The battle of Kurukshetra was fought 5000yrs ago in India and 3.95 million people were killed in 18 days.
Rivers of blood were seen flowing with arms and legs and heads bobbing around.
How glorious was that battle that even the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna was there driving the chariot for Arjuna.
The Bhagavad Gita was spoken on that battle field - before the fighting began.
After the fighting subsided and when night fell - the opponents of one side went to the other side and talked of the days fighting - swapping stories of heroic deeds.
At day break the fighting continued.
Fighting wars is an eternal activity of living beings - and righteous wars are always glorious when fought for the right reasons.
No women and children were there - and there were only kshatriyas (warriors) at the battle.
In Vedic culture violence of any type is condemned for the sake of the peace of the citizens - but righteous warring is glorified when true religious principles are at stake.
Rules of engagement
The two supreme commanders met and framed "rules of ethical conduct", dharmayuddha, for the war. The rules included:
Fighting must begin no earlier than sunrise and end exactly at sunset.
Multiple warriors may not attack a single warrior.
Two warriors may "duel", or engage in prolonged personal combat, only if they carry the same weapons and they are on the same mount (no mount, a horse, an elephant, or a chariot).
No warrior may kill or injure a warrior who has surrendered.
One who surrenders becomes a prisoner of war and will then be subject to the protections of a prisoner of war.
No warrior may kill or injure an unarmed warrior.
No warrior may kill or injure an unconscious warrior.
No warrior may kill or injure a person or animal not taking part in the war.
No warrior may kill or injure a warrior whose back is turned away.
No warrior may attack a woman.
No warrior may strike an animal not considered a direct threat.
The rules specific to each weapon must be followed. For example, it is prohibited to strike below the waist in mace warfare.
Warriors may not engage in any "unfair" warfare.
Originally posted by DasaBut what if the other side does not follow these rules, and say, continues
The battle of Kurukshetra was fought 5000yrs ago in India and 3.95 million people were killed in 18 days.
Rivers of blood were seen flowing with arms and legs and heads bobbing around.
How glorious was that battle that even the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna was there driving the chariot for Arjuna.
The Bhagavad Gita was spoken on that battle fie ...[text shortened]... strike below the waist in mace warfare.
Warriors may not engage in any "unfair" warfare.
the attack through the night. Is there any allowance for defensive fighting
during these situations?
Originally posted by RJHindsVedic warriors always follow the rules of engagement.
But what if the other side does not follow these rules, and say, continues
the attack through the night. Is there any allowance for defensive fighting
during these situations?
In the Vedic times the warriors were also learned and properly behaved.
Originally posted by Dasaif you are going to have rules for warfare why not include
The battle of Kurukshetra was fought 5000yrs ago in India and 3.95 million people were killed in 18 days.
Rivers of blood were seen flowing with arms and legs and heads bobbing around.
How glorious was that battle that even the Supreme Personality of Godhead Krsna was there driving the chariot for Arjuna.
The Bhagavad Gita was spoken on that battle fie ...[text shortened]... strike below the waist in mace warfare.
Warriors may not engage in any "unfair" warfare.
No killing
No maiming
No fighting
No shouting
and decide the result over a game of chess?
Your rules for warfare make it no more glorious than any other war.
Originally posted by wolfgang59Modern warfare is not glorious the least.
if you are going to have rules for warfare why not include
No killing
No maiming
No fighting
No shouting
and decide the result over a game of chess?
Your rules for warfare make it no more glorious than any other war.
The men rape the women.
They kill children women and old men.
They torture.
They have no principles and are below even the dogs.