Inner Peace Unveiled: Lessons from Ancient Indian Scriptures
Discovering Wisdom Amidst Conflict
In the realm of moral inspiration, a timeless story unfolds that resonates even across millennia. Picture yourself transported to northwest India, over 5,000 years ago, amidst a scene of impending conflict that is thick with tension and uncertainty. Two family factions stand on the brink of war, their millions of soldiers ready for battle.
Amidst this charged atmosphere, a figure breaks ranks and steers their chariot between the opposing sides, injecting urgency into the moment. This figure, Arjun, grapples with a profound internal struggle — a crisis of consciousness on the battlefield. He faces a moral dilemma, torn between his duty as a warrior and his compassion for his family and friends.
As Arjun gazes across the war-torn field, his legs tremble, and he sinks into his chariot, overwhelmed by the weight of his choices. The thought of participating in this world seems less desirable than death itself.
Imagine being in that position. Both choices, to fight or not to fight, can equally be argued as doing the right thing. The question arises: How does one choose what to do?
Guidance and Transformation
Enter Krishna Bhagwan, the guiding light, a divine entity symbolizing wisdom and guidance. With Arjun in turmoil, Krishna Bhagwan imparts talks that echo the essence of life’s true purpose. These talks help Arjun reassess his values, leading him to an understanding of his genuine nature. Today, Arjun stands as a beacon, celebrated as a devoted follower of Krishna Bhagwan. This example highlights the profound impact of values and moral responsibilities on steering us through complex situations and living a righteous life.
Values Across Religions
The significance of values extends beyond this inspiring tale. It is a theme woven throughout religious teachings across history. Religious scriptures have consistently offered guidance, imparting wisdom on the importance of values in shaping lives. But why are values so pivotal? They represent the core principles upon which we base decisions, our internal compass influencing each action we take.
All religions place significant importance on values. For instance, the Ten Commandments, important in Christianity and Judaism, emphasize values such as harmony, respect, and compassion. In Islam, the Five Pillars underscore faith, unity, compassion, charity, and self-discipline. Buddhism’s Noble Eightfold Path delves into individuals possessing the right understanding, intention, action and speech. Taoism too emphasizes living in harmony with the natural order, cultivating humility, simplicity, and compassion.
Similarly, Hinduism’s scriptures also advocate for living a life grounded in values. The Manu Smriti emphasizes ethical conduct, truthfulness, non-violence, and respect. The Ramayan, which shares the stories of historical figures like Ram Bhagwan, exemplifies these values in action, offering stability amidst life’s challenges.
The teachings of the Bhagwad Gita, documenting the entire conversation between Krishna Bhagwan and Arjun mentioned earlier, continue to inspire millions of people today to embrace value-based living. This journey of values becomes an ever-present companion, a guide steering individuals toward peace, contentment, and fulfillment.
Seeking Inner Peace Through Values
In the Chhandogya Upanishad, a poignant lesson unfolds through a conversation between the sage Narada Muni and guru Sanat Kumar. Even with fame and wisdom, Narada Muni experiences sadness and frustration. It was the guru who made Narad Muni understand that knowledge alone is not enough. The values described in knowledge are what need to be lived. Only then can peace and happiness be experienced. The same message was echoed by Bhagwan Swaminarayan, in his scripture, the Vachanamrut, that the external world offers fleeting happiness, but true contentment springs from within, shaped by our adherence to values.
A famous quote states:
“When wealth is lost, nothing is lost. When health is lost, something is lost. When character is lost, everything is lost.”
To ensure our character is never lost, we must prioritize values and virtues above all else. That is the true source of everlasting peace and happiness.
Yogesh Patel
Festival of Inspirations, Robbinsville, New Jersey
