Peace

Last week’s terrorist attack in Mumbai shows that there is still a long way to go before India and even the entire world can become a peaceful place to live in. Ruthless killing of innocent people by juvenile lunatics proves that the concept of peace is too complicated to be understood by all.

Peace will prevail when everything and everyone is in harmony; there are no differences or conflicts. But the fact is that differences and conflicts are a part of life. When people take differences to an extreme, it gives birth to hatred which leads to violence.

Differences in religion, beliefs and even relationships are case in point. When people take differences in religion to an extreme, they become terrorists. When a husband and wife take their differences to an extreme, it results in a divorce. When nations go to an extreme with their differences, they go to war.

In a world of differences, how can we live peacefully?

By being peaceful outside and inside!

Peaceful outside: Peaceful outside means being peaceful in our relationships. When there are differences or conflicts, just stop to think. Look at things logically and understand the consequences of the differences. Differences are always destructive. Don’t let your ego rule your better self. Think – is it worth it? Think “so what”? One should learn to just let go and forget about it. Look at the positive aspects of things. And see how peace prevails.

Peaceful inside: Being peaceful inside is also a very important thing. Only when you are peaceful inside, can you be peaceful outside. To be peaceful from within, we should not let negative thoughts rule our self. Just kill thoughts of jealousy and hatred. Control your ego. Do some yoga and meditation. Look at the broader picture. Always remain calm and collected, come what may. (This might sound too idealistic, but just reflect on it. If carefully applied, it would change our lives!)

Have you observed a forest or an ocean? There are thousands of species (different animals, fishes) living in harmony. They don’t fight with each other. Then why can’t humans, who are much more evolved than animals, live together peacefully?

Ponder on this thought for a while. And see if what has been mentioned above makes sense.

Tonight, before we sleep, let us spare 3 minutes of our precious time to pray for those who have lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Pray for giving strength to those who have lost their loved ones. And pray for world peace so that such incidents are not repeated.

Warm regards

Team Ashni