Practical Ways of Attaining Peace

Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj (02 February 1990)

Human conduct should result in human welfare. However, everything is governed by ego and ambition. Most are believers of the hedonistic philosophy - ‘eat, drink and be merry’.

Problems have to be looked at with in-depth vision, with analytical perception. True peace is a positive living experience, so powerful nothing can alter it, or disturb the person experiencing it. Peace cannot be momentary. One whose heart is full of That, which is of the nature of fullness, is at peace, not agitated ever. Desire is the enemy of peace and desire is the nature of the mind.

There are three types of desires:

1. Desires from our physical nature - eating, drinking etc. We have to face the reality, fulfil these, but they should not be exaggerated.
2. Desires generated by our vital nature - as a person in relation to others. We must do our duty, but the method in doing our duty should not go against ethical norms. The means is as important as the end.
3. Desire for the sake of self indulgence - you may bid adieu to peace. A strong sense of possession and ownership is egoistic, self-centred and narrow.

Change Your Concept of Enjoyment

A rainbow cannot be possessed, but is enjoyed by everybody. The more we pander to the desire and try to satisfy it, the more fiercely it burns. This is the main source of our ‘ashanti’. We also constantly tend to blame others, something outside of ourselves, for our restlessness. Whereas if your ego constantly requires satisfaction, you yourself are the cause of your restlessness.

The Hindu concept of life is to attain that perfection where we shine as something lesser, good, beautiful, peaceful.

Practical Ways to Attain Peace

1. Observe yourself - you will become richer in the art and science of retaining your inner peace. Distinguish what part of ‘ashanti’ is self-generated and what part is generated by outside factors. That which is inevitable, let us accept, try and overcome it by generating inner strength so that your peace is not affected.
2. A philosophy of life is a must - What comes out of you, comes back to you. Do not let outside factors evoke a reaction which disturbs your peace. Do not react to sounds in tha air - any abuses or name calling. If anyone calls you a donkey, do you immediately sprout two big ears and a tail. Do not be reactive.
3. Be introspective - Try and investigate ‘who am I’? The ego principle has no valid existence. The prolific source, the root cause of all ‘ashanti’ is ‘I’. By identifying with the ‘I’ you are moving away from your ‘swaroopa’ - your resplendent, radiant form, to this temporary identity, committing the original sin. YOU are timeless. Observe everything as a calm witness - become a witnessing awareness. Reduce the ego and make it ‘sattwic’, plan and work for it. Control your reactions and let go.
4. Simplify your life and reduce ‘trishnas’ - With those above you develop an attitude of serenity, with equals have no envy; view them with equanimity, a friendly attitude; do not entertain jealousy; with those lesser have a state of compassionate kindness, and to evil doers be indifferent.
5. Establish a permanent state of being linked to God, practise profound meditation daily - it will change your psyche.
6. Do not keep any grudge or resentment in your heart or you will be your own enemy.
7. Practise experiencing the presence of God - He is everywhere, within and without; offer actions, thoughts, to Him. Cultivate the fact diligently that GOD IS
8. Mind your own business - do not criticise others and interfere in other’s lives. Do not gossip, and run down others, especially to your children.
9. Be self-reliant; dependence is misery.
10. The habit of worry is an inveterate bad habit of the mind. Cross your bridges when you come to them
11. Get rid of vague phobias which have no foundation.
12. Focus your mind one one hobby which captures your attention and concentration; something which is creative. Keep learning and growing; to remain idle is to die.

The worth of your life, the true value of your existence here on earth can only be measured by the good that you have done to others, by what you have put back into society, and not by what you have extracted.

Living a life of selflessness, you will attain true peace.

The true purpose of life.

Enquire who you are, know thyself and be free. That transcends all of the sorrows, miseries and limitations which this earth life imposes upon you. In one word the goal of your life is the realisation of the Supreme Reality. You may call it what name you will. Call it the Self, call it Cosmic Consciousness. The achievement of this alone will give you permanent happiness. The ancient vedas have from time immemorial sought to bring home to mankind the oneness of all life. We have a declaration in the vedas, duality is the cause of all sorrows.