Hi Sam,

Defining peace…Now that I think of it, its actually not so easy to put it into words. I agree totally – an absence of violence is definitely not a definition of peace. Although it is a pretty good indication of the PRESENCE of peace. I think other good signs of the presence of peace are frequent overwhelming episodes of appreciation, A sense of deep appreciation and respect for all the little and big things in life, Loosing interest in judging yourself and others…instead a great sense of contentment. Frequent attacks of smiling :-) An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than trying to make them happen. Taking refuge in the point of stillness inside, isntead of taking refuge in the things of a world that changes on a moment to moment basis. Harmony in the family, society, countries and a desire for all to have this experience of peace – to extend this feeling to others.

From my own search for peace, I have found that peace is not so much a condition, but rather a state of being. Like truth, or freedom, love and happiness – not so easy to describe or define although it can certainly be experienced. Peace already exists - within us. Its always there-in everyone, no matter who you are, where you live or what you believe. We only need to be aware of it. Sometimes however, we are so caught up in distractions that we are totally oblivious of this amazing, profound peace within.

Experiencing this deep peace, leads to not only to being ‘at’ peace, but BEING PEACE. Embodying this state of being. The words of Ghandi comes to mind, “BE the change you want to see in the world”… BE PEACE

A peaceful mind thinks thoughts of peace, and speaks words of peace…and then such a person with such a peaceful mind will act in peace. And so a whole set of “symptoms” of peace will follow…and more causes of peace will be created.

When the water of a lake or river stops moving and becomes still, it becomes so clear, the images that are reflected in the lake becomes clear…this is the same with the mind, a mind that is still will becomes clear, a clear mind can see clearly-and a clear mind can solve the problems of conflict easily-because the mind can see the CAUSES of the conflict clearly...Meditation cleanses the mind, and that is why I believe the practise of meditation is essential in creating a world of peace.

By finding and creating peace within our own mind and helping others do the same we can achieve peace in this world.

A peaceful mind is so much more powerful than a mind filled with anger or a distracted mind. I think this is so amazing.

hi guys , i think peace is more than what we think.its not being without wars but believing in what we are and also respecting other people's origin and their ways of life because we can never have same life style.therefore we can help each other achieve inner peace

There was once a king who offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried. The king looked at all of the pictures. After much deliberation he was down to the last two. He had to choose between them.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for the peaceful mountains that towered around it. Overhead, fluffy white clouds floated in a blue sky. Everyone who saw this picture said that it was the perfect picture of peace.

The second picture had mountains too. These mountains were rugged and bare. Above was an angry gray sky from which rain fell. Lightening flashed. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not appear to be a peaceful place at all. But, when the king looked closely, he saw that behind the waterfall was a tiny bush growing in the rock. Inside the bush, a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest. She was the perfect picture of peace.

The king chose the second picture. "Because," he explained, "peace is not only in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace is in the midst of things as they are, when there is calm in your mind. That is the real meaning of peace."