Wikipedia: Characteristics of kshatriya varNa

 

Wikipedia: Characteristics of kshatriya varNa

Nature of the kshatriya dharma are:

● shauryaM, : One who is not afraid or overcome by others.

● veeryaM, unconquerable : One who can overcome anybody . The first two characterstics are necessary to fight against adharmic forces.

● DhrutiH, Courageousness: Ability to fight on even when things are not going well.

● TejaH radiance: The sense of power emanating that can intimidate the opponents.

● tyAgaH,

● AtmajayaH, Self-Control

● kshamA, forgiveness:

● brahmanyatA , faithfulness and giving protection to brahmins.

● prasAdaH, happiness and cheerfulness under any conditions.

● rakshA, protection of the weaker segments of the society.

You can see that first half of the list are the characteristics of power and projection of power. In the second half of the list, are the

characteristics that moderate the qualities in the first half and make that person to follow the dharmic principles for good of the society and himself. Without self-control, forgiveness and other balancing qualities, the first set of qualities may make kshatriya to become a tyrant or a dictator. This is why Srimad Bhagavatham emphasizes a balance of the qualities even in a kshatriya.

All these qualities are innate to individuals. We can recognize many people who are among us, who have these kinds of qualities.