Peace in the world (mini article)

From an e-newsletter I get . . .
The truths herein are universal, across all religions.
Some of what is discussed could be considered an applied Inner Smile . . . S
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Peace of mind does not depend upon outer conditions. Nothing can give you peace of mind except you, within yourself.

Peace is unconditional. As long as you are basing your peace on factors or conditions outside of yourself, you will never have peace. For ages we have tried and tried to get peace and satisfaction from relationships, money, possessions, but somehow it always eludes us. It is only when your mind is free and relaxed that you experience true peace.

Basing our peace, joy, love or freedom on outer conditions is the basic fallacy. Peace is within you and me; it is our own inheritance, our unconditional wealth. If you base your peace or joy on pizza or new clothes, you are bound to be disappointed. You will feel gratified and pleasure momentarily, but that will not last. You will again be disturbed by something else.

When you sit in meditation or contemplation you will see that your mind has many thoughts, negative and positive. If you try to solve negative thoughts by avoiding them or fighting with your mind, you will never succeed. But when you begin to relax and subside your mind, to release and let go, your mind becomes more peaceful. This is the way peace will come in the world.

What is true of the mind is true of the world. This is a great yogic aphorism. Or to put it another way: what is true of the world is true of our minds. If you can bring peace to your mind, the same process will bring world peace. We have to let go on the world scale. That is what Jesus, Buddha and Krishna said. It is hard to believe but that is the only way. Let go, forgive, love, and be compassionate. You won’t lose anything. In fact, if you have peace of mind, you are a king among kings.

When you attain peace of mind your perspective changes. Your consciousness opens up and you see more clearly. You see others as if they are your own brother, sister, friend, child or parent. In this way we realize oneness with all, where the whole world is our family and there are no strangers wherever we go.

From the audio Satsang, Peace in the World (K-154), published in Light of Consciousness Vol 2#2. Spring 1990.