Dharma, karma
A group of US commandos landed on top of the residence of Osama bin Laden and avenged the killings of innocent people in America on September 11, 2001.
Right or wrong I cannot say, as the Bhagvad Gita tells you not to judge but be impassionate and detached from all actions.
America has been but an instrument in what is the fruit of Bin Laden’s karma. Nevertheless, the perseverance of American soldiers is a fine example of courage, grit and determination against the butchers of humanity. Their efforts towards ending terror must be appreciated, but does that justify glorifying the death of an individual?
The death of Osama bin Laden is not the death of terrorism... rather it is the death of only one individual. The war still wages between those who terrorise and those who are terrorised. The media is adding fuel to the fire, and in the process recruiting more on each side — more terrorists and hence more terrorised. Newspapers are filled with stories and pictures of people all across the United States rejoicing over the death of Bin Laden. Terrorists who will attribute this rejoicing to the death of Muslims. Uneducated, unaware people will believe and more terrorists will be born on the graves of those who died in this 10-year-long battle to terminate one terrorist.
Instead of rejoicing and celebrating, Americans need to act with maturity and responsibility. This is not a personal victory; it is just one milestone in the war against terrorism. Such childish behaviour will only breed hatred. There is a long road ahead, and the only way forward is detachment.
This time it was Bin Laden, a Muslim. But the story doesn’t end here. There are many more patrons of terror across regions and religions, roaming about freely and inflicting fear. Terrorism did not start with Bin Laden, it was triggered by acquisition of the rights of the weak by use of power. But it can only end with a ceasefire, when there is no more war and shanti prevails.
Mayaivaite nihatah purvam eva nimitta-matram bhava savya-sacin
In this verse from the Bhagwad Gita, Lord Krishna urges his shishya Arjun to be a detached instrument while engaging in the battle, for those who will die have already been killed by Krishna as per their karma. “So just carry out your duty if you have the capacity, leave the end result to me”, says Krishna.
Bin Laden has not been killed now, he died a decade ago, when he killed the unarmed men, vulnerable women and innocent children. What happened on May 2, 2011, has merely put seal to what was ordained long ago. Those who kill the innocent and unarmed deserve the death penalty. But valour lies in fighting a battle where both sides have weapons. Killing unarmed men, women and children is no bravery and no religion validates this. It is cowardice.
Defending the weak is an inherent part of dharma. The US government should take steps to complete the battle... not just start it. Only that would make the world a better place to live in and dharma will eventually be restored.
— Yogi Ashwini is the guiding light of the Dhyan Foundation.
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