Why do dharma-shastras say that aggressors should be forgiven?

Transcription by– Keshav Gopal Das & Ambuj Gupta

Question: Does dharma shastra say that even if aggressors are violent they should forgiven?

Answer: That is what Brahmans are expected to do. We see in the conflict between Vashishita and Vishawamitra. When Vishwamitra is the king at that time of Kaushika and he comes and takes away theSurabhi cow. Vashishta does not protest. Vashishta has mystic powers by which he can even curse and kill them but he does not protest. Cow comes to him and asked him, why are you rejecting me like this. At that time he says that you are not offended me, you are more dear to me as my life because with you I able to do sacrifices. However as Brahman I cannot resist. I cannot fight when a kshatriya acts violently. Then the cow says you just instruct me and I will produce army. He said yes, to can defend yourself. Then she produces the soldiers. Brahman is not himself expected to take aggressive violent action. A Brahman should forgive or Brahman should go to kshatriya and ask kshatirya to take action. That is the dharma shastra duty for a Brahman. Thank you.