Sunday Wisdom

From One Mountain, Many Paths
An American Freemason Speaks Out for Peace

by Dr. Patrick Swift
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This week we find:

The whole of the law is for the purpose of promoting peace.

The Babylonian Talmud,
Gittin, Adapted
Judiasm

Now the Merciful Lord has issued His Command. Let no one chase after and attack anyone else. Let all abide in peace, under this Benevolent Rule.

Shri Guru Granth Sahib 5: 61.13
Sikhism

It would seem that the concept of peace is very simple. It isn't. Wikipedia says:

Peace is a term that most commonly refers to an absence of aggression, violence or hostility, but which also represents a larger concept wherein there are healthy or newly-healed interpersonal or international relationships, safety in matters of social or economic welfare, the acknowledgment of equality and fairness in political relationships and, in world matters, peacetime; a state of being absent any war or conflict. Reflection on the nature of peace is also bound up with considerations of the causes for its absence or loss. Among these potential causes are: insecurity, social injustice, economic inequality, political and religious radicalism, and acute nationalism.

Derived from the Anglo-Norman pas , and meaning "freedom from civil disorder", the English word came into use in various personal greetings from c.1300 as a translation of the biblical terms pax (from the Vulgate) and Greek eirene, which in turn were renderings of the Hebrew shalom. Shalom, cognate with the Arabic "salaam", has multiple meanings: safety, welfare, prosperity, security, fortune, friendliness. The personalised meaning is reflected in a non-violent lifestyle which also describes a relationship between any people characterized by respect, justice and goodwill. This latter understanding of peace can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's own mind attested in Europe from c.1200. The early English term is also used in the sense of "quiet", reflecting a calm, serene, and meditative approach to the family or group relationships that avoids quarreling and seeks tranquility — an absence of disturbance or agitation.

As I said, it would seem to be a simple concept but there are so many things which can have an effect on either an individual's peace or the peace of the world. If we follow the teachings of the great religious masters and are secure in our relationship with God we can develop an inner peace. I have known some people who were at peace. It would seem that everything was all right in their world. But who can know if they had real peace? Who knows what thoughts went through their heads as they tried to fall asleep at night? Were they thoughts of peace or agitated thoughts about a relationship or the state of their finances?

I think peace is devoutly to be desired. I also think it is difficult to obtain. To work towards peace we should follow the injunction of Jesus and "fear not" as fear destroys peace. We need to bring ourselves into line with Deity and not worry about others and whether or not they follow the same path which we follow. They must bring themselves to peace just as we must find it ourselves.

I close with the The Threefold Blessing:

"The Lord bless you and keep you--the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace." Numb. 6:24-26.

Have a wonderful, peaceful week. God Bless!