Building Peace in our Hearts and Minds

There are three aspects of a human being – body, mind and soul. The body is what we perceive at the external level. The mind is an intermediate between the body and the soul. In Sanskrit, we humans are known as ‘manusya’, i.e. one with a mind. In this world, our soul has taken the form of a human. We are primarily spirit; we are not matter. Matter only clothes the spirit. We, as souls, are but a part of a much bigger universe. There is a web of life that harmoniously balances all life forms. There is abundance in the Universe. Having a large heart and a big mind and getting inspired with a higher ideal helps us tap into the infinite pool of energy that is the universe.

When our heart and mind are not in peace, we are in a state of unrest. We fall prey to desires and greed (sensory pleasures and needless acquisitions); there is war, terrorism, oppression, unjust acts and all forms of violence. We pollute our environment, contaminate our food, indulge in sexual excesses and corrupt our relationships. All biodiversity is in danger of extinction. There is no regard for gender equality. We tend to be impatient, indulge in lies, follow illusions and promote incompetence. There can be no peace in associating only with the material objects of our world. Our world is in a state of chaos today because of perversion in human development – all intelligence and no intellect.

In order to be at peace, we must see ‘God in all and all in God’. Indeed, we could experience God in every moment of our life. We should acknowledge His presence in our everyday life – we must act in faith, we must do our best, we must be content and express gratitude for all we have. We should have good thoughts, speak good words and do good deeds. Above all, we must submit to His Will. We must be friendly to the virtuous, compassionate with the sorrowful, rejoice with the happy and be indifferent to those who live in vice despite attempts to change them. Whatever is good for us, we should wish the same for others. Women have a special capacity to lead us to a more peaceful world with compassion, contentment and tolerance.

We should strive to search for our inner soul. We should consciously strive to feel and understand the subtle and subtler aspects of life and not just appreciate the gross aspects. We must realise that we are not tiny, inconsequential creatures in this world, when the truth is that the universe is hidden in ourselves. We must recognise that life is all about energy. We must use the qualities of our mind, i.e. powerful intellect, good self-esteem and a strong sense of non-doership to search our inner selves where peace is eternally present.

Initial disciplining of a child through the do’s and dont’s is the code of conduct of life that, when they grow older, are able to use within their relationships, social obligations and dealing with the world overall. When individuals, communities and governments adhere to the codes of conduct of life; when there is mutual respect, accountability and love for all, then peace is a possibility in this world. We give Love and we shall receive more Love. Love is an inner energy which grows by sharing. These qualities of heart and mind build individual as well as social health. It brings joy to the heart and keeps the mind serene, and promotes peace all over the world.

Mahatma Gandhi once said ‘Be the change you would like to see in the world’. I pray to God to guide me to be at peace with myself and to help spread peace all over the world.

Essay – UNESCO 2015 (youth category).

Huzefa Chasmai 18yrs, IIT Bombay 1^st year undergraduate.