Religion of Peace |

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

– Jesus Christ”

Religion has often been associated with religious wars, religious intolerance and religion fanaticism. It is religiously motivated acts of violence that tend to hit the headlines and remain in people’s minds.

However, the essence of true religion is to promote peace. – Peace amongst individuals, peace amongst nations – and that most elusive of all qualities – inner peace within ourselves.

Peace I leave with you,
My peace I give to you;
not as the world gives do I give to you. “

– John 14:25

What is Peace?

Peace does not mean the absence of war..
Peace means the presence of harmony, love, satisfaction and oneness.
Peace means a flood of love in the world family.

Sri Chinmoy

Peace is not Just the absence of war, but, the presence of love, harmony.Peace philosopher, Sri Chinmoy, teaches that peace is not just about being against war. It is good to avoid fighting on an outer plane. But, we also need peace on an inner plane. Outwardly, we may not strike someone; but inwardly, we may nurse grievances, anger, jealousy and frustration to those around us. This is not peace. Real peace requires a sense of oneness and inner harmony with ourselves and the world. As the Lord Buddha taught:

“Hatred is never appeased by hatred.
Hatred is only appeased by Love (or, non-enmity).
This is an eternal law.”

Dhammapada verse 423

Peace Starts With Yourself

The religion of peace is not concerned with changing the world, but, with changing yourself. It is only when we have inner peace, that we can effectively spread peace in the world. If we are a victim of anger, pride and frustration we can never help bring about a more peaceful world. However, when we can experience and discover a real inner peace, then automatically, our peace will spread to others. We may not say anything outwardly, but, inwardly we will inspire a more peaceful world.

You cannot buy peace; you must know how to manufacture it within, in the stillness of your daily practises in meditation.

– Paramahansa Yogananda [2]

Oneness, Supremacy and Peace

“If religion, instead of being the manifestation of a spiritual ideal, gives prominence to scriptures and external rites, then does it disturb the peace more than anything else.”

– Rabindranath Tagore

Unfortunately, some adherents of religion feel that only their religion is the right approach. They may tolerate other religion, but, there is an underlying feeling of superiority. This egoistic belief is incompatible with a real religion of peace. True religious belief does not negate the beliefs of others. It sees the major religious faiths as different paths towards the same goal.

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan. “Religion of Peace”, Oxford, UK – www.biographyonline.net. Last updated 3rd August 2014. Last updated 1 March 2018.

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