Ariel Bong

In the midst of the constant turmoil going on recently with the spike in
terrorist extremism, the moves of locally dubbed Boko Haram and its militant troops
have been flying under the radar of the mainstream media. Known mainly for
inciting the Bring Back Our Girls campaign a few months ago, Boko Haram has
continued its rampage through Nigeria and now through northern Cameroon. There
isnt much question as to whether the group should be stopped, as displayed by the
mass genocide, rape, and overall widespread terror that is being continued to this
day, but the initial reasoning behind the mayhem may qualify for argument in Hindu
doctrine. Also from a Hindu perspective, the other main point of interest is whether
the United States and others should become involved with yet another conflict.
Despite labeling the group as a terrorist organization in 2013, the United
States and others including France have left the Nigeria and Cameroon to mostly
fend for themselves. Hindu teachings have handled the topic of war fairly
thoroughly. One of these teachings, from a section of religious text The Bhagavad
Gita, stems from a conversation between Arjuna, a great warrior, and Krishna. It
speaks of Arjunas role as a warrior even though he has second thoughts of killing.
More specifically, he has misgivings about killing those at one point who had been
his teacher and even granduncle. Krishna later on explains that Arjuna should only
see this act of killing as destroying the mortal body of the inhabiting atman, not the
soul itself. The Eternal in man cannot die. (Mascaro 11) The distinction is key in
allowing Arjuna and warriors alike to continue in their duty, or dharma. Let thy
actions then be pure, free from the bonds of desire. (Mascaro 18)

Krishnas argument, within the constraints of Hindu teachings, allows the

United States and France to intercede with their own troops. One may also argue
that the basis of Boko Haram is justified in the same way. The direct quotes of their
leader, Abubakar Shekau, would argue otherwise. Hinduism and Shekau may agree
that the natural law of the world is but a working of Gods sovereign
purpose,(Radhakrisnan 51) He even tries to apply to problems of social and moral
behavior the understanding of his duty as a member of a particular group, in this
case, Boko Haram. (Lifes Duties 75), but the way Shekau manifests that in the way
he goes about his daily life differs. I enjoy killing anyone that God commands me to
kill the way I enjoy killing chickens and rams. He doesnt see the acts of violence
as parts of fulfillment of his duty to move on in the stages of his life; Shekau
explicitly states his enjoyment for the killing therefore implicitly giving desire. He
fails to separate self from what he perceives to be his duty. This further pulls him
to fall into sin, shutting his eyes to moral and spiritual light. (Radhakrisnan 53)
Furthermore, Shekaus and Boko Harams initial goal of the propagation of the
Prophets teachings may be even supported by Hindu in accordance with the way
the texts call on its followers to behave in a certain way. Yet, as said in the Hindu
View of Life, Hinduism is more a way of life than a form of thought.
(Radhakrishnan 55)
American and French interference within the current struggle in Nigeria and
Cameroon would be defensible in Hindu belief. As previously noted, even though
Hinduism is a peaceful religion, certain acts of war are justifiable. In this case,
interference is justified because it is in the protection of the weak and the innocent.
The north-eastern part of Nigeria has been in a state of emergency close to two
years now with little change. Nigerian and Cameroonian troops have been deployed

and have been met with little trust from the very people they are protecting. There
has been close to 150,000 internally displaced persons within this specific region of
Africa. This should qualify as weak.

Works Cited
"Hinduism Beliefs About War." Hinduism Beliefs About War. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2015.
Mascaro, Juan. The Bhagavad Gita. Baltimore: Penguin, 1962. Print.
"Profile: Boko Haram Leader Abubakar Shekau." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2015.
Radhakrishnan, S. The Hindu View of Life: Upton Lectures Delivered at Manchester College, Oxford, 1926.
London: G. Allen & Unwin, 1927. Print.
Walker, Andrew. "Why Nigeria Has Not Defeated Boko Haram." BBC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Jan. 2015.