Vyuham and the Question of Modern Wars: War for What?
In the Mahabharata, the Vyuham were not merely battle formations. They were symbols of discipline, geometry, and dharma. Even in the midst of destruction, there was a sense of order—rules that gave dignity to combat. Abhimanyu’s entry into the Chakravyuh is remembered not only as a tactical moment but as a deeply human tragedy. Contrast this with today’s wars—Iran and the US, Russia and Ukraine, Israel and its neighbours. These conflicts often feel like battles without boundaries. Technology, propaganda, and brute force dominate, while ethics are blurred. The question arises: war for what? The Contradiction of Our Age On one side, we advocate peace. Our daily prayers include “Sarve janaha sukhino bhavantu” —may all beings be happy. Yet who is truly happy? Nations chase superpower status, proving dominance at the cost of humanity. Starting a war is easy. Stopping it is nearly impossible. And who bears the cost? Not the leaders who declare it, but the common people ...
