How can the controversial action of killing by Kṣatriya be justified? This study will deal with the conflicts between kingship and ethics, focus on King Ajātaśatru (BCE ? -461) in Samaññaphala sutta and warrior Arjuna in Bhagavad Gītā. To explore the difference between early Buddhism and Brahmanism in terms of justification the killing by Kṣatriya and solving the contradiction between dharma and sva-dharma. How to define karma and how to get salvation? From mokṣa to bhakti, what are the reasons that transform the discourse of religion ethics and soteriology? In this study, I would argue that the diversity interpretation of dharma and karma result in the guilt and salvation are different as well. Ajātaśatru committed patricide would have karma and retribution. After confessing his mistakes and repenting, eventually he had to be a monk and then get liberation. Whereas, Brahman traditions were based on the idea of fulfilling caste obligations, through karma yoga and devotion to Kṛṣṇa to solve the dispute over killings in the war and get salvation by personal God.
