Book Title: Journey to Enlightenment Part 01
Author(s): Chitrabhanu, Chetana Catherine Florida, Nirmala Hanke, Raksha Penni Helsene
Publisher: Create Space
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Fall 2001: Pray for Peace and Understanding
September 11 has been a tragic day, not only for America but for the whole world because such a savage violence diminishes all of mankind. The death of innocent people is a cause for grief, and even for anger in some. But this is truly a time for prayer. We often pray for our selfish and greedy needs. But such prayers are never fulfilled because our greed tends to be endless and satisfaction always eludes us. True prayers always are selfless in essence, and it is time for such prayer at this moment. We need to pray first and foremost for the peace and comfort of those bereaved and overcome by loss. But we also need to pray for calm and tranquility within. It is such calm that can bring clarity if we are to go beyond numbness, shock and even senseless anger that tempts us to revenge and retribution.
We need prayer. Prayer brings introspection. We need to introspect over the violence that begets violence. How do we break the senseless cycle of destruction that we are caught in? Are we capable of restraint, can we check the triumphalism rhetoric that satisfies our ego and love of power? We need to reflect and do so deeply on the causes that provoke such anger, and lead to such unspeakable tragedy. Have we of the "civilized" world fueled the hatred that has caused such catastrophes? Is resentment bred by insensitivity and thoughtlessness? Can we only demonize some Other? Are the demons of our own making? If so, we need to confront the demons within and conquer them. Only such self-conquest can make for abiding peace.
America has held as sacred the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The events of September 11 represent an attack on these rights. The best guarantee of these rights would be to ensure them globally. We need to pray so that we remain sensitive to Universal aspirations. It is those who feel anger over denial and discrimination who express themselves with such wanton acts. Let us then pray that we can feel the suffering of the helpless and the poor. Let us pray for the blessing of the less blessed.
If this tragedy leads to more distrust and suspicion, we will have ensured the ultimate victory of the terrorists. The only answer to distrust and suspicion is understanding. Let us pray for that. Revenge is natural to some, but it is inhumane and barbaric. Gandhi rightly warned us "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". Blindness and myopia we need to avoid and pray for understanding and illumination. Let us pray for such understanding and for peace that abides. It is only Ahimsa and reverence for life that are an answer to this troubled world. Let us pray that we overcome hatred and malice and bring amity and concord into our lives. Let us start every new day cherishing our blessings. We resolve to see good around us, to hope for a bright future. Let us think of peace, let us feel love, and let us practice compassion. Let us look forward to each day imagining and contemplating in a positive way for health, happiness and harmony.
On the Wings of Light and Love - 127
