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Abstract
According to Darwinism, every creature on the earth survives at the cost of others and thus the conflict in existence is inevitable. Theory of evolution believes that human being by using its intellect have established domination over other creatures. Indian Dharmic tradition however gives us a cognitive tool to think about life from alternative perspectives through the maxims like ‘Vasudhaiva Kutṵmbakam’, (the world is one family), which tells us that all the creatures of the earth should be treated with due consideration. These two ideas i.e. inevitability of conflict and desire to coexist in peace, apparently contradict each others. The Mahābhārata seems to be trying to find a synthesis between these two. Though the inevitability of violence in existence is accepted, it seems to be cautioning us in a different way to put a check on it. The disrespectful treatment to the lives of non-human creatures brings its retribution. Though the wars and hunting are perceived as manly, the epic gives a message that it is compassion that makes a better human being.