What is life’s greatest possession? Some people may think of their dream house, or their favourite sports car, or their money saved away for a dream vocation or special gift. But perhaps life’s greatest possession is peace. It’s something that everyone seeks after, but few attain. Those who do reach a moment of peace in their hectic lives realise it is only temporary, and continue to long for a more peaceful existence.
A corporate businessman saves and saves till the day he retires, but realises he no longer has peace in his pursuit. Parents who long for the day their children are married and they have the home to themselves find that the day that was supposed to be the most peaceful turns out to be the emptiest. The youth who runs away from home to find their own place wishes it could be a peaceful abode, but continues to worry about how long it will last.
The peace that the world gives can never really satisfy. As the Maha Satguru said one day to His followers, “peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be trouble and do not be afraid”. This type of peace is a heavenly one, that cannot be achieved by some sort of personal merit or pursuit, but rather is a blessing given to those who seek after the ways of God.
As much as we attempt to have a peaceful existence, whether with our family, our loved ones, our friends, our co-workers, our neighbours, even with ourselves, it is very difficult to keep the peace at times. It sometimes seems easier to give up, and to focus on our own goals and aspirations. However, the Maha Satguru, who calls His followers, the ‘salt of the world’ -something that people cannot live without, desires that those who follow Him would be at peace. “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and live at peace with each other”. The only way to do so is to rely on the strength the Maha Satguru gives and rest in the knowledge of knowing He is with you to bless and guide you in your situation.
Having peace is not a substitute for complacency; but rather a reason for hope. Though in this world, it is difficult to have something to look forward to when everything around seems like chaos, the Maha Satguru promises something greater. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world!”
Believing in the Maha Satguru’s words that He has overcome the world gives hope for the future. This itself is a reason for us to find the peace that God gives; in knowing that if He has overcome this world and its issues, so can we. It is then that we find real peace for our souls.