The Peace Prayer

Here is a beautiful message and prayer for peace from my spiritual teacher Radhanath Swami. :-)

"What is the true nature of peace? Peace is not simply the absence of war. Peace must exist within us first, then, we can give it to others and create a world of peace.

We live in a time when our lives are disturbed, our environment is polluted, our relationships are distorted by an unnatural living pace. We feel apprehensive even in simple ordinary daily activities because of crime. Our bodies are sick due to unnatural elements in our food and in our environment.We do not know how to look within, how to see what is important, how to culture a natural balance.

There is a simple means to bring all things, within and without, into balance. It is the peace prayer.If we individually or collectively culture the practice of the peace prayer, then many things can be adjusted, within ourselves, and without, in our society.

What is the peace prayer? It is the singing of the Holy Names of God. In all religions and in all scriptures, it is part of our human heritage to chant the names of God. In different traditions,different names of God are used. There may be different types of instruments used, but the idea is still the same: to glorify the Supreme Lord by singing. If we join together and sing the Names of God, then there is a true possibility of world peace. As people of the world, we need to increase this practice—the result will come. At least, we ourselves will begin to know peace. At least, on a smaller scale there will be peace. All things will start to come into adjustment. If enough people participate in the peace prayer, we will bring the world into another era of spiritual co-operation, love, and purity. It will not take a large percentage; even a seemingly insignificant percentage is enough to tip the scales.

The peace prayer can be done in a number of ways. It can be done individually or collectively. It can be done formally or informally. It can be done at any time, and at any place. It can be done using any name of God found in any of the great religious traditions of the world. It can be done using any style of music. It can be done in a temple, a synagogue, a church, or a mosque. It can be done in any setting. Take this idea to heart and express it in your own special way. Share this idea with others.

The mantra we mainly use here is one from the Vedic tradition. The Vedas are the scriptures of India. This mantra is from the Kali Santarana Upanishad, part of the Vedic literature. It is: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This mantra is known as the great mantra for deliverance. It is solely comprised of the names of God: Hare, Krishna, and Rama.This particular mantra has been given as the prayer for inner union with God through service. It means, “My dear Lord, please engage me in Your service.” - Radhanath Swami

For more info visit: Here! :-)