{"id":366,"date":"2017-03-30T09:34:54","date_gmt":"2017-03-30T09:34:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/?p=366"},"modified":"2017-03-30T09:34:54","modified_gmt":"2017-03-30T09:34:54","slug":"tomorrow-the-world-will-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/?p=366","title":{"rendered":"Tomorrow The World Will Change"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Foreword” el_id=”1490866487430-0671d800-b41c”]<\/p>\n

We all wish we live in a better world<\/span>
\nSome believe war is the mighty way<\/span>
\nOnly to find victory sours to revenge<\/span>
\nAnd misery, so we doubt<\/span>
\nTrue peace can ever be<\/span>
\nAwards and rewards we present<\/span>
\nBut greed and hatred seem more dominant<\/span>
\nLet us return to the simple way<\/span>
\nThat people of all ages can obey<\/span>
\nOur wish may yet come true<\/span>
\nSuch a simple thing to do<\/span>
\nTo close our eyes and relax through and through<\/span>
\nTo still your mind at the centre<\/span>
\nUntil cool brightness freshens you<\/span>
\nEncircling with the best of happiness<\/span>
\nBlessing others with love and kindness<\/span>
\nConflict and difference then dissolve<\/span>
\nTomorrow the world will evolve<\/span>
\nChanging through this simple way<\/span>
\nA secret I share with all of humanity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Luang Phaw Dhammajayo<\/span>
\n1 July 2006<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Introduction” el_id=”1490866553925-df49765b-f03e”]<\/p>\n

Peace.<\/span><\/h4>\n

This is a word all of us<\/span>
\nknow. We have heard<\/span>
\nit spoken countless of times in the media by<\/span>
\npoliticians, but it is a word rarely uttered by<\/span>
\ncommon people. It is as if the notion of peace is<\/span>
\nfar removed from our day to day existence. For<\/span>
\nmost people today, \u2018peace\u2019 conjures the image of<\/span>
\nan international conference centre with hundreds<\/span>
\nof national flags fluttering in orderly rows, with<\/span>
\nsombre leaders and representatives of countries,<\/span>
\nall dressed in formal attire, delivering impressive<\/span>
\nspeeches under a spotlight and shaking hands<\/span>
\non the world stage to reverberating applause.<\/span>
\nWe take for granted that the process of achieving<\/span>
\nworld peace must follow the channels of politics,<\/span>
\ninternational compromises and signed treaties.<\/span>
\nWe think that peace is the responsibility of worldclass<\/span>
\norganisations like the United Nations,<\/span>
\nnational governments and non-governmental<\/span><\/p>\n

organisations. We have come to believe that<\/span>
\ncreating peace is not our duty but the domain of<\/span>
\nsomeone else who has power, holds a governing<\/span>
\nposition, has budgets, and is somehow more<\/span>
\norganised than the average citizen. So our home<\/span>
\nis left to endure wars and political, economic and<\/span>
\nreligious conflicts. Establishing world peace seems<\/span>
\nas unattainable as catching shadows in one\u2019s<\/span>
\nhand. The dream of global happiness seems to<\/span>
\ndeteriorate with the news of each bomb explosion,<\/span>
\neach person senselessly killed, each hateful word<\/span>
\nuttered.<\/span>
\nAlthough peace is profoundly complex and<\/span>
\ndeeply important to all humanity, let us define it<\/span>
\nsimply for now as a sense of happiness and wellbeing.<\/span>
\nIndeed, peace can exist everywhere \u2013 within<\/span>
\nyour heart, your family, your neighbourhood,<\/span>
\nyour society and nation; even encompassing the<\/span>
\nentire world. The term \u2018world peace\u2019, then, can be<\/span>
\ngeneralised as \u2018the world\u2019s happiness\u2019 in which<\/span><\/p>\n

everyone on the planet experiences and shares<\/span>
\nthis sense of contentment. We all long for it, yet<\/span>
\na vast majority of us have not realised that we<\/span>
\nare the most significant and essential element in<\/span>
\nwhich peace can flourish. Changing this world<\/span>
\ninto a place of true peace is the responsibility of all<\/span>
\nof us. Born as intelligent beings who inhabit this<\/span>
\nearth, are we then not responsible for world peace<\/span>
\n\u2013 a happiness belonging to the world as well as to<\/span>
\nourselves? We cannot claim that peace-making is<\/span>
\nthe work of the others.<\/span>
\nIn concert with the efforts made by national<\/span>
\ngovernments, organisations and dedicated<\/span>
\nindividuals who tirelessly seek ways to cure the<\/span>
\nills of wars and conflicts through technology<\/span>
\nand strategies, Luang Phaw Dhammajayo, the<\/span>
\nMost Venerable Phrarajbhavanavisudh, the<\/span>
\nabbot of Dhammakaya Temple and president of<\/span>
\nDhammakaya Foundation, offers his distinctive<\/span>
\nsolution. Ordained since 1969, he is dedicated to<\/span><\/p>\n

immersing himself in the study and practice of the<\/span>
\nBuddha\u2019s pure teachings. For almost 40 years, he<\/span>
\nhas always emphasised to the thousands of those<\/span>
\nwho follow his teachings at the Dhammakaya<\/span>
\nTemple, branch centres and homes worldwide that<\/span>
\n\u201cworld peace needs to stem from inner peace\u201d.<\/span>
\n\u201cEveryone has an important role to play<\/span>
\nin changing this world for the betterment of<\/span>
\nhumanity. Although the task is difficult, it can be<\/span>
\nattained through a method so simple that it is<\/span>
\noften overlooked\u201d.<\/span>
\nLuang Phaw Dhammajayo\u2019s teachings are<\/span>
\nnot merely based on an ideal concept shaped by<\/span>
\nphilosophical thoughts. His teachings are truths of<\/span>
\nlife that he had experimented upon and proved to<\/span>
\nbe true by his own practice, and corroborated by<\/span>
\nthe experience of others. This path brings about<\/span>
\ngreat willpower to abstain from bad deeds and<\/span>
\nto practice good deeds, as well as to keep one\u2019s<\/span><\/p>\n

mind pure and energetic. He has been successful<\/span>
\nin conveying these practices to his students so<\/span>
\nthat they may change and improve themselves.<\/span>
\nPractitioners of his method, who attained inner<\/span>
\nhappiness, have themselves become beacons<\/span>
\nof kindness and peace in their families and<\/span>
\ncommunities. They are capable of banishing dark<\/span>
\nthoughts that taint their minds and they share<\/span>
\ntheir happiness with others. These testimonies<\/span>
\nfrom people from all walks of life prove that<\/span>
\nLuang Phaw Dhammajayo\u2019s guidance is capable<\/span>
\nof transforming lives for the better \u2013 for the<\/span>
\nindividual, the family and society and the world at<\/span>
\nlarge \u2013 bringing about a movement towards peace<\/span>
\nin a non-violent, non-political way.<\/span>
\nOn the occasion of Luang Phaw Dhammajayo\u2019s<\/span>
\nnomination for the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award<\/span>
\nfrom the All Indian Gandhian Worker Society in<\/span>
\nIndia in 2005, the Universal Peace Award from<\/span>
\nWorld Buddhist Sangha Youth in Sri Lanka in 2006<\/span><\/p>\n

and the Atish Dipankar Peace Gold Award from<\/span>
\nthe Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha in<\/span>
\n2007, I, with dedicated students across the globe,<\/span>
\nwould like to take this opportunity to express our<\/span>
\ndelight in compiling his valuable teachings into<\/span>
\nthis book. Our hope is to share our pursuit of peace<\/span>
\nwith the countless peace-seekers of the world who<\/span>
\nlong to create better lives for themselves, their<\/span>
\nfamilies, society, nations and the whole world.<\/span>
\nMay the teachings in this book give you the<\/span>
\nknowledge and strength to attain inner joy and to<\/span>
\nbecome a champion of peace on earth. May peace<\/span>
\nprevail on earth forever.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 1 The Mind as the Origin of Peace and War” el_id=”1490867089210-5090ba02-555d”]The human experience is composed of two<\/span>
\nimportant parts, the body and the mind.<\/span>
\nThese two elements communicate back and forth<\/span>
\nwith each other from the moment of birth until<\/span>
\ndeath. We recognise the fact that the conscious<\/span>
\nmind controls how we think, speak and act in<\/span>
\nmost situations. Sometimes these actions are<\/span>
\nadmirable, even noble, but at other times they<\/span>
\ncan be shameful. For this very reason, our minds<\/span>
\ncan be the starting point for both war and peace<\/span>
\nin the world. If a person\u2019s mind is infected by<\/span>
\ngreed, anger and ignorance, thoughts that lead to<\/span>
\nconflicts arise. Like the flame of a tiny matchstick<\/span>
\nthat is capable of completely consuming houses<\/span>
\nand even cities, all the wars and strife happeningacross the world, causing enormous suffering for<\/span>
\nmillions of people, are ignited by a flame within<\/span>
\nthe mind.<\/span>
\nJust as the mind can be the source of suffering,<\/span>
\na calm and aware mind can be the wellspring<\/span>
\nof wisdom, peace and infinite happiness that<\/span>
\nwill envelop the individual, his family, the<\/span>
\ncommunity, society and all the people of the<\/span>
\nworld. From this beginning, world peace can<\/span>
\nhappen \u2013 once we realise that the mind is an<\/span>
\nimportant instrument that can spark wars or<\/span>
\nperpetuate peace.<\/span>
\nThroughout history, we have fought one<\/span>
\nanother, whether on a large scale like World War<\/span>
\nI and World War II, on a smaller scale such as civil<\/span>
\nwars, or as confrontation between individuals.<\/span>
\nThe human race has never once stopped fighting.<\/span>
\nWhile we sleep at night, on the other side of\u00a0the world where there is sunlight, conflicts are<\/span>
\nconstantly taking place between nations and<\/span>
\nbetween individuals. When it is daylight for us<\/span>
\nand the other side of the world is blanketed in<\/span>
\ndarkness, we reverse roles in a cycle of endless<\/span>
\nkilling and violence.<\/span>
\nThese never-ending wars and battles originate<\/span>
\nfrom clouded and misguided minds of people.<\/span>
\nIn some instances, the people who initiated<\/span>
\nwar will reason that they are really fighting to<\/span>
\nestablish peace. The truth of the matter is that war<\/span>
\ncauses physical and psychological damage, more<\/span>
\nsuffering and death. To argue that war brings<\/span>
\npeace is to argue that the best way to put out a fire<\/span>
\nis to douse it with a bucket of gasoline. Wars only<\/span>
\nserve to fuel the hostility and hatred between the<\/span>
\ncombatants and multiply the atrocities \u2013 moving<\/span>
\nthe possibility of peace even further away from<\/span>
\nour grasp.\u00a0Worldly conflicts have never been able to bring<\/span>
\nlasting happiness to anyone. The victorious may<\/span>
\none day be defeated. The conquered, instead of<\/span>
\naccepting defeat, allow resentment and revenge to<\/span>
\nfester in their hearts. Mutual distrust and hatred<\/span>
\nbind the conqueror and the conquered together in<\/span>
\nmisery long after the actual war is over, and both<\/span>
\nsides will suffer the consequences of their hostility,<\/span>
\ngeneration after generation.<\/span>
\nIn some countries, people live in dread under<\/span>
\nthe constant threat of terrorism. Never knowing<\/span>
\nwhen the next attack may take place, they are<\/span>
\nneither happy nor secure. To eliminate this constant<\/span>
\nthreat of attack, they strike preemptively at their<\/span>
\nperceived enemies. Instead of reprieve, they find<\/span>
\nthemselves at the centre of a cycle of revenge, with<\/span>
\nconsequences that are more dire than they can<\/span>
\nunderstand because what they fail to comprehend<\/span>
\nis how long the hatred and malice, caused by their\u00a0with a focused and clear mind. If we can train the<\/span>
\nmind to its highest potential, we will see with clarity,<\/span>
\nthe true enemy \u2013 defilement \u2013 embedded deep<\/span>
\ninside our minds, the source behind all suffering,<\/span>
\nconflicts and strife in the world. Powerful and<\/span>
\ningrained as it is, you can eliminate this enemy just<\/span>
\nby calming the mind. It is a technique to collect and<\/span>
\nfocus the purity of the mind in order to completely<\/span>
\neradicate what is impure.<\/span>
\nWhen you are able to defeat the defilements,<\/span>
\nyou become a light that will guide your life and<\/span>
\nthose of others close to you to the final destination<\/span>
\nin warmth and safety. When people from all corners<\/span>
\nof the world are able to do this, it will be like a<\/span>
\nmillion candles shining their light to banish the<\/span>
\ndarkness that currently overshadows us. When we<\/span>
\ndestroy the causes of war \u2013 greed, ignorance and<\/span>
\nanger \u2013 we also eliminate their consequences. This<\/span>
\nis the way to create true and enduring freedom<\/span>
\nand world peace.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 2 The Common Human Goal” el_id=”1490867092815-56070b31-fcba”]Our world does not consist of only those<\/span>
\nwho are warmongers; there are also those<\/span>
\nwho have a strong determination to create a peaceful<\/span>
\nworld. Some are working independently, but many<\/span>
\nhave joined and formed organisations to discuss and<\/span>
\nexchange ideas on ways to promote world peace.<\/span>
\nThese discussions, with peace as a common goal,<\/span>
\nhave taken place numerous times among the world\u2019s<\/span>
\ndifferent organisations. Such organisations have<\/span>
\ninvested great amounts of time, money and effort at<\/span>
\nmeetings and conferences to promote love and unity<\/span>
\nbetween different nations. They have also awarded<\/span>
\nannual peace prizes to raise awareness as well as to<\/span>
\nacknowledge the efforts of those who continue to\u00a0make world peace their life\u2019s work.<\/span><\/p>\n

While we must admire and applaud the<\/span>
\ndedication of those who pursue peace, the truth<\/span>
\nis that real world peace has not yet been attained.<\/span>
\nWars and battles continue to be waged without<\/span>
\nend. True world peace has not taken place because<\/span>
\nwe have failed to tackle the cause at its deepest<\/span>
\nroots. We still do not understand what peace really<\/span>
\nis, where it can be found, and how to plant it and<\/span>
\nencourage it to flourish.<\/span>
\nEven though humankind comprise of people of<\/span>
\ndifferent races, languages, religions, cultures and<\/span>
\ntraditions, we have in common the long search for<\/span>
\ntrue happiness and the meaning of life, which are<\/span>
\ncommendable aspirations. But what is peace and<\/span>
\nhappiness, and from where do they originate? If<\/span>
\nwe do not know the answer to these questions,<\/span>
\nhow then can we attain peace and happiness?<\/span>
\nSince we do not know, we continue to pursue<\/span>
\nthese aspirations based on our own wisdom\u00a0and insights. However, if our wisdom is not fully<\/span>
\ndeveloped, then our pursuit becomes random and<\/span>
\nunorganised, making achievement of that peace<\/span>
\nwe are seeking haphazard at best. With such an<\/span>
\nimperfect understanding of our goals, we may as<\/span>
\nwell seek water from rocks or fish in the desert.<\/span>
\nWe have to realise that while peace efforts<\/span>
\nsuch as international conferences among national<\/span>
\nleaders, award presentations and community<\/span>
\nprojects can help to create a peaceful world<\/span>
\npartially, true world peace can only take place<\/span>
\nwhen everyone takes part by following the path<\/span>
\nto attaining inner peace. Every single person<\/span>
\nwho does so is a true hero deserving of the most<\/span>
\nhonourable peace award. If we can get every leader<\/span>
\nof every nation to start practicing meditation so<\/span>
\nthat they too may experience and understand<\/span>
\ninner peace, we can quickly change the course of<\/span>
\nthis world to a more peaceful one.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 3 Religions for Peace” el_id=”1490867366701-06d7db21-a408″]Our global community is comprised of<\/span>
\npeople seeking refuge in various faiths.<\/span>
\nFor the most part, the founder of each religion \u2013 be<\/span>
\nit Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hindu, Sikh or<\/span>
\nother religions \u2013 has taught us to love our fellow<\/span>
\nhumankind. If we continue to exploit, kill, cheat<\/span>
\nand injure one another, we are not adhering to the<\/span>
\nteachings of our respective religions. We no longer<\/span>
\nseek the peace that our religions have taught us<\/span>
\nto pursue.<\/span>
\nThroughout history, some have tried to use<\/span>
\nreligion as a tool to disunite humanity. These people<\/span>
\nhold false understanding that people of other\u00a0to be defeated. They propagate misunderstanding<\/span>
\nand proclaim that religious differences have made<\/span>
\nus unable to live together in harmony. All who love<\/span>
\ntheir religion should study their original religious<\/span>
\nteachings. Buddhists should study the original<\/span>
\nteachings of Lord Buddha. Christians, Jews and<\/span>
\nMuslims should study the original teachings of<\/span>
\ntheir religion. Perhaps then, each will see that the<\/span>
\noriginal message of each religion is that of love and<\/span>
\nrespect for all living things that they can correctly<\/span>
\npractice in their everyday lives. If we all do so, we<\/span>
\nclose the path to grief and open the door to joy and<\/span>
\nheaven. If we love our fellow humankind, we must<\/span>
\nnot kill or harm one another, but rather, dedicate<\/span>
\nourselves to living together peacefully.<\/span>
\nWe must remember that, although the path<\/span>
\nto attaining peace differs according to one\u2019s<\/span>
\nknowledge, understanding, culture, tradition,<\/span>
\nattitude and personal satisfaction, every religion\u00a0was formed to guide people with a philosophy to<\/span>
\nlive happily. In reality the true common enemy for<\/span>
\nall humankind is our defilement, which includes<\/span>
\ngreed, anger and ignorance. The defilement in our<\/span>
\nminds is the true cause of conflicts, not religion.<\/span>
\nSuch defilements lead us to think, speak and act<\/span>
\nin cruel, aggressive and intolerant ways that lead<\/span>
\nto pain and suffering in this world. Reject your<\/span>
\ndefilements. Understand that regardless of your<\/span>
\nreligion, people of different faiths do not need to<\/span>
\ndespise or kill one another when what all of us<\/span>
\nwant fundamentally is to live in contentment and<\/span>
\npeace.<\/span>
\nfaiths are enemies and are competitors that are<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 4 World Peace through Inner Peace” el_id=”1490867456848-9d4c2e1e-8372″]Men who seek peace have long debated<\/span>
\nhow world peace should begin. They<\/span>
\nexamine diverse environmental factors such<\/span>
\nas ecology, food supply, medicine access, laws,<\/span>
\nnuclear weapons limitation, treaties, technology,<\/span>
\npolitical stability, the economy, society and poverty.<\/span>
\nDespite such close and detailed examination, they<\/span>
\nfail to notice that the origin of peace is much<\/span>
\nmore intimate than any of those factors they<\/span>
\nhave studied. The starting point of peace is within<\/span>
\nthem.<\/span>
\nThe dream of world peace will never come true<\/span>
\nif the dreamer is unable to find his or her own<\/span>
\ninner contentment. Once everyone experiences\u00a0inner happiness, true world peace will occur.<\/span>
\nWhen the defilements in the hearts of humankind<\/span>
\nare totally eliminated, things that were once<\/span>
\nbeyond our imagination, like world peace, are<\/span>
\nsuddenly possible and within reach. All it takes is<\/span>
\nto accomplish that first step \u2013 which is to practice<\/span>
\nmeditation to experience the source of inner<\/span>
\nhappiness. This knowledge is as ancient as the<\/span>
\nhuman race.<\/span>
\nHappiness from within can be attained by<\/span>
\nquietly stilling the mind at the centre of one\u2019s<\/span>
\nbody. The deeper you sink into this peace and<\/span>
\ncalm found at the centre of each of us, the more<\/span>
\nit expands outwards to our loved ones, family,<\/span>
\nfriends, society, and so forth without limits \u2013 like<\/span>
\nthe sun that radiates its brilliance throughout the<\/span>
\nuniverse. If everyone meditated, the result will be<\/span>
\nmagnified; encircling entire countries and even<\/span>
\nthe whole world. Imagine a world of peace. The\u00a0police, soldiers and criminal justice system will no<\/span>
\nlonger be necessary when all we feel towards one<\/span>
\nanother is joy and friendship. War, terrorism greed<\/span>
\nand ignorance are eradicated.<\/span>
\nWorld peace begins with us. It does not require<\/span>
\nmoney, international scheme or treaties to execute<\/span>
\nthis plan of peace. It starts by first bringing our<\/span>
\nmind to a standstill, then spreading it out to the<\/span>
\nworld. Every good thing begins with us when<\/span>
\nwe still our mind in the centre of the body at<\/span>
\nthe seventh base. When our minds are at peace,<\/span>
\nthe process of achieving world peace will not be<\/span>
\ndifficult.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 5 The Peace Position” el_id=”1490867524400-31112935-57bc”]To create world peace by allowing one\u2019s
\nmind to reach inner happiness first,
\naccording to the practice called meditation, is
\nwhat we ought to do. It is what each and every
\nsingle person should be concerned with. We
\nshould not turn down the opportunity to learn
\nabout meditation because of the differences in
\ncultures or beliefs. Although we are born into a
\nparticular nationality, religion and race, we are all
\ncompanions sharing the inevitability of suffering
\nfrom birth to old age, ailment and death.
\nMeditation, too, is universal, a practice that
\neveryone can do, like breathing. It helps practitioners
\nimprove the quality of their minds by reaching an
\ninner calm and happiness. Meditation relieves\u00a0stress, giving practitioners mental clarity to tackle
\nproblems wisely and allowing them to lead their
\nlives with happiness. These are just the preliminary
\nbenefits. Beyond relaxation, there is a distinct
\nfeeling of happiness when our minds are resting
\nat the centre. As we become more skilled, there is
\npurity in knowledge that comes from meditation
\nthat will help every human being attain his or her
\ninner happiness. The result is wholesome thought,
\nspeech and action.
\nThe Most Venerable Phramongkolthepmuni\u2019s
\n(Sodh Candasaro) encouragement to practice
\nmeditation that teaches us about the seventh base
\nof the mind, along with our own experiences with
\nmeditation, shows us how inner happiness can be
\nattained through meditation. The \u2018Peace Position\u2019 is
\nachieved by sitting cross-legged, with the right leg
\non the left leg, and the right hand on the left hand.
\nWhile allowing the right index finger to touch the
\nleft thumb, sit up straight and maintain awareness.<\/p>\n

Then, gently close the eyes and gradually rest the
\nmind at the centre of the body.
\nRest the mind at the centre of the body, at the
\nseventh base without analysing, contemplating,
\nor attempting to reason. With regular practice, it
\nwill become increasingly easy to bring the mind
\nto the centre of the body or at the centre of the
\nstomach. Ultimately, the mind will become very
\nfamiliar with this position, which helps to prevent
\nthe mind from wandering or drifting.
\nWhen the mind is at a standstill and is not
\ndistracted or wandering, a deep calmness will be
\nexperienced. As the calmness continues, a bright
\nsphere will arise at the centre of the body. This
\nbright sphere is perfectly rounded, translucent
\nand luminous like a crystal ball; like a rain drop.
\nIt emerges naturally, representing the purest of
\nthe stilled mind at the primary level. It is not a
\nhallucination and neither is it something that is\u00a0visualised. It has characteristics that are similar to
\na crystal ball \u2013 except that it is brighter and purer.
\nIt seems alive. The smallest sphere is about the size
\nof the eye\u2019s pupil. At mid-size, the sphere is the
\nsize of a full moon; and that of the sun at midday
\nwhen it is at its largest.
\nThis sphere that arises at the seventh base is
\nthe gateway to true happiness and inner peace. It
\nwill help us lead a life full of optimism, give us
\nan increasingly purer mind and body, a deeper
\nunderstanding of life, and ultimately allow us to
\nunderstand what we need to do in order to attain
\nthe highest purpose of our life on earth. This
\nsphere is the initial state of purity that will lead
\nus to an increasing degree of purity that enables
\nus to experience happiness. The deeper we move
\nthrough each layer, the closer we reach true
\nhappiness inside, which is then reflected on the
\noutside. There are so much wonderful possibilities
\nby simply bringing our minds to a standstill at\u00a0the centre of our bodies. Through this universal
\nmeditation practice, we will obtain the answers on
\nour own about the true meaning of peace, where
\nit is located and how we can attain it.
\nOnce we acquire wisdom through meditation,
\nwe will come to the same understanding about the
\nfutility of wars and weapons of mass destruction.
\nGone will be the need for hundreds of pages of
\nmultilateral written agreements. There will only be
\npeople who speak and act honestly. The need to
\nattend the various international peace conferences
\nwill lessen, freeing valuable resources for other
\nworthy programmes. Are we ready to embark on
\nthis journey together to attain all the benefits of
\nmeditation?
\nAs we deepen our inner happiness through
\nmeditation, we will start to think, speak and act
\nin harmony because our level of understanding
\nand wisdom will increase. We will understand\u00a0this when our minds are still. For that reason, a
\npeace prize should be awarded to everyone who
\nhas attained inner peace, for they will feel only
\nlove and kindness for humanity, and they can be
\na source of peace for those around them \u2013 like a
\ncandle illuminating the darkness in the night; like
\nthe sun reflecting its warm radiance against other
\nstars, big or small, near or far.
\nCreating a world filled with happiness through
\nmeditation is the noblest of all goals. We need to
\nencourage as many people as possible to practice
\nmeditation in their lives, and then spread its
\nwondrous benefits to every corner of the earth.
\nThe moment when all the people of the world
\nmeditate in this special position \u2013 the Peace
\nPosition \u2013 will be the moment humanity make
\nworld peace happen.[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 6 The Source of Happiness and Peace” el_id=”1490867636211-54034731-7571″]The differences among beliefs, cultures,<\/span>
\ncustoms, nationalities, religions or<\/span>
\nlanguages are only superficial external differences.<\/span>
\nBeneath these differences, there is a similarity<\/span>
\n\u2013 the original pure nature that exists within<\/span>
\neveryone. This universal element holds the hope<\/span>
\nof humanity to bring true peace into the world.<\/span>
\nThe original pure nature, or the Body of<\/span>
\nEnlightenment, is a natural state that we can<\/span>
\nattain when we meditate. The true happiness<\/span>
\nthat we seek is concentrated in the state of<\/span>
\npure nature, the inner body that all humanity<\/span>
\npossesses. It is the origin of happiness, purity<\/span>
\nand wisdom. It is the centre of all virtues and the\u00a0source of prosperity of all that is good.<\/span>
\nOnce attained, the Body of Enlightenment<\/span>
\nwill lead us to true happiness. Our minds will be<\/span>
\noverflowing with so much happiness and positive<\/span>
\nenergy that one will not want anything else but to<\/span>
\nremain in the happiness and completeness within.<\/span>
\nIt can be our refuge. It is a happiness that one can<\/span>
\nexperience without reliance on external things like<\/span>
\ndrugs or money. This happiness is different from<\/span>
\nany mundane happiness obtained from material<\/span>
\nindulgence.<\/span>
\nThe Body of Enlightenment, once attained, will<\/span>
\nlead to justice. The term \u2018just\u2019 means righteous,<\/span>
\nwhich is defined as the purest truth. In our pure<\/span>
\nstate, we are all just. Humankind will be united in<\/span>
\nheart, thought, speech and action. Generosity and<\/span>
\nfairness will replace greed and selfishness. All the<\/span>
\nworld\u2019s limited natural resources will be shared\u00a0honestly and justly, leading to the total elimination<\/span>
\nof conflict, poverty and oppression.<\/span>
\nOur pure inner nature is as universal as the sun,<\/span>
\nmoon and stars in the sky. If each of us attains a<\/span>
\nBody of Enlightenment, superficial differences like<\/span>
\nrace, religion and nationality will no longer seem<\/span>
\nsignificant or divisive. Brotherly love will blossom<\/span>
\nand everyone will be a citizen of the world.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 7 A Treasure that Cannot Be Bought” el_id=”1490867812296-65bc8ef6-5ee9″]World peace through inner happiness is<\/span>
\nless costly than any war, and its result<\/span>
\nis more effective and enduring. Fighting a war<\/span>
\nrequires an immense budget, equipment and the<\/span>
\nsacrifice of human lives. Conversely, the attaining<\/span>
\nof inner happiness does not cost us anything.<\/span>
\nThere are no weapons used. It only requires us<\/span>
\nto defeat the true enemy: the defilements \u2013 the<\/span>
\nroot of all suffering, animosity and conflicts of the<\/span>
\nworld. By meditating and concentrating the pure<\/span>
\nenergy within our focused mind at the centre of<\/span>
\nour body, we can eliminate the defilements. The<\/span>
\nenergy we create is powerful enough to wash<\/span>
\naway mental blemishes and bring forth a clean,<\/span>
\nclear and awakened mind. Once our minds are\u00a0pure, our thoughts, speech and actions will be<\/span>
\npure too, and our inner happiness will radiate<\/span>
\noutwards to our fellowmen and to the world.<\/span>
\nWe will have the strength to abstain from killing,<\/span>
\nhurting others, stealing, infidelity, lying, drinking,<\/span>
\nsmoking and abusing drugs. When we find our<\/span>
\nBody of Enlightenment, good moral behaviour will<\/span>
\ncome easily. When the good in us is magnified and<\/span>
\nthe defilements extinguished at the source, wars,<\/span>
\nanger and hatred will no longer plague humanity.<\/span>
\nWe each have a role to play in saving the world.<\/span>
\nConsider this as a very inexpensive investment<\/span>
\nthat requires minimum effort yet yields maximum<\/span>
\nbenefit. We do not have to expend any money.<\/span>
\nSimply close the eyes gently and relax. Still the<\/span>
\nmind and good things will come. It is time for us<\/span>
\nnow to join hand in hand to achieve world peace,<\/span>
\nthe most precious treasure of humanity.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Chapter 8 We Can Change the World” el_id=”1490867868183-12c58576-4cf7″]Peace cannot be achieved through the work<\/span>
\nof one person or organisation. It requires<\/span>
\na concerted effort from everyone. To achieve peace,<\/span>
\nwe will need the participation of every single person.<\/span>
\nWe must share the same vision and work together<\/span>
\nthrough a method that is economically realistic with<\/span>
\nresults that are the most beneficial and effective.<\/span>
\nWe just need to close our eyes gently and relax our<\/span>
\nbodies. We begin by stilling our mind at the centre<\/span>
\nof our body to generate and focus its strength. World<\/span>
\npeace begins the moment we each close our eyes to<\/span>
\nmeditate. The strength of the purity from meditating<\/span>
\ntogether will spread out and embrace the whole<\/span>
\nworld, destroying the impurities of humanity and<\/span>
\nbanishing the darkness in our minds.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although we have long dreamed of world<\/span>
\npeace and of people living together in happiness,<\/span>
\nwe still question whether this dream can ever be<\/span>
\na reality. Consider that just 250 years ago, most<\/span>
\npeople would have never imagined that ships<\/span>
\ncould be built from metal and still float; that we<\/span>
\ncould be passengers on planes that fly around the<\/span>
\nworld; that spacecrafts can take us to the moon;<\/span>
\nor see images of another planet beamed to us<\/span>
\nfrom a robot. With the right attempt, even the<\/span>
\nimpossible becomes a concrete reality. Doubts,<\/span>
\ninsecurities and suspicions cannot withstand the<\/span>
\nsincere efforts of those who seek peace through<\/span>
\nattaining inner peace. Such people should be our<\/span>
\nrole models in this global movement towards a<\/span>
\nlasting, all-encompassing peace.<\/span>
\nI believe that the dream of a world of<\/span>
\nenlightenment can be realised in this lifetime. If<\/span>
\nwe do it today, it will happen today. If we do it\u00a0tomorrow,it will happen tomorrow. If everyone in<\/span>
\nthe world is ready next year, then it will happen<\/span>
\nnext year. If we begin a thousand years from now,<\/span>
\nit will happen a thousand years from now. When<\/span>
\nwe are committed to the path of enlightenment,<\/span>
\nthere is only a joyous end to our journey.<\/span>[\/vc_toggle][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_toggle title=”Foreword” el_id=”1490866487430-0671d800-b41c”] We all wish we live in a better world Some believe war is the mighty way Only to find victory sours to revenge And misery, so we doubt True peace can ever be Awards and rewards we present But greed and hatred seem more dominant Let us return to the simple way…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":880,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-366","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-books","category-english","category-2","category-6","description-off"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/366","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=366"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/366\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=366"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=366"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.interhq.org\/book\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=366"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}