Is the one who starts the war always an aggressor?

When does a war begin?
When you feel the need to Defend;
Defend your land, Your pride,
Your promise, your purpose,
Your Dharma…

But When you begin a war to Oppress, Suppress,
To debase, displace
To conquer, to coerce
To boot, To loot
That’s arrogation…

Defending is not necessarily Violence !
Defeating is not necessarily a victory !
The scar of war is buried with a dead soldier
But the emotional scar of the survivor is more hurting, long lasting…

A war of Dharma should bring Justice to the people,
Empowerment to everyone,
Pave way for progress
Peace to the planet…

Rama went to the enemy’s fort !
Never conquered;
Ensured a peaceful Transition of Power;
Krishna chose a neutral battle ground;
Ensured victory for the just;

The Dharma of War has four steps to follow
Sama, Veda, Dana, Dhanda !
Peace talks, Advise of sacred
knowledge of Dharma, Generously Gifting,
and only if none of the above works STRIKE a War…

Any dispute,
Be it interpersonal, inter-family, inter-state, international,
First, give Peace a Chance…