“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
These sacred words come from the radiant being of peace, Mother Theresa. A person who no doubt led a life of love, compassion, faith and service. The history of statements likes these have biblical ties in Christianity – “love thy neighbor.” In a world sometimes filled with anger, ignorance and even hate, it seems, we at times, have lost the essence of peace.
Regardless of the differences each of us may have in a dogmatic, moral or philosophical sense, we have seen in history time and time again that anger and hate rarely accomplish the intended end goal, instead division and separation are birthed.
In the yoga practice we are taught about the ethical principle of AHIMSA, or nonviolence. Directly in succession from nonviolence is the principle of truth or SATYA. It is important to note that truth comes after nonviolence and should be guided by Ahimsa. That being said, by all means practice speaking, living and acting out your truth. But allow it to be done in a way in which you are guided by peace. Be honest with people, but do it from an angle of love. Distance yourself form people who do no serve you, but do not cut them down before you leave them where they stand. Stand up for what you believe it, but not at the risk of harm to yourself or others.
There was a time, and there still can be a time, when we come back to this state of belonging to one another. We can have a difference of opinion, a different view point or personal set of beliefs and respect (no one is asking us to agree) that difference. Can you greet your neighbor with peace? She is not asking you to understand her or agree with her belief. Do not blame others for the anger you may have, because it is not their responsibility to manage your peace, that sits with you and you alone.
In ending, I leave you with a yoga sutra, speaking directly about unlocking peace. From Sutra 33, Book 1, regarding the FOUR KEYS to PEACE:
“By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and disregard toward the wicked, the mind-stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.”
The four locks preventing peace, paired with their keys:
1. Happy people – Friendliness
2. Unhappy people – Compassion
3. Virtuous people – Delight
4. Wicked people – Disregard
Can you find more peace?