The essence of peace

It is evident in the behaviour of all living things, man or animal, that peace is a much sought after state. The essence of which is the total absence of threat, fear, and scarcity. Peace provides strength, rejuvenation, time for healing, growth, and most of all love. It is a break from the constant onslaught from sensory, mental, and foreign invasion.

A common mantra in Vedic culture is “om santih santih santih” which means “let the self(om) bestow peace, peace, and peace”. When something is said three times, its importance is emphasised and highlighted. This mantra is spoken at the beginning of every ritual, in between sections of rituals, and at the beginning and end of all Upanishads, sacred texts, and sermons.

Great thinkers and yogis have analysed and observed the flux of peace in this world and have realised various methods for promoting peace within oneself, one's community, and the world at large. Best of which is the cultivation and relishing of Santa Rasa, the peaceful essence.

Sitting in a comfortable posture, one should fix the gaze at the centre of the forehead, with the eyes half closed. Keeping the body straight but relaxed, allow your breath to steadily slow down.  As you feel you’re body and mind begin to find a calm, clear and serene state, Fix the mind at the lotus of the heart. Visualize there a bright flame, within that flame see a beautiful dark figure standing with four arms holding various weapons such as Conch, Chakra, Mace, and lotus flower. He wears a golden dhoti and is garlanded by beautiful flowers, pearls, and golden necklaces. This dark and exceedingly attractive form is a condensed personality of joy and the ocean containing the waves that are all living entities.  He is the concentrated form of truth, consciousness, and bliss. He is the crest jewel of all pleasures of the self, the highest self, and the highest reality.

One should understand that this is one’s own essential nature, beyond the states of wakefulness, dreaming and deep sleep. It is known as Turiya. It is transcendental to the twenty-five elements, and the three Gunas, it is the basis of all experience. By casting off the false identification with the personality imagined in connection to the physical and mental bodies, one can repose in the ocean of peace, the self within the heart.

This practice of reposing in the heart has been revealed in many places with many varieties of symbol and actions, but the essence is always the same. The essence of the heart is our innate awareness beyond the perceptual quagmire of material experience. By reposing in this space, you can gain access to the peace of your true nature, peace itself.  

Seek out those who have found this nectar, sit at their feet and listen to their words.

This peace is contagious but rare in this world,

Listen to the songs of the past seers, Upanishads they call them, so sweet to hear.

Know you are progressing by witnessing the signs, Hairs standing on end and trembling of limbs

Respect for the perfected ones will spring forth

While attachment and aversion will fade with force

Hatred is last to leave your mind, don’t stop till you know you’re compassionate and kind

In this day and age, darkness thickens and terror ensues.

Don’t be fooled oh friends, don’t wear the noose

When the bliss of the heart dawns upon your mind

You will see that same love outside, easy to find.

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