by Swami Bhaskarananda
The rulers think that punishing the peace-breakers will bring peace.
The oppressed think that eliminating the oppressors will ensure peace.
The nations think that destroying or subduing the enemy nations will create peace.
But the wise say that ever-enduring peace can never be obtained through external means.
One who has found inner peace has indeed found peace that abides forever.
Through spiritual discipline alone this inner peace can be acquired.
One who has found peace within transmits peace to others by one’s own life’s example, though one be not aware of it.
Therefore, say the wise, may all try to create peace within, before trying to create any temporary or superficial peace in the world through external means.
