Peace - Oneness with God - How Do We Cultivate Peace? Part 04

March 28, 2009

To gain a true perspective on an object, we need to move away from it.If we are too close, we are confused by its motion or the details ofits appearance. When we stand on the shore, the ocean may appear angryand restless, but from space it is a calm blue pond. Our closeness orour attachment to objects robs us of our peace. When objects are near,mentally, emotionally, or physically, we are more likely to relate tothem on an ego level. We are apt to interpret them in terms of our ownpersonality. To cultivate peace we must move back and detach fromobjects.When we calm our emotions and center ourselves within, we gain controlof our minds. Peace grants us perspective for intelligent action. Infact, peace encourages many virtues. It grants divine vision, whichencourages wisdom and

love."Santhi (Peace)is essential for sharpness of intellect. Santhi developall the beneficial characteristics of man. Even farsightedness growsthrough santhi. Through that, obstacles and dangers can be anticipatedand averted" BabaThe vision of unity is won by intense spiritual practice. Practicehelps us to see God in everything and in everyone. That vision resultsfrom clearly analyzing the results of thoughts and actions. When we see the painful consequences of desires for fleeting pleasures and material acquisitions, we learn to search for more lasting values. Then we experience the joy and peace derived from knowing God."Only thoughts of God and intense love for him bring peace. As worldlythoughts

diminish, thoughts of God increase. Normally, the mind desires these worldly things all the time. As the desires are cut one by one, the peace becomes stronger. When there are Godly thoughts, there is peace of mind. Swami cannot give peace of mind; one has to work for it" BabaUntil the mind is stilled and peace is experienced, we must engage themind in pure thoughts. We must have faith that God will give us ourdue. The Lord dispenses results in accordance with what we have earned. If we leave the results to God, we can experience peace. Centered on God, we are content with whatever may happen."But you cannot easily detach yourself from activity; the mind clingsto some thing or other. Make it cling to God, let it do all things forGod and leave the success