According to a French Indologist, Hindu philosophy allowed for various forms of interaction, including the kshatriya dharma; therefore, the practice of nonviolence was meant for individual enlightenment but could not be applied to social and political interactions because of the role of warrior-protector. Why then is everybody expected to behave as a Shramana?

In Shramana culture (ancient Indian religious movement, parallel to vedic traditions), they talk about two lifestyles. One is for the monks and nuns, dedicated to living a life of nonviolence. The other is the lifestyle for lay people, shravakas meaning householders. Shravakas give up unnecessary violence but they have to do necessary violence. Not thinking bad of others, not committing murder, not killing, for instance, hunting and fishing. Unnecessary violence can be given up, but necessary violence, when you have to do business, live with the family, there you have to draw a line.