Actual Peace Formula - How to Become Truly Peaceful
In a world characterized by constant struggle and anxiety, the quest for peace is universal. However, most attempts to achieve tranquility through political, social, or economic means remain unsuccessful. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that peace is not an external arrangement but a state of consciousness that arises when one understands their relationship with the Absolute. By applying the "Peace Formula" found in the Vedic scriptures, both individuals and society can transition from a state of agitation to one of profound and lasting peace.
Three Principles of the Peace Formula
The foundation of real peace is the recognition of God’s position in relation to the universe. Śrīla Prabhupāda frequently cites Bhagavad-gītā (5.29) as the definitive peace formula. This formula rests on three realizations: that the Supreme Lord is the proprietor of everything, the ultimate enjoyer of all sacrifices, and the best friend of every living entity. When a person accepts these facts, they are freed from the false burden of trying to control and enjoy the world themselves, leading to an immediate sense of relief and peace.
- Krsna also claims to be the friend of all living entities (suhrdam sarva-bhutanam). When a person understands that God is the proprietor of everything, the friend of everyone and the enjoyer of all, he becomes very peaceful. This is the actual peace formula.
- If we understand these three principles, that God is the supreme father, God is the supreme proprietor, God is the supreme friend, these three things, if you understand, then you become peaceful immediately.
- Krsna is the Supreme Being and thus the proprietor of all the material worlds, one who understands this principle about Krsna immediately becomes desireless (niskama) and therefore peaceful.
Failure of Material Adjustments
Modern civilization often confuses peace with economic prosperity or sophisticated living. However, history shows that even the wealthiest nations are plagued by war and internal unrest. Śrīla Prabhupāda argues that as long as people remain in the material conception of life—driven by meat-eating, intoxication, and lust—they can never be peaceful. Material development without God-consciousness is compared to a "nice dress" on a criminal; it may look polished, but the underlying nature remains disturbed.
- It is not that by improving economic condition of life one has become very peaceful. Otherwise why there is war? Why there is struggle? This is... These things cannot be stopped.
- Advanced in knowledge how to live, what is the purpose of life, goal of life, how to become peaceful. That is civilization. And blindly go on committing criminal activities under a nice dress, and nice motorcar, that is not civilization.
- They are making so many arrangements and plans how to become happy, how to become peaceful, without any miserable condition, but the rascals, they do not know that so long you have got this material body - you must have to suffer.
Cultural and Individual Training
Becoming peaceful requires deliberate training and a supportive social structure. The Vedic system of varṇāśrama-dharma and institutions like the brahmacārī-āśrama were designed to train the mind and senses from a young age. Furthermore, the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement provides practical methods for the modern age, such as the liberal distribution of prasāda (sanctified food) and the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra (saṅkīrtana), which can pacify the entire world.
- Danta means sober. Children are generally restless, and the brahmacari-asrama means to train him how to become peaceful. That is the first training, not that to make him very good scholar in grammar.
- Simply by liberal distribution of prasada and sankirtana, the whole world can become peaceful and prosperous.
- If the citizens are trained to become devotees, they will automatically become peaceful and honest, and if they are guided by a devoted king advised by devotees, the state will not be in the material world but in the spiritual world.
Conclusion
The ultimate success of life is to achieve a mind that is no longer agitated by material desires. As Śrīla Prabhupāda concludes, Kṛṣṇa is so kind that anyone who turns to Him becomes a first-class peaceful person. By understanding our position as eternal parts and parcels of the Lord and dovetailing our individuality with His supreme consciousness, we can transcend the chaos of the material ocean and enter into a life that is perfect, immortal, and truly peaceful.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Becoming Peaceful. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.
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