Monday, September 06, 2010
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Peace
Friday, 26 March 2010 00:00
Last Updated on Saturday, 24 July 2010 14:15
We have decided to discuss the concept of peace in this article. As it is customary for these articles to define the word we are focusing on, we will now define the word peace as the following: a state of tranquility or quiet; freedom from civil disturbance; a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom; freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions; and harmony in personal relations.
Let's imagine that we are looking in on a scene where Addison is starting a discussion on the concept of peace with some members of the 5th Way team...
Addison: I would like to start off today’s discussion on peace. I will go around the table here and listen to what each of you feel is peace for you. Let’s start on my left with Zhi and work around to my right.
Zhi: for me peace is one of the five greatest blessings. In Taoism we call this Ning, which means a state of being that is neither self-disturbing nor disturbing to others.
Wendell: I am rather new to all of this, but one of the main reasons I am here is because I have a great feeling of peace when I am with such beings as you. When I walk through that door my outside cares and troubles seem to disappear.
Naruto: for me, when one relinquishes all attachments, destroys all craving, reaches Nirvana, then one is peaceful.
Kailoken: when I sit in the bathroom taking my time and being relaxed doing my business, I feel quite peaceful. Sometimes I play with my navel, count the lines on the wall, or read a good magazine.
Waneta: the times when I sit outside my front door smoking my herb, feeling the breeze on my face, smelling the lavender planted nearby, listening to the birds chirping in the tree, and gazing upon the mountains in the distance…I am quite relaxed and peaceful.
Catharsis: well, I remember a time when I was quite peaceful. You see I was being chased by a gang of motorcycle thugs. I had upset them with one of my impromptu performances. After a long chase I ended up in a church cemetery, finding shelter in a freshly dug grave. I am sure some of those ruffians hadn’t been to church for some time. While I was laying there I was looking at the clouds in the sky trying to pick out shapes. I found it quite peaceful.
Addison: that is an interesting collection of ideas relating to peace. If we examine them we see the following – peace is a state of mind or being that can be achieved through a harmonious relationship with oneself, nature, those around you, the physical space one is taking up at the moment, pleasant sensory stimulation, and even during activities such as going to the bathroom. I open up the floor for discussion. Yes, Naruto?
Naruto: it is my view that some of the things that were mentioned may only serve as a pleasant diversion from everyday concerns and negative states of mind that most humans regularly find themselves in.
Zhi: I agree. Without inner attainment most are not able to remain long in a mental state of peace.
Addison: Okay, so it seems that a process of self-regulation may be needed to reach and remain within a more permanent state of peace. For the sake of Wendell here and other novices on the path, are there some basic steps that can be taken which lead to this level of self-regulation?
Catharsis: I suggest that one does not go around aggravating people because not only does it put them in a negative frame of mind, their negative frame of mind may literally affect you mentally and physically. I have to say that when I was being chased, my adrenaline was pumping through my body and that certainly does not help in achieving a calm state of being which most normally find peaceful.
Addison: Catharsis made a good point when he said “most normally find peaceful.” Do some people find being peaceful too boring or too calm for their minds to handle?
Waneta: in today’s world, many are not used to sitting quietly and just being aware of what is going on around them. It seems that many minds have been habitualized to being driven by outside sources.
Kailoken: I once had my mind driven into complete ecstasy and then driven into complete agony a short time later.
Wendell: that sounds awful! What caused that?
Kailoken: That was when I was peacefully meditating and then reached a state of complete ecstasy upon finding myself in the presence of Allah, and then when the presence moved from me I was left in a state of complete agony.
Addison: that was an interesting personal example, Kailoken. Let’s take the conversation back to some basic things to help people get into a peaceful frame of mind to begin with. I suggest the following – pleasant aromas such as a good fragrant oil or incense; fresh air and ample sunshine circulating within one’s personal space; listening to peaceful music; striving to keep negative people and circumstances at a minimum; getting out into nature and to just be from time to time; and reading positive poetry. When people feel they are ready they can then attempt some meditative practices along with the other things listed in the 5th Way series of books.
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