When there is no alternative

Expressions researched:
"When there is no other alternative" |"when there is no alternative"

BG Chapters 13 - 18

When there is no alternative, one may kill an animal, but it should be offered in sacrifice.

BG 16.1-3, Purport:

Ahiṁsā means not arresting the progressive life of any living entity. One should not think that since the spirit spark is never killed even after the killing of the body there is no harm in killing animals for sense gratification. People are now addicted to eating animals, in spite of having an ample supply of grains, fruits and milk. There is no necessity for animal killing. This injunction is for everyone. When there is no alternative, one may kill an animal, but it should be offered in sacrifice. At any rate, when there is an ample food supply for humanity, persons who are desiring to make advancement in spiritual realization should not commit violence to animals. Real ahiṁsā means not checking anyone's progressive life.

SB Canto 1

In the ultimate issue only, when there is no alternative, the nuclear weapon called the brahmāstra is applied.

SB 1.7.19, Translation and Purport:

When the son of the brāhmaṇa (Aśvatthāmā) saw that his horses were tired, he considered that there was no alternative for protection outside of his using the ultimate weapon, the brahmāstra (nuclear weapon).

In the ultimate issue only, when there is no alternative, the nuclear weapon called the brahmāstra is applied.

SB Canto 8

SB 8.3.20-21, Purport:

Sometimes, when there is no alternative, a pure devotee, being fully dependent on the mercy of the Supreme Lord, prays for some benediction. But in such a prayer there is also regret.

Bhagavad-gita As It Is Lectures

Lecture on BG 4.14-19 -- New York, August 3, 1966:

Fighting or violence is not always impious. But a responsible person, he does not take violence unnecessarily. He considers things very nicely, and when there is no other alternative than to use violence, then he uses violence. Just like the government sometimes takes violence upon the citizens. It is not the objective of the government.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

There is no necessity for animal killing. This injunction is for everyone. When there is no other alternative, one may kill an animal, but it should be offered in sacrifice.

Garden Discussion on Bhagavad-gita Sixteenth Chapter -- June 26, 1976, New Vrindaban:

Prabhupāda: Ahiṁsā means not arresting the progressive life of any living entity. One should not think that since the spirit spark is never killed even after the killing of the body, there is no harm in killing animals for sense gratification. People are now addicted to eating animals, in spite of having an ample supply of grains, fruits and milk. There is no necessity for animal killing. This injunction is for everyone. When there is no other alternative, one may kill an animal, but it should be offered in sacrifice. At any rate, when there is an ample food supply for humanity, persons who are desiring to make advancement in spiritual realization should not commit violence to animals.

1977 Conversations and Morning Walks

God does not like that the weaker living entities should be killed for the satisfaction of the stomach. But when there is no alternative, then the stronger animal can take.

Room Conversation -- January 30, 1977, Bhuvanesvara:

Prabhupāda: You can say indirectly that "God is the father of all living entities. He's the supreme father". God does not like that the weaker living entities should be killed for the satisfaction of the stomach. But when there is no alternative, then the stronger animal can take. Because even one takes vegetables, that is also eating another animal, another living being. So therefore, human being must use discretion, that 'If I can live in this way, why shall I kill one important animal?' That is human intelligence.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Krsna dasa -- San Francisco 3 April, 1969:

As for your eye trouble, you need not take to an operation for your sickness. Doctors are not the Ultimate Healer. This is Krishna's position. In your Western countries, the doctors are very much fond of surgical operations. When there is no other alternative, of course we have to take shelter of such demonic treatment, but as far as possible try to avoid that, and depend on Krishna.