The Nature and Power of Peace

In the context of yogic psychology, peace is not the absence of disturbance, just as in the exte
al world, peace is not the absence of war. We generally define peace as a negative attribute. As the seeker gains depth of experience, however, it becomes clear that peace is ultimately a very positive attribute. The seeker can palpably experience peace as it reaches various parts of his being. Peace in the mind can be experienced as a serene, tranquil receptivity, like a lake without any ripples in it, readfy to accept the divine wisdom and power that illuminates the mind. Peace in the vital being can be experienced as a wide force that is not shaken by disturbances from outside, nor the promptings of desire or any uprushings of anger, fear, envy or lust. Peace in the physical being can be experienced as a solidity that is immovable and at the same time ready and able to respond to the demands and needs of the life. Peace permeates and peace radiates. Peace infuses its power into the entire being and provides the seeker a basis for opening, widening, accepting and providing an atmosphere that fills.

There are legends of ancient Rishis who had their hermitage in the forest and who radiated such an atmosphere of peace that even predators such as tigers would not attack any being within that place.

We can go look to our own experience however to understand the nature of true peace. Many people have had a sense, when they enter some locale, of a deep sense of peace and acceptance. For some, it is by entering an old growth forest. Some have that experience when they feel the solitude of a desert or a mountain cave. For others it may be found in a temple, or ashram. They enter and immediately feel that whatever was troubling their minds, their vital energies or their bodies simply falls away.

The experience of peace is not limited to isolation or retreats. Once an individual has the experience, it can be cultivated, developed into a constant presence, and be a support to the exte
al life one leads and the challenges one has to face.

Many people struggle to overcome difficulties. They try various forms of willpower or discipline. Once they have the constant experience of peace, they find the struggle is no longer needed. The difficulties and troubles recede on their own as they cannot manifest in the positive presence of true peace.

Sri Aurobindo observes: “It would be easier to get rid of wrong movements when you bring down a settled peace and equanimity into that part of the being. There will then be more of an automatic rejection of such movements and less need of tapasya.“

Sri Aurobindo and the Mother, Looking from Within, Chapter 5, Attitudes on the Path, pg. 156