It goes almost without saying that we will not be able to give more peace than we have. And yet, we have to remind ourselves of this again and again. All our peacemaking efforts will have no effect if they make us lose our own peace. If we become more peaceful, we will radiate peace around us effortlessly.

I also invite you to light a candle for world peace. After you have dedicated your own candle, please take a few minutes to read some of the other dedications by other visitors from around the world. This is another way to feel and be peace on this day.

Brother David Steindl-Rast is a Benedictine monk, a pioneer in Christian-Buddhist dialogue, a master teacher of the spiritual practice of gratitude, and one of our Living Spiritual Teachers.