February 14, 2022
Dear EQ4Peace members,
What follows is a summary of a few of my beliefs from a variety of peace writings I’ve read recently. They are my present beliefs in peace and in peaceful ways. These are what I strive to embrace as a way of life. I believe that most EQ4Peace members know these on some level. These are also the reason why I am a part of this organization. I also believe that none of the following beliefs are in conflict in any way with EI, EQ, or SEL. They are all a part of a larger group of thoughts all supporting each other in search for global peace, whether they know it or not.
My Belief System Regarding Peace
The quest for peace is an active one. To achieve that state of being takes a commitment to several axioms. For one, in a peaceful state, there is no such thing as them. To acknowledge a separate group of “them”, we must regard the members of the group as being less than us and possessing qualities and characteristics that we find negative and unappealing. This is the premise during wartime. It allows soldiers to rationalize their killing. Competition carries these same messages of one group being better than another. Competition when there are some winners and other losers is not consistent with a state of peace.
Peace is an activity, not an idleness. It is an engagement to be carried out every day in all of our interactions. Being a bystander when confronted with others’ violent interactions kills peace. Staying passive sends the wrong signal. It allows violent people to increase violence. It is by building a major counterweight, where peace is prioritized in human interactions, that we can make people with “violent” behavior question themselves and eventually bring out the best in themselves.
Peace requires a positive fighting spirit in our relationships, and towards our own reactions as well. However, defining peace as the war the mind won against instincts is wrong. It also doesn’t mean “fighting spirit” in a literal sense. It is not through a battle that we reach inner peace, but through cultivating an inner state of appeasement. As opposed to a battle, it is a relationship that needs to be built; with oneself, then others, not only with our mind, but also with our heart. We need to hold onto that relationship within ourselves with all of the strength and focus we can muster.
Peace is a relationship of living well together. It is strong and lasting, based on respect, serenity, cordiality and mutual understanding among people. It comes from the expression of the heart just as much as from the mind’s. It is through human affection that we can transcend violence.
Peace is a lifestyle choice in which human interactions are based on a sense of humanity that is able to counter the violent tendencies of powerful, vindictive and angry people, by tapping into their hearts and minds. A lifestyle choice that is personal, collective, economic and political.
Peace is an everlasting weaving of affectionate relationships of closeness based on human values and one another’s creativity to overcome difficulties, conflicts, and their own frustrations.
In the Vedic way, to possess peace, one must be in three states. The state of Seva, Simran, and Satsang. Seva means that every action you take does no harm to anyone or anything and benefits everyone. Simran is the second state that has to be present to be in a state of peace. This means that you remember your true state and reason for being here. Third is Satsang. This is when you belong in the community of peace and wisdom.
~ Bill