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Motivation and Will Power and the Essence of Being a Warrior

 Motivation and / or Will Power - My father, late Major General Rajendra Nath, PVSM (Retd), 1947 Commission from the IMA, 11 GR, commanded 62 Mountain Brigade in the 1971 War on the Eastern Front, Magura, Suadih, Faridpur, Jiban Nagar and Madhumati being his major Brigade level battles. after one pitched battle, he went to the Medical Post in the front lines where the Doctor told him a young Captain was dying, he was wounded grievously. The young officer had led the attack, very bravely, pressed on though wounded, my father had seen it go through as he preferred to be up close. He knelt down and shouted in his ear, "Son, you will live, fight, damn you, Son fight. You have the fight in you. I know it". The Doctor looked on and just shook his head sadly. Well, Dad, as he told me, went to the other side and shouted his encouragement again, "Son, you will live and dance, I will see you dancing, dance you will", there was no reaction. Praying silently, he left after attending to the other wounded. a day later, he was conveyed over the radio set that the young officer was still alive, though barely. After the war, 62 Mountain Brigade returned to Kanpur, among the last to pull out. The young officer had survived, his young wife was with him. He called upon my Dad, simply placed his Gallantry Medal in my mom's lap. He and his wife wanted to say more but they were all quiet. The young officer said, "I had given up, I lay badly wounded and was sure of death. Sir, your words will ring in my ears forever. Your shouted out words gave me hope. I wanted to live". My late mother remembered this always with emotion and so did my father. This was among their most remembered instances of a long life well lived.

Call it what you will, in my words it is motivation. And will power.
The essence of being a good warrior in Sanatan Dharma (often termed a Dharma Yoddha or Warrior of Righteousness) is not solely based on physical strength or martial skill, but rather on a deep commitment to upholding Dharma (cosmic order, duty, and righteousness) above personal desire, ego, or fear. A true warrior is one who balances the power of the sword (Shastra) with the wisdom of the scriptures (Shastra).
Key aspects of the essence of a Sanatan warrior include:
Dharma Over Desire: The primary duty is to protect righteousness and stand against injustice, regardless of personal cost.
Balance of Shastra & Shastra: A warrior must be disciplined and learned, not just a fighter. This represents a perfect balance of spiritual wisdom (Shastra) and martial power (Shastra).
Detachment (Nishkama Karma): Based on the Bhagavad Gita, the warrior fights because it is their duty, not for the fruits of victory or out of greed.
Internal Conquest: Before conquering external enemies, a true warrior must conquer internal evils like lust, anger, pride, and greed.
Compassion and Grace: True strength is matched with compassion. Warriors in Sanatan tradition are expected to behave gracefully, protecting the innocent and showing kindness even to enemies in the field.
Fearlessness: A warrior acts without fear, trusting that righteousness is defended by higher divine forces.
Ideal Examples: Figures such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Arjuna, Parshuram, and Bhishma embody this ideal, balancing fierce strength with unwavering adherence to moral duty.
In essence, a good warrior in Sanatan culture is a "Sant Sipahi" (saint-soldier)—a person of high spiritual consciousness who is ready to fight to protect the good and the innocent.
In General
The mind of a warrior and a brave man is characterized by mental resilience, unbreakable focus, and the ability to act courageously despite feeling fear. A true warrior mindset is not about being fearless, but about conquering fear through discipline and purpose.
Key characteristics of this mindset include:
Courage Over Fear: A brave man feels fear but acts anyway, choosing to move forward when others turn back.
Mental Toughness: A warrior has a "non-negotiable" mindset that refuses to quit, focusing on solutions rather than getting stuck in worry.
Action-Oriented: A warrior acts while a worrier overthinks. This mindset is focused on taking immediate, productive steps to overcome obstacles.
Purpose-Driven Protection: The warrior mindset is often rooted in protecting others, placing family or teammates before oneself, and demonstrating high levels of self-motivation and responsibility.
Adaptability & Strength: A warrior grows stronger through adversity, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers.
Acceptance of Reality: Warriors accept the inevitability of challenges—or even death—which liberates them to live and fight without fear.
This mindset is described as being proactive, prepared mentally and physically, and possessing a "never-defeated" mentality.
and some sayings
The louder the dogs bark the less a lion feels threatened.
Matshona Dhliwayo
If a lion turned every time small dogs barked at it, it would be the laughing stock of the jungle.
Matshona Dhliwayo

he essence of military valour is defined as exceptional courage, self-sacrifice, and devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. It encompasses
both the physical bravery to face danger and the moral courage to uphold principles under extreme pressure.
Core Components of Military Valour
Valour is not merely a single act but a combination of several distinct virtues that define a soldier's character:
Courage (Physical and Moral): The willingness to confront pain, danger, and uncertainty. Physical courage involves enduring bodily harm or death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly despite popular opposition or personal loss.
Selfless Service: Prioritizing the welfare of the nation, the military unit, and subordinates above one's own life and interests.
Duty and Honor: Fulfilling obligations and living up to a professional code of values even when it is difficult.
Integrity: Adhering to moral principles and doing what is right, both legally and ethically, especially when unobserved.
Resilience and Determination: The indomitable spirit to persevere through harsh conditions, such as extreme weather or overwhelming enemy odds, to achieve a mission.
Valour is frequently viewed as a "mean" between two extremes: cowardice and recklessness.
Reason and Prudence: Historical examples, such as those discussed by Aristotle and Cicero, suggest that true valour is guided by reason and wisdom. As noted in literature, "when valor preys on reason, it eats the sword it fights with," implying that blind bravery without strategic thought can be destructive.
Compassion and Mercy: Some perspectives suggest a connection between valour and mercy, noting that true strength includes the capacity for compassion even in conflict.


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