Message of Peace

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The kingdom of peace is beyond all speech and thought. Peace is not

merely the absence of noise, tumult, strife or quarrels,

controversies or disputes. It is not a condition or environment from

which all undesirable elements are removed. This peace is not an

inert passive state. It is not a hypnotic trance. It is not a

negative physical condition. It is a positive state of spiritual

attainment. It is your centre, ideal and goal. It is perfect

awareness. It is a magnificent, indescribable state in which the pure

soul enjoys the highest divine bliss and transcendental divine

knowledge. You will become absolutely fearless and desireless by

drinking this divine nectar of peace. You will be in communion with

the Supreme Soul or Atma by attaining this peace. In this state of

peace there are no yesterdays or tomorrows, no sunset or daybreak-

there is eternal sunshine. It can hardly be acquired from external

sources. It can be reached only by patient spiritual practices.

 

You may be in quite adverse circumstances. You may remain in the

midst of calamities, troubles, tribulations, difficulties and

sorrows, and yet, you may enjoy the inward harmony and peace if you

rest in God by withdrawing the senses, by stilling the mind and

eradicating its impurities. Lord Jesus was persecuted in a variety of

ways. He was put to death on the cross and yet what did he say? He

said, " O Lord, forgive them! They know not what they are doing. " How

peaceful He was even when His life was at stake! He was enjoying the

inner peace.

 

The goal of life is attainment of self-realisation or God-

consciousness. There is one supreme, undying, intelligent principle

or essence or Atma or the Supreme Self who dwells in the chambers of

your heart. He exists in the past, present and future. He is

Existence Absolute, Knowledge Absolute and Bliss Absolute. The

ignorant may vainly search for their happiness in perishable external

objects that are conditioned in time, space and causation. He has no

peace of mind. His desires are not gratified. He amasses wealth,

begets children, gets titles, honours, name and fame and yet his mind

is restless. He has no abiding joy and lasting happiness. He is still

in want of something. He has no feeling of fulness. This feeling of

fulness and eternal satisfaction can only be obtained by realising

one's own Self through self-restraint, purity and meditation.

 

How long do you want to lead a life of duality, restlessness,

discontentment and dissatisfaction? How long do you wish to lead a

life of ignorance, bitterness, hatred and separation? How long do you

wish to continue your selfish struggles? How long do you wish to

behold differences and distinctions? How long do you wish to keep the

barrier between man and man?

 

You cry for peace or Santi. But where to get it and through whom? You

can realise peace in your own heart through association with the

sages and by meditation. You can find this peace only in stillness.

Peace can be found only within. You certainly cannot find it in

external objects. Look within. Sit silently in a quiet room for one

or two hours. Close your eyes. Concentrate on a point between the two

eyebrows. Withdraw the senses and the mind from the external objects.

Be still. Silence the surging emotions and bubbling thoughts. Forget

the body and the world. Enter into the great calm. Get deep down into

the innermost recesses of your heart. Plunge in the ocean of peace.

Realise your oneness with the one Supreme Self that dwells in the

chambers of your heart. Have four daily sittings in winter and two in

summer. Be regular in your practice. Regularity is of paramount

importance.

 

It is useless to talk of the cessation of war while you are all full

of petty jealousy and private hatred. Remove your discordant,

inharmonious vibrations first. There will be no more war between

nations. Individuals only go to constitute a nation. Lead an ideal

life of peace. Ruthlessly kill suspicion, prejudice of all sorts,

envy, selfishness, greed for power and possessions. Lead a simple

life. Practise daily meditation and establish peace in your own

heart. Then radiate it to your neighbours and all who come in contact

with you. Disseminate it far and wide.

 

Mysterious is this peace. If you yourself enjoy this peace, you can

contribute peace to the world. Realise this Peace that passeth all

understanding and be free. May this Peace guide you all! May this

Peace be your centre, ideal and goal!

 

(Source: Essence of Yoga by Sri Swami Sivananda)