TOWARDS GLOBAL PEACE
We often talk of peace in the context of war. But this isa very narrow and restricted notion of peace. Peace is deeply linked with the entirety of human life. Peace is a complete ideology in itself. Peace is the only religion for both-man and the universe. It is the master-key that opens the doors to every success. Peace creates a favourable atmosphere for success in every endeavour. Without peace, no positive action—small or big—is possible.
THE PRICE OF PEACE
EVERYTHING has its price. You cannot get what you want without paying its appropriate price. Peace too has its price. An individual or group can obtain peace by paying its price. What is the price of peace? Tolerating loss!
This fundamental truth is narrated in the Quran (2: 155-56) in the following words:
We shall certainly test you with fear and hunger, and loss of property,
lives and crops. Give good news to those who endure with fortitude.
Those who say, when afflicted with a calamity, ‘We belong to God
and to Him we shall return,’ are the ones who will have blessings
and mercy from their Lord: it is they who are on the right path!
This Quranic verse tells us a basic fact of life. Natural law states that it is necessary for people to face loss. The challenges may come from others, it could be economic loss, becoming a victim of accident or being denied what is considered to be one’s right. Every individual undergoes such unpalatable experiences some time in life. This is in accordance with the Law of Nature. In such situations, inability to cope with losses can result in frustration and violence. Acceptance will enable them to live in peace.
Despite a temporary setback, with patience and tolerance, one can remain balanced, pragmatic and make new life-plans
To patiently accept and tolerate loss is not defeatism. It requires great courage and boldness to voluntarily accept reality. It is being aware that though there has been loss, one still has other resources to rebuild one’s life. Despite a temporary setback, with patience and tolerance, one can remain balanced, pragmatic and make new life-plans. To forget what one has lost, is to be able to carry on with one’s life purpose with what one still has. It’s saving oneself from hopelessness, and with wisdom, surging ahead in life.
To patiently accept and tolerate loss is not defeatism. It requires great courage and boldness to voluntarily accept reality.
Every evening is followed by a new morning. The world is full of potentials and possibilities. If you lose one opportunity, you can gain another. If you miss one door, another opens for you. If a certain plan fails, one can always make new plans and move on.
Good news always accompanies bad news. Every accident delivers a quiet message of encouragement—not to be disheartened, instead muster courage and look for new opportunities. Nature rewards such positive responses. It tells us that we can rebuild our lives—maybe better than before; converting what seems to be our defeat into a new and brighter future.
Those who do not accept loss fall prey to negative thinking and become a burden on others. On the other hand, those who respond with patience and courage can help build a new mansion on past ruins. They search and discover a new dawn after a dark evening, and carry on with their life’s journey.
Double Standards
Double standards make people directionless.
And one who is directionless cannot embark
on a journey of importance.