PEACE FOR PEACE

PEACE FOR PEACE

“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves. ...”

Are we aware of the fact? It’s a violent world where we are living. We make matters worse by displaying violence on TV, in our movies and as part of our video games. Our religions have given God’s blessing on violence. From a young age, our children learn violence is an acceptable way to solve differences. This must stop. We should encourage values such as peace, non-discrimination, equality, justice, non-violence, tolerance and respect for human dignity. Quality education based on a human rights approach means that they are applied throughout the educational system and in all learning contexts. We must educate our children and ourselves to live differently. Violence in any form is unacceptable. It should not be depicted in our actions, in our TV programs, in our movies and in our computer games.

Simplest definition of peace is “it is a time without any fights or wars. In a larger sense, peace (or peacefulness) can mean a state of harmony, quiet or calm that is not disturbed by anything at all, like a still pond with no ripples”. Since all of our life is interconnected, our fear, hatred and anger decrease the peace in the world, whereas our love, joy and gratitude increases the peace. The question arises as why is peace important? The easiest answer to this could be that without it, the destructive tendencies of our species will continue to inch us closer to catastrophes and this world will become a living hell.

The second definition of peace, according to Webster's, is a “mental or spiritual condition marked by freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.” This is peace in its personal or “inner” sense, “peace of mind,” as well as “calmness of mind and heart: serenity of spirit” (inner peace). However I believe that the true meaning of peace means being free from disturbance. From a biblical perspective, the absence of conflict is only the beginning of peace. ... The word “Islam,” therefore, helps define peace and how it is attained. The Islamic perspective is as well about peace and knowledge and true Muslims are peace-loving people. As someone rightly said that Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.

Generally, peace is classified into two types: Internal peace and External peace. Internal peace is called by another word ‗inner peace' is peace of mind or soul. ... If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. It is also important to mention here that Peace is a concept of societal friendship and harmony in the absence of hostility and violence. In a social sense, peace is commonly used to mean a lack of conflict (such as war) and freedom from fear of violence between individuals or groups. ... Peaceful behavior sometimes results from a "peaceful inner disposition. Another thing that is necessary to mention here is that peace can be negative as well as positive. Negative peace refers to an absence of large-scale violence, while positive peace goes beyond that definition to include provisions against structural violence which hinders, among other things, democratic processes and social mobility.

To understand peace in its actual sense we should realize that it’s a study of interdisciplinary academic field that draws on political science, sociology, history, anthropology, theology, psychology, philosophy, and other fields to: understand the causes of armed conflict; develop ways to prevent and resolve war, genocide, terrorism, gross violations of human rights. For the existence and establishment of peace it is essential that there must be a well-functioning government, a sound business environment, an equitable distribution of resources, an acceptance of the rights of others, good relations with neighbours, free flow of information, a high level of human capital, and low levels of corruption.

After understand what actually peace is I must say that we should actually seek “PEACE FOR PEACE” not just simple peace. There is nothing confusing in it, it refers to a state where both internal and external peace, both negative and positive peace and all essential elements of peace should aim at an absolute peace not just enforcing law and order and discipline in the society. It should not be peace against war and violence, it should be peace for the sake of promoting love, care, relieve from pain, hunger, anxiety, anguish, dismay, distress, pressure, load,  and give every one respect, space to breath, freedom, privilege, opportunity, power and right. No one should be treated as an outcast or untouchable on the bases of cast, creed, color, religion, looks, and intellectual strata.

In short I would say that in order to find the ultimate solution, we must change our perspective from solutions based on exterior means to spiritual solutions. The solution for all our problems is spiritual. Spiritual solutions will promote the welfare of all humans. Peace and security are impossible without unity. We are all members of the human race. Unity within our tremendous diversity is the correct perception. Our happiness is found in unity and harmony with each other. Each one of us should become tolerant as Tolerance, the virtue that makes peace possible, contributes to the replacement of the culture of war by a culture of peace. Tolerance is a basic attitude for the respect of human rights.

Thus we all should live on the policy of “LIVE AND LET OTHER LIVE” . I will end my blog here on these quotes truly explain what “PEACE FOR PEACE” actually means.

Ø  “Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” —Ralph Waldo Emerso

Ø  Peace can become a lens through which you see the world. Be it. Live it. Radiate it out. Peace is an inside job. —Wayne Dye

Ø  “You should feel beautiful and you should feel safe. What you surround yourself with should bring you peace of mind and peace of spirit.” —Stacy London

By: Ovais Asad Khan