Peace at 3 Levels
March 22
Namaste!
Today, let us discuss peace at various levels. There is no doubt that everyone is searching for peace. Why are we searching for peace? Because we all enjoyed peace for a few minutes some time ago in our life, and it was so enjoyable that we want to experience it again and again. Throughout our lives, we all experience peace here and there, but it doesn’t stick around for long; soon after it appears, it disappears. Sometimes you get it without trying. For instance, sometimes you enjoy peace for a few minutes without doing anything in particular. But then, something comes along and disturbs that peace. So even though we all get a taste of peacefulness, we are not always able to hold onto it for long. That is the constant challenge in life.
Your enjoyment of peace is always disturbed. And your search for peace is constantly challenged.
It seems to always elude you. Why doesn't it stay? Why are we not able to hold onto it for long? Let's analyze this search for peace and its elusiveness.
The first thing to understand is that even though there can only be one type of peace, disturbances to peace can come from any of three major sources. What are these three sources that can create obstacles to your attainment of peace? What three forces constantly get in the way of peace?
The first type of disturbance comes from the forces of nature. The forces of nature are a major obstacle that can cause pain and unhappiness. Do you remember the last time you saw on the news that a hurricane caused a disaster? Heavy rainfall washed away cars, houses were flooded, people drowned, and pets disappeared. There was no food or water for days, and many people became sick.
We don't think about it unless it happens to us, but it happens all the time. Every year, there is a hurricane season in Florida. Every year somewhere, some place, in some country, devastating floods caused by heavy rainfall bring disasters to many people. What about earthquakes? We are all well aware of the damage earthquakes cause. What about volcanoes? Forest fires? Forest fires destroyed thousands of homes in California and Australia in the past few years. These are all forces of nature. Natural forces gone wild is the first major source of disturbance to our peace and happiness.
The second source of disturbance is closer to us. These disturbances come from people, things, and situations around us. People around us can cause numerous problems that disturb our peace. Wild animals, snakes, and even viruses can also play a role in disturbing our peace. In addition, noise from cars, loud music, dogs barking in the middle of the night, loud police sirens when you’re trying to sleep, etc., are all very common disturbances that we have all experienced.
In regards to situations around us, there are problems caused by shutdowns of electricity and water, car accidents, gun violence, other various crimes committed by citizens against each other, diseases, and epidemics. Violence happens in your midst. In addition, when your computer goes down, it causes problems. Just imagine if your phone is broken; your life can be disrupted if your smartphone is not usable for even a day. These are just some examples of the second source of disturbance.
The third source of disturbance is even closer to us. For this disturbance, I am referring to problems with your body and mind, which are a major source of disturbance to your peace. When your body is hungry, tired, or sick, it is difficult to be at peace. And when your mind is troubled, worried, depressed, stressed, in conflict, or confused, it is even more difficult to enjoy peace. That is one of the main reasons I teach and encourage you to practice Yoga āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and meditation. Later on, I will introduce you to Vedanta. Vedanta is the “gamechanger” in life. Once you taste it, you will see its unparalleled benefits.
In the meantime, Yoga āsanas, prāṇāyāma, and meditation will prepare you to handle the three major sources of disturbance to your peace, joy, and fulfillment. These techniques will allow you to practice attaining that peace of mind that will help you achieve happiness and fulfillment in your life. In Sanskrit, the three sources of disturbances to peace are called ādhidaivika, ādhibhautika, and ādhyātmika. This is why Hindus say Shanti (peace) three times at the end of their mantras and prayers.
Until next time, I wish you peace.
Om ShantiH ShantiH ShantiH.
-Sri Rajaji