting to deliberate on this subject broadly, not in the context of the present Hamas – Israel conflict in West Asia or, the long-drawn Ukraine – Russia fighting in Eastern Europe. For that matter, not even with the remedies and management of these two severely disturbing global situations.
All is Fair in Love and War is an adage that describes scenes in which people do not follow the normal rules of human behaviour and do grossly unfair things. In this context, let us go back to about 500 years in our sub-continent when Babur invaded us. In the 16th century around 1528, Babar built a mosque over what was the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Babar who became the first Mughal Emperor attacked the ruling Lodhi dynasty in Northern India in 1526, entering from today’s Afghanistan. Horrific cruelties were inflicted by his army on native Hindus and Muslims.
A famous book, war and peace which was published in 1865 first in Russian and then in English has discussed the topic of conflicts and allied chaotic issues concerning Napoleonic wars. However, it mixes history and philosophy with fiction. On the other hand, Guru Nanak (1469 -1539) is an Eyewitness and treats the impact of Babur’s invasion in 1526 more directly with a series of verses collectively known as Baburvani. Being a witness to the horror, his verses on the subject are an authentic description of the gruesome situation.
Brief translations of some of these verses from BABURVANI deserve mention, to recall the utterly non-sensical and barbaric happenings that took place during his invasion.
(Baburvani extracts)
1)Bringing the marriage party (Baraat) of sin, Babur has invaded from Kabul demanding our Land as his wedding Gift…
…not wedding songs, cries of murder are heard; not saffron but the sprinkling of blood (Ratt Ka Kungoo – a spray of rakt ka kesar is seen)
2)The Quazis and Brahmins lost their roles and sham marriage rites were conducted to engage freely in rape and loot.
3) Those heads adorned with braids with parting coloured with Sindoor, those heads were shaved with scissors, and their throats were choked with dust (to silence the cries.)
4)There was so much slaughter that people screamed. Oh, Lord! Didn’t You Feel Compassion?
Notably, Guru Nanak’s concern goes beyond merely recording the horrific events. He is also interested in what causes violence and it’s the remedy.
Guru Nanak explains that the play between Unity and Division is a part of the play between Material Forces in the Divine order. He goes on to suggest that Conflicts and Warfare are symptoms of the mind that are out of balance, alienated from the experience of Oneness.
In the ONE-NESS philosophy propounded by him, the remedy for duality and alienation is through realizing the true nature of existence. It is achieved by overcoming EGO, which wants to maintain a separation between ourselves and the World, between ourselves and others.
Further deliberation on the training of minds to shed EGO can be long-winded and are basic Indic Tradition.
Briefly, Guru Nanak recommends Simran or Naam Japna which is
The remembrance of the Lord’s name to experience Oneness. A similar call, Sumiran, has been put forth by Kabir and contemporary Bhagats to feel Peace within us by shedding EGO. The preference for one or the other similar methods to realize Oneness is essentially a matter of personal choice.
As materialistic concerns have overtaken all other issues, dousing the fire of the Ego at an organizational or societal level IS Difficult.
For inquisitive minds, books by different authors on Oneness and related topics are available on Amazon. Author, Amardeep Singh has uploaded a 24-episode docuseries on Guru Nanak’s travels for free viewership. The video series is inspired by historical texts and spreads Guru Nanak’s message of ONE-NESS, with a thoughtful selection of well-sung excerpts of Guru Nanak’s verses interspersed with short narratives. The docuseries are available both in English and Hindi. These 24 videos can be viewed at www.TheGurunanak.com
The discussion above in this article has touched upon Conflicts and resultant Wars among neighbouring countries and Nations
Of direct relevance to us at the societal level is the conscious practice of the art of avoidance of alienation — between us as neighbours, and with other residents in our colony. This is the starting point in the realisation of Oneness.
The green ambience of Malibu Towne supports the feeling of 1) natural calm, 2) shedding of Ego-driven alienation towards co-residents and hence 3) the realization of ONENESS within ourselves at the local level.
