Most ancient civilizations idealized the warrior ethic, from the rigorously trained Spartan warriors to the fearless Samurai.
Not so much anymore. Sure we passively honor our military, yet, only 1% of the United States population will ever serve in the military.
The world changes, and perceptions of the warrior ethic have changed too. There are no more tigers to kill or invading tribes to rape, butcher, or enslave a family or clan. Our modern warriors are very small in number compared to the civilian population.
In many ways, the warrior ethic that was so valuable in ancient times for survival is the opposite of modern societal norms.
Civilian society prizes individual freedom. The warrior culture demands cohesion and obedience.
Civilian society rewards wealth and celebrity. Military culture values honor.
Civilian society punishes aggression. The warrior culture honors it.
Civilian society prizes luxury and ease. A warrior culture trains for adversity.
Civilian society almost expects selfishness. The warrior culture perceives sacrifice as an opportunity to prove their metal.
You get the idea.
Yet, we shouldn’t throw out warrior ethic. There is value in studying the ancient texts about the warrior ethic, and more importantly, finding a way to apply it to our lives.
The Warrior Ethic is More than Wielding a Sword
One of the best stories about the warrior ethic details the life of the great warrior Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita, written in India around 400 BCE.
In the story, Arjuna receives spiritual instruction from the God Krishna, who aids him disguised as a Charioteer.
A pivotal moment occurs on the battlefield when Krishna instructs Arjuna to slay his enemies without mercy.
As Krishna calls out by name the warriors that Arjuna must kill, he feels deep compassion for his foes, causing inner turmoil.
As it turns out, there is a good reason for his apprehension. Because upon a close reading of the ancient text, the warriors’ names were not just human names but represented deeper psychological aspects of Arjuna’s weaknesses.
The apprehension of Arjuna to slay his enemies is the same apprehension we all have in addressing our own faults and weaknesses. What a twist of fate!
In Sanskrit, the language of the Bhagavad-Gita, the names of the warriors Arjuna was commanded to kill, represented inner crimes or personal vices — for Arjuna those vices were greed, jealousy, selfishness, lying, or acting without compassion toward those who love us.
To be a victorious warrior, according to the Bhagavad-Gita, we are all called to kill our inner demons. Men and women everywhere should take this to heart.
The Bhagavad-Gita
I appreciate the Bhagavad-Gita because it took the warrior ethos from physical combat to a loftier and nobler mission. The old savagery and barbarism necessary to survive in a tribal nomadic world evolved into a focus on inner victory.
The Bhagavad-Gita took the same courage, tenacity, and bravery to win on the battlefield and applied it to eradicating vices and inner demons.
This application applies to all equally — warrior or civilian, young or old, man or woman. You and I.
The challenge to align oneself with their higher nature is the most difficult battle to fight and win.
So how do we win the battle?
Krishan gave Arjuna the answer on how to overcome and achieve victory. The solution was simple, but not easy.
The practice of self-discipline is the key. In other words, by the internal exercise of the external discipline of the Warrior Ethos.
Fix your mind upon its object. Hold to this, unswerving, Disowning fear and hope, Advance only upon this goal. Here is the Warrior Ethos directed inward, employing the same virtues used to overcome external enemies — but enlisting these qualities now in the cause of the inner struggle for integrity, maturity, and the honorable life.
~Krishna to Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita
I have no idea what inner demons you need to kill, but you do. Use the wisdom of Krishna and take the bold step to attack your inner demons, without mercy.
Imagine if everyone would turn all their energy, focus, and discipline to eradicating their inner demons instead of attacking each other? It would be a much better world if we all heeded the advice of Krishna.
Next Steps
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