During the Great War of 1914-8 a large number of Theosophists in England found themselves on the horns of a dilemma.  As good citizens and patriots they were naturally inclined to side with their country and support the war.  Yet on the other hand were arrayed the command of the Christ to 'love your enemies', the pacifism of the Lord Buddha, who taught absolute non-resistance, and the theosophic teachings as to the One Life.  Which of these two conflicting lines of duty were they to follow?

In this extremity, many turned to the story of the Bhagavadgita, and, thinking they saw in it a justification of warfare, threw over the teaching of the Buddha and the Christ, and joined their countrymen in the prosecution of the war

© The Theosophist, September 2001.  Reprinted with permission.

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