Peace is like a well-channeled river. It does not rest in a static state; rather, it harmoniously adapts to change. Although a river constantly flows, it maintains equilibrium with the shore. From obscure mountain origins, it plunges to the plains, assuming a name, and then it merges namelessly in the vast ocean. Peace also flows and grows; it is the sign of God’s creation working in harmony.

Peace for spiritual aspirants is a state of equanimity based on understanding of and adherence to dharma (spiritual duty). When we understand the divine basis for creation and live in accordance with it, we can move unruffled by the currents of daily events. Recognition of divinity in all creatures and all objects grants us courage and confidence. When we lead virtuous lives, leaving the results of our actions to God, we experience peace.

When man thinks, speaks, and acts along virtuous lines, his conscience will be clean and he will have inner peace. Knowledge is power, it is said; but virtue is peace.

Sathya Sai Speaks 10

To experience peace, we must master our unreasonable expectations. Agitation usually results from unfulfilled desires, not from external conditions. The mind creates wrong desire when it loses control over the senses. Virtue requires us to hold the senses in check. If we hold to material values, we lose our inner peace. If we live virtuously, we grow into unbounded joy.

What exactly is peace? It is the stage in which the senses are mastered and held in balance.

Sanathana Sarathi, Jan. 1985.

A controlled mind enables us to rest, content with the present, not dwelling on the past or expecting too much from the future. When the endless progression of thoughts is controlled, the divine purity of consciousness shines forth. The mind should be a tool of the atma, the inner divinity. The mind should not become our master, roaming unchecked among the objects of desire. The mind creates desire, so it must be taught to remain quiet when it is not required for a specific task. Like a small child, it must be taught to limit its reach and to rest occasionally.

There is some small confusion of terms, for there is no mind as such. The mind is a web of desires. Peace of mind is no desires, and in that state there is no mind. Mind is destroyed, so to speak. Peace of mind really means purity, complete purity of consciousness.

Conversations

Peace in the world depends on peace in each individual. No laws or treaties can bring about peace without righteousness in individuals. Righteousness results when individual masters their unreasonable desires. With proper understanding, they leave the results of action to God and act in accordance with their spiritual duty.

If there is a righteousness in the heart
There will be beauty in the character.
If there is beauty in the character
There will be harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home,
There will be order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation,
There will be peace in the world

Sathya Sai Speaks 7

Righteousness in the heart results from the vision of Oneness. People of all lands share the same divine status as embodiments of God. When all recognize that the same God-nature moves in each, they will respect one another. All are waves on the ocean of God, not separate from each other or from God.