Literally non-violence and violence. The concept of non-violence has prominent place in Buddhism and Jainism. The Hindus have borrowed it from Jainism. In Jainism, there are 108 forms of violence that one should not practice. In Sikhism, love, brotherhood, mercy and forgiveness are virtues one must inculcate in him/her. But, a Sikh also learns the lessons of self-respect, honour, fearlessness, bravery, sacrifice etc. If a Sikh’s honour is at stake, or someone is insulting Guru Sahibs or Guru Granth Sahib, or if someone is attacking an innocent person, or if a Sikh is facing a terrorist, it is the duty of Sikh to act and if he/she has to use force, it is fully permitted in Sikhism. Sikhism believes in violence but the content and practice are different. When all other means fail, a Sikh is allowed to resort to violence.
In Sikhism the use of arms is legitimate (when all other means fail) as defensive measure. In Sikhism, Shastar means real weapons/arms and not any diplomatic dialogue. Similarly, Kirpaan (sword) is not the only Shastar that a Sikh is allowed to use. A Sikh may use any weapon. The pre-condition is that arms are to be resorted to for defence and not for offence and the Sikh code of conduct (for war) must be strictly followed.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)