When defending against the evil,
how do we respond and act,
without becoming evil too?
Without guidance of the precepts,
we might not be evil straightaway,
but we can easily become so.
Thus, it is always best
to observe the precepts strictly,
both in the letter and spirit.
In extreme situations, as last resorts,
even if going ‘against’ the letter,
never go against the spirit.
The spirit of all precepts
is to help and save as many as we can,
and to harm as few as possible, if any at all.
Precepts might thus
be bent in the letter,
yet never broken in spirit.
The challenge is
to be as creative as needed,
with as many skilful means as available.
Otherwise, if becoming (as evil as,
or) more evil than the enemy,
the battle against evil is already (drawn or) lost.
Related Article:
How To Constantly Comply With Sentient Beings?
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/2024/09/how-to-constantly-comply-with-sentient-beings
