Peace

At the moment, our minds are constantly restless and agitated. We live on sensation--newspapers, novels, and movies. Naturally, while we are seeking sensation, peace eludes us; agitation and restlessness become our nature. We expect to gain peace by some external means, while agitation remains with us all the time.

The scriptures say that the truth is quite the opposite. We cannot get peace; but if we close our eyes and stop talking, peace will be there. It is not gotten or created. In fact, what we create is disturbance. It is important to recognize that before the disturbance was created, peace existed. While the disturbance is going on, peace remains, and when it stops, peace is evident again.

Waves rise in water. Before the waves rise, the water is calm. When the waves rise, the water remains unchanged, and when the waves subside water remains. In the same way, peace is always present, but we ourselves create the causes for disturbance, agitation, distraction, and restlessness--and then we "lose" that peace.

A verse from the Bhagavad Gita clearly and beautifully explains the one who attains the lasting peace in this life. It says:

vihaya kaman yah sarvan
pumams carati nihsprhah
nirmamo nirahankarah
sa santim adhigacchati

(He who lives and transacts in the world, giving up desires, free from longing and craving, free from attachment, and the ego sense of "I" and "MINE" attains peace.)

It is interesting to note that the Gita does not say what we must do, but rather, what we must get rid off. What a wonderful thing--we are not implored to do something, but are assured that peace is ours if we give up these four negative tendencies.