Attaining Inner and Outer Peace

1. Why Important
2. Components of Peace
3. Relationship Between Inner and Outer Peace
4. Inner Peace
5. Interpersonal Peace
6. Social and National Peace
7. Global Peace

All of us seek peace in society, in the world, in our surroundings. We blame governments and other people for the violent state of the world. What we fail to realize is that there is an intimate connection between inner peace and outer peace. Outer peace is rooted in inner harmony. Without the latter, there cannot be interpersonal harmony, which results in social conflict and to global problems.

II. Components of Peace

1. Inner Peace -- Harmony within oneself; a minimum of stress, irritability, worry, anxiety, inner conflict.
2. Interpersonal Peace -- Harmonious relationship with other people in spite of differences and disagreement; capable of peace conflict resolution.
3. Social and National Peace -- Concord among groups or sectors of society; minimal crime and violation of rights of others.
4. Global Peace -- Harmony among nations, peoples, cultures and religions.

III. Relationship between Inner and Outer Peace

So-called peace brought about by treaties or agreements or laws are but temporary states of non-violence, because if the people involved are still inclined towards belligerence, then sooner or later, conflict, violence and wars will start once again. Without a feeling of goodwill and benevolence towards others, there cannot be lasting peace. Without a mature realization that we must help promote public order and welfare, then there will be no lasting social order.

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others -- Thomas A Kempis

IV. Inner Peace

We must start with inner peace, which includes:

• Freedom from chronic stress -- stress causes impatience and irritability, and can easily lead to interpersonal disharmony due to a tendency to offend others.
• Freedom from chronic anxiety and worry -- the latter can make a person unbalanced and distort perception of reality.
• Self-awareness -- which enables one to gain self-mastery and inward calmness.

There never was a war that was not inward. I must fight till I have conquered in myself what causes war. -- Marianne Moore

V. Interpersonal Peace

Harmonious relationships emanate from a few simple principles:

• Genuine listening -- This simple skill is often more than half-way towards harmonious relationship with anyone.
• Love, compassion and empathy -- Sincere concern for the welfare and condition of others bridges the gap that create misunderstanding and disharmony.

• Positive Assertiveness -- When we do not know how assert ourselves without being aggressive, then there is a tendency to have disharmony among people.

VI. Social and National Peace

This derives from:

• Concern for the common welfare -- Realize that the welfare of the people is also our individual welfare. Hence common welfare is our concern and responsibility.

• Commitment to contribute actively to the peace process -- We must not just wait for others to bring peace. Personally do something about it, no matter how small a way.

• Promote justice -- peace cannot be sustained when there is widespread injustice in society.

If you want peace, work for justice. -- Pope Paul VI

VII. Global Peace

From the previous qualities, the following will help achieve global peace:

• Tolerance and appreciation -- We must see the positive traits of other religions, cultures and traditions.

• Renouncing of violence as a means of resolving conflict -- which means to oppose arms buildup, nuclear testing, promotion of war toys, violent sports, etc.

• Deeper realization of universal brotherhood as a fact rather than an ideal.

The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border? -- Pablo Casals