Inspiring thoughts on peace

In the midst of a storm, one maintains a sense of calm and balance by clearing the cobwebs of the mind. Eliminate negative thoughts. Focus on the positives. Strength and wisdom will flow from the source of infinite power to enlighten and heal.
In this context, here are some thoughts from The Art of Peace written by the great martial arts warrior Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) and translated by John Stevens: “The world will continue to change dramatically but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention… The real Way of the Warrior is to prevent slaughter. It is the Art of Peace, the power of love.”
The soldier-instructor embarked on a spiritual quest that led to his gradual transformation into a man of peace and philosopher-poet. His teachings differ from the old-time warrior classics. Sun Tzu’s The Art of War accepted the inevitability of war and emphasized cunning to achieve victory.
In contrast, Morihei promoted the spiritual principles of reconciliation, harmony, cooperation and empathy in dealing with the challenges of personal relationships, society, work and nature.
Here are some timeless thoughts from the collection of poems and calligraphy that are applicable to life:
“Economy is the basis of society. When the economy is stable, society develops. The ideal economy combines the spiritual and material, and the best commodities to trade in are sincerity and love.”
“A true warrior is always armed with three things: the radiant sword of pacification; the mirror of bravery, wisdom and friendship; and the precious jewel of enlightenment.”
“Each day of human life contains joy and anger, pain and pleasure, darkness and light, growth and decay. Each moment is etched with nature’s grand design — do not try to deny or oppose the cosmic order of things.”
“Life itself is always a trial. In training, you must test and polish yourself in order to face the great challenges of life. Transcend the realm of life and death, and then you will be able to make your way calmly and safely through any crisis that confronts you.”
“Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”
The essence of The Art of Peace is to cleanse oneself of malice and hatred. One should be in tune with the environment. The path should be cleared of all obstacles and barriers. Then it is possible to attain peace.
Scott M. Peck, M.D., psychiatrist and contemporary author of best-selling inspirational books, shared his priceless insights on reconciliation and community-building. He emphasized the importance of communication in promoting harmony. Passivity is an obstacle. Action is necessary to achieve peace.
In Meditations from the Road, Dr. Peck wrote: “Today the times demand of us that we take major risks for peace. Of the thousands, maybe even millions of risks we can take in a lifetime, the greatest is the risk of growing up…. When we cling, often forever, to our old patterns of thinking and behaving, we fail to negotiate any crisis, to truly grow up and to experience the joyful sense of rebirth that accompanies the successful transition into greater maturity.”
Peace-making begins at the lowest level — the individual. When it is nurtured properly, it grows inside, expands and spreads outward to the family, community, society and the world.
 
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
mavrufino@gmail.com