Protestant Wisdom
Peace does not come rolling in on the wheels of inevitability. We can't just wish for peace. We have to will it, fight for it, suffer for it, demand it from our governments as if peace were God's most cherished hope for humanity, as indeed it is.
— William Sloane Coffin in Credo
Hindu Wisdom
One person who can express nonviolence in life exercises a force superior to all the forces of brutality.
— Mahatma Gandhi in Mohandas Gandhi: Essential Writings
Russian Orthodox Wisdom
An important dimension of peacemaking is prayer — prayer for enemies, adversaries, opponents, or whomever we fear, find difficult, or wish would vanish from our lives.
— Jim Forest in The Ladder of the Beautitudes
Catholic Wisdom
To speak a word of truth is to transform the world
— Paulo Friere in Living Peace
Sufi Wisdom
Hearts need education and refinement just as the body needs exercise and moderation.
— Kabir Helminski in The Knowing Heart
Buddhist Wisdom
When we touch our heart with mindfulness, we see clearly that a heart in good condition is an element of real peace and happiness, and we vow to live in a way that keeps our heart in good condition.
— Thich Nhat Hanh in Living Buddha, Living Christ
Practice
- As you breathe, try to relax and soften your guard for these brief moments.
- Breathe slowly, and feel your pores open more fully to the world.
- Inhale deeply, and let the air and silence get closer.
- Inhale cleanly, and allow yourself to be held by what is
— Mark Nepo in The Book of Awakening