Chapter 1: What is Peace?

The concept of peace is subjective; it differs from one individual to another. For some, it may be the tranquility found in meditation atop a mountain, while others might find a sense of peace through substances like alcohol or drugs. There are those who derive satisfaction from hard work, claiming that it brings them peace. Essentially, peace often correlates with the state of our ego—when it feels fulfilled, we experience peace.

When surrounded by supportive individuals who cater to our desires, our ego flourishes, and in those moments, we feel at ease. Conversely, when our ego faces criticism or is challenged, peace tends to dissipate. For instance, if I were to share an account of my experiences as an editor, and you, being an editor yourself, recognized and admired my efforts, you would feel connected to me. However, if I later provided critical feedback on your work, it could hurt your ego and lead to feelings of discontent.

In both situations, I acted in the same manner—fulfilling my role as an editor. Yet, when it was your turn to receive feedback, it didn’t resonate as positively. Initially, my actions fostered a sense of peace between us, but when the roles reversed, it strained our connection. This highlights how discussions of "peace of mind" often revolve around ego satisfaction. We seek to escape restlessness, yet in doing so, we often exacerbate our discomfort.

A person striving for peace may find that such efforts yield the opposite result. True peace is an internal state, not something that can be forced. As Sadhguru eloquently states, “Peace is not something that you create; peace is not something that happens. Peace is something that always is.”

Chapter 2: The Misconception of Peace

Recently, I watched a video featuring Sadhguru where he emphasized that we should not view peace as our ultimate goal. Rather, it’s a foundational element of life. If we mistakenly elevate it to the highest goal, we might only achieve a fleeting sense of rest. Peace is essential in all aspects of life; for instance, to truly enjoy a meal, one must be at peace.

Every living being inherently possesses this sense of peace, which manifests when we feel content within ourselves and our environment. Take a pet dog, for example: when well-fed, it appears content and at ease. Yet, it too experiences moments of restlessness. Thus, every creature possesses an intrinsic quality of peace, available at any moment. Peace is a mindset rather than a destination.

Achievement can lead to feelings of happiness, which in turn may bring temporary peace. However, this sensation of completeness is often short-lived and conditional. Genuine peace transcends these fleeting moments of fulfillment; it resides in a state of acceptance and tranquility.

Peace signifies a state of nothingness. It is not about creating or attaining something; it is an ever-present reality. The disturbances we encounter are merely surface-level reactions to internal or external stimuli. To truly experience peace, one must embrace nothingness and accept circumstances as they are—navigating life with mindfulness in the midst of internal and external conflicts.

Modern perceptions often depict peace as the ultimate aspiration. In times of distress, peace seems to be the only desire; however, it is not the highest goal. Rather, it is a fundamental aspect of our existence, deeply embedded within us.

Peace can be likened to an ocean: while its surface may be turbulent, the depths remain serene. This fundamental quality of peace is intrinsic to existence itself.

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— © Misbah Sheikh 2023