Prevention, Management, and Resolution of Conflict in Vedic

Abstract

Conflict epitomises the coexistence of opposing forces, ideas, or qualities, reflecting the inherent duality in life and existence. This duality manifests within individuals and extends outward to encompass larger entities such as communities, organizations, or nations. Conflicts originate as internal struggles within individuals and ripple outward, manifesting in speech, actions, and reactions between individuals, communities, organisations, states, or countries. According to Maharishi Patañjali’s Yoga Darśana, the presence of Citta-Vṛttis (Five Psychological Patterns), namely Avidyā (existential ignorance), Asmitā (ego, identities), Rāga (attachments), Dweṣa
(aversions), and Abhiniveṣa (fear and resistance to change), serves as the underlying source of conflict. When individuals are not conscious and are driven by these psychological patterns, they give rise to Adhārmic (unethical) thoughts, which, when intensified within the mind, are projected outward through unethical speech and actions. Preventing conflict requires a multifaceted approach: Education of Dhārmic (ethical) Principles, Learning from Traditional Sources, Awareness of Adharma’s Consequences, Enforcement of Dhārmic Principles, Yoga and Tapasyā (spiritual practices), Promotion of a Yogic Lifestyle, and Dhārmic Governance.  In Vedic Traditions, the approach to conflict, anger, and stress differs from mere “management.” Because “management” of something implies “accepting its existence”, considering the existence/occurrence of something as “normal,” allowing it to exist and delaying the resolution, delaying acting for resolution, removal, or solution. Maharishi Patañjali’s Yoga Darśana advocates “Citta-Vṛtti Nirodhaḥ,” removing Adhārmic causes over mere management. Similarly, Kṛṣṇa in Mahābhārata and Rām in Rāmāyaṇa did not advocate conflict management; they pursued prevention and resolution, even if it meant war when persuasion failed. Vedic teachings urge us to manage what is healthy and Dhārmic while resolving or removing what is harmful or Adhārmic.