Peace Within, Peace Without, Peace Everywhere

"This threefold invocation of peace reflects the great trinities that consume our outer and inner world. We find triumvirates in all aspects of our life, in our mythologies and our psyche. In regards to our psyche, in childhood we first develop a strong sense of individual ego; then, as adults, we use our spiritual practice to undo the grasp of the ego; and finally, as a self-aware person, we attain the ability to look as an individual through the lens of the completely connected self. Indeed, this perspective radiates peace, as we understand that every being on earth looks out from the self-same window, and all desire freedom from suffering. In this way, we come to feel, know, and experience that we are all intimately connected.

"As we chant santih, santih, santih, we are requesting peace on every level possible, for ourselves, for others, and for the union of all. Where do we start? Do we work tirelessly to try and change the world outside of us? Or do we start within? While both methods have value and can create peace, the only sure method is starting within. Leo Tolstoy cleverly said, 'Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.' In fact, the only person we are guaranteed to be able to change is ourself! The only person to whom we can guarantee peace is ourself. If we are going to start, we have to start within. Peace of mind is contagious. When we fully possess it, it will radiate outward and effect [sic] the lives of those we encounter, no matter what good works we do. And good works remain largely pointless if we are internally disturbed, judgmental, or angry — disconnected from a life where what we do matters to others.

"Might as well work with what we've got.

"To this end, the spiritual practices of yoga help to shine us up like a new penny, ready to radiate peace. Because yoga always does its job. No matter what type of practice we prefer, or what teacher we learn from, the yoga will always do its job, rooting out the source of agitation and separation to reveal the state of stillness and peaceful connection. When we know peace, we can more easily bring it to others. Where do we find it? Within the solace of our own hearts. This is where peace is kept. Bred. Grown. Harvested to spread abundantly throughout our life. We release it by freeing ourselves of everything that is antithetical to peace — apathy, hurt, separation, and isolation. Transcending these binding qualities allows peace to reveal itself from within us. It then becomes a state of mind. Interestingly, the iconic poet T. S. Eliot ends his poem The Waste Land with the prayer santih santih santih, and he translates santih (shanti) as 'the peace which passeth understanding.' What lies beyond understanding, beyond the realm of thinking, is silence.

"Peace brings us to silence. The stillness before movement shakes things up and orders and separates. Silence is the numinous source, and the meaning is given when sound arises. The word silence comes from the latin root silere, which means 'to be still.' May stillness bless our heart of hearts. May the peace of silence give rise to the music and meaning of our lives.

"om santih santih santih"