The principles of peace

The first principle is to watch our reaction to any misfortune that befalls us. In this materialistic world, no one can escape from unfortunate circumstances. Our scriptures tell us that these are results of our past ‘karmas’ (deeds). The same scriptures also inform us that this material world is a place of misery. Therefore, getting suffering is inevitable whether as a result of past karmas or due to the miserable nature of this material world. If it is so, why bother about trying to pinpoint why something nasty has happened to us, unless there is something to learn from it.

The second principle is not to speculate about what is likely to happen. If we are doing something important, we would like to speculate about the likely outcome. Having done all the hard work, we have to leave it to higher authorities, because there are generally many factors which affect any result. We can never be sure fully. Therefore, the second principle for peace is not to speculate about any result, having done one’s best. All actions bear appropriate fruits at their appointed time; speculating is entirely a futile exercise; it takes away our peace of mind.

The third principle is not to get attached to some result either in the positive manner or in the negative sense. Let me explain. Don’t we want something desperately like success in some endeavour and also not want something if we can help it like getting sick with some horrible disease. Unfortunately, as explained earlier, we cannot control results; they are in the hands of higher authorities; God being the highest. Such attachment gives rise to many problems like becoming fearful or depressed.

The next principle is to take the shelter in God, who can protect in the real sense. But devotees of God also get sick and die, for sure. Then, how did God protect them? The answer is: God has formulated the principle of ‘karmaphala’ i.e. all karmas must bear fruits; God does not interfere in this even for devotees.