Can we fight, perhaps as a soldier or otherwise, yet still love our enemies? If

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   manatita44posted 6 years ago

   Can we fight, perhaps as a soldier or otherwise, yet still love our enemies? If yes, why?

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   shanmarieposted 6 years ago

   Interesting question with both ethical and philosophical elements. It does seem to be somewhat of an oxymoron, but I believe it is possible. The why of the question is a bit difficult to answer though. The closest example I can think of at the moment is to compare it to siblings fighting. Or ongoing serious family disputes. Often people are still loved, yet kept at a distance for whatever reason. There are aspects of those situations that can be applied to other larger, less personal situations. Such as war. Sometimes living ones enemy does not mean leaving oneself defenseless or open to attack.

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   The0NatureBoyposted 6 years ago

   Since the concept is written "there is a time and season for all things" I would say yes.
   
   My reasoning is we have to experience all attributes known to man, if we have not experienced being in war and showing love we have missed the middle path of love and war. 
   
   During European War 2 (usually called WW 2) one Christmas Eve a set of soldiers began singing "Silent Night" at midnight and the other group heard it and both enemies took time out from frighting to celebrate the arrival of Christmas was told to me by someone who was in it. That is why I say yes.

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      manatita44posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Ans wasn't that beautiful! They recognised their common humanity. Nice!

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      shanmarieposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I have heard this story ,too, and always found it to be rather hopeful.

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   manatita44posted 6 years ago

   Wise one. You are repeating, in a beautiful way, the words of my last Hub. Wisdom with compassion. I will answer the why, for you, just not yet. ha ha. How are you my Dear Shannon. Is all ok? Stay well.

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      shanmarieposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Haven't read yours at hub yet, so interesting you say that.I am fine, thanks for asking. Hope you are as well.

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   MizBejabbersposted 6 years ago

   I believe that is true. I had heard the story Elijah told in his comment. In addition, there are tales of compassion shown the "enemy" during the Civil War, but of course in this war, relative sometimes fought against relative. We are evolving as souls in this time, and our souls have the capacity for loving our soul brothers although they may be on the other side of the war. Remember, most of these wars are declared by our leaders and not by the common people.

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      shanmarieposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Good point about the civil war.

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      manatita44posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Miz.
      
      Glad you identified with the compassion aspect.

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   Ericdierkerposted 6 years ago

   I think one kind of needs to go backwards at first. The Art of War and The Republic are good sources on this. And of course the Bible has the phrase of “a time for war and a time for peace” (sometimes written hate) in the New Testament and a noble idea to render unto Caesar that which is Caesars which clearly would include fighting for the state and that point is heartily made in the Republic.
   If there is a man about to kill an infant child and mother. If I can I will kill him first. That is just a flat out fact. Now as a Christian I must take it further to my neighbor which would clearly extend to my nation. No I am not speaking of clearly out of bounds conflicts like the Vietnam War. And certainly we no longer conquer and colonize as some sort of manifest destiny.
   Then we visit the other area. There is a point in reaching our best soul state then we must be taught by a warrior and become one. There are conflicts that we must somehow defeat or literally become one with. This of course is a spiritual journey. Here as in the Art of being a warrior the goal is never the brutality but to win with grace. But at some point along the way you come to see our physical as nearly insignificant. And then a further place where mind is replaced by a simple awareness. The point here is that in some plane the human body that is destroyed in war is basically inconsequential, yours or another. Holding on to the flesh truly may not be a good thing, but sacrificing it for your neighbor/nation would be a great act of love. Of course we know that Jesus died on the cross but not before telling us that to give your life for another is the greatest love.
   It would seem to me that at this time war against ISIS is better than not stopping them. So I love so I only send my son to fight? Well that sure is not loving. The alternative is. So not only can we, but we must.
   
   Wart is not a choice you make, it is one made for you by a higher calling.

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      manatita44posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      A lot here, Bro. A strong answer with some very salient points. Do I take it that you are supporting the call to fight but with Love? Thanks for your contribution.

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      Ericdierkerposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Yes I certainly believe that.

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      Debangee Mandalposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Has really got valid points.Good answer.

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   Debangee Mandalposted 6 years ago

   It is said that enemies should have highest position in your mind.It is not humanly possible to love enemies but we should at least pretend to love them. Enemies should be loved not to just win over them but to make sure that they are not aware of the fact that we know that he or she is doing enmity. If enemies come to know that we are aware and we try to openly fight with them , they are going to take some other route of action which might turn to be more severe . It is with love and tactics that we should decipher the mind of the enemy and then deal with them accordingly.
   
   Hence it is a diplomatic way of dealing with enemies.
   Thanks for the wonderful question.

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      manatita44posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Debangee.
      Your mind, enemies mind ... the mind is a culprit in Yoga philosophy... spirituality. It divides, separate, chops things up. it sees only 'me' and 'mine;'analyses, does not sing the song of oneness. Love is the language of the Heart.

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      MizBejabbersposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Love comes from soul, hate comes from lower mind. It is possible to love your enemy's soul but dislike him on the lower-mind level. A country can't become true friends with a former enemy unless their higher collective souls love each other.

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      manatita44posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting way of looking at it. Thanks Miz.

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      Debangee Mandalposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, 'Mind'and 'Soul' sometimes turn out to be big culprits. They defy us in such a way that we become confused and act wrongly. But in the ultimate war, love wins over hatred. Something which cannot be done by hatred can be achieved by love.

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      manatita44posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Debangee,
      
      Nice thoughts about Love.It conquers all.The Soul is immortal; a divine spark of God and our true Self. The physical sheath will pass away, as will the mind and everything else. The Soul itself is always pure, eternal ...

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