Answer: It's best to seek other ways to handle difficult situations without resorting to violence. If we use our intelligence and creativity， we could probably find other solutions. Surely diplomacy is more effective than war. No matter how difficult our situation， we always have a choice of how to act. We can distract or injure someone rather than kill him or her. If there is a war， we can consider carefully what choice to make. We can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of killing in this and in future lives， and the effects of this action on ourselves and others. Then we can decide according to what we consider best（or least harmful!）， although there may be no easy solution."
"Question: Is self-defense ever justifiable in the light of the Buddhist emphasis on nonviolence?
Answer: Self-defense needn't involve violence， and nonviolence doesn't mean becoming a doormat. We can seek ways to protect ourselves from harm without harming others or by inflicting the least amount of harm necessary. When however much time is available， we can try to diminish our self-centredness and reflect on compassion before acting... If we feel we cannot avoid maiming or killing， we can at least try to do it... with regret at having to cause another pain. If our intention to cause harm is weak， the karmic effect of the act will be less."