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Peace

Peace starts from oneself. Starting with the cultivation of the mind, the actions will gradually emulate the peaceful mind. Inner peace is not unreachable, but is right there and everywhere. As Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Peace is present here and now, in ourselves and in everything we do and see. The question is whether or not we are in touch with it. We don’t have to travel far away to enjoy the blue sky… Even the air we breathe can be a source of joy.”¹

Cultivating peace begins with the practice of compassion and mindfulness.

Compassion

Ñ	“Compassion removes suffering and creates joy.”²
Ñ	It is like when one sees a banana peel on the floor, he/she throws it away because he/she does not want anyone to slip on it.
Ñ	You can practice by using the 3 Good Actions: say good words, do good deeds, and have a good heart.
Ñ	Compassion no negative thoughts no conflict with others peace • While practicing compassion, you do not generate negative thoughts/ideas. These unpleasant thoughts/ideas are the originations of all kinds of conflicts with yourself and surroundings.
Ñ	Hence, compassion brings peace within you , which is also shown through your actions.

Mindfulness

Ñ	It is being aware of one's thoughts and actions.
Ñ	With gradual practice of mindfulness, one begins to notice the environment. When we are rushing, we do not notice how beautiful the sun is shining or how lovely the flower is.
Ñ	You can practice by meditating 10 minutes a day while eating, driving, working, walking… just anywhere.
Ñ	• Mindfulness aware of environment around you appreciation less conflicts peace • While practicing mindfulness, your senses are heightened to an awareness of the surroundings. You begin to find an appreciation for the things around because you notice the beauty in them. Among all forms of happiness None is happier than harmony, Among all enjoyments None is more enjoyable than peace.³

More on peace:

Touching Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh
Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh
Contemporary Thoughts on Humanistic Buddhism by Ven. Master Hsing Yun

Campi Liu

Footnotes:
¹ Thich Nhat, Hanh. Peace is Every Step. Toronto: Bantam Books, 1992. p.5.
² Being Good. Trans. Tom Graham. p.123
³ Master Hsing Yun. Humble Table, Wise Fare: Gifts for Life . Lincoln : iUniverse.com, 2000.
p.1.

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